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LSD

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Substance

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a chemically synthesized hallucinogenic substance. Like other psychedelics, LSD primarily affects the serotonergic neurotransmitter system in the brain, leading to altered perceptions of space, time, and body, with subjective enhancement of emotions and sensory impressions, hallucinations, and altered sense of reality and meaning. Until its prohibition in 1970, LSD was occasionally used as an aid in psychotherapy. Today, there is renewed research worldwide into the use of LSD in psychiatry, and in Switzerland, LSD is already being used therapeutically in isolated cases. [1]

group

Psychedelics

Forms of appearance

Liquid; mostly in the form of paper strips (blotting paper, "felt") or rarely as mostly higher dosed microtablets made of gelatin ("micros").

Be careful when mixing substances!

  • cannabis

  • 2C-X

  • DMT / Ayahuasca / Changa

  • Psilocybin

  • DOB, DOI, 2C-X, antidepressants including St. John's wort, tramadol, antimigraine medications, lithium, dextromethorphan (serotonin syndrome)

Substance groups

Consumption patterns

oral (swallowed)

dosage

20–150 micrograms (= 0.05–0.15 mg); dosages above 150 micrograms produce highly intense psychedelic experiences and should only be taken by very experienced users.

[1] https://www.unispitalbasel.ch/fileadmin/unispitalbaselch/Medien/Medienspiegel/ausgesucht_GesellschaftsuchtKonsum_Final.pdf
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41573-022-00421-7
https://shop.thieme.de/Referenz-Psychische-Stoerungen/9783132432468

Effect

The effects of LSD are highly dependent on dose, mindset, and setting. As a psychedelic, LSD intensifies and distorts sensory perceptions and the perception of space and time. Mood and feelings can change abruptly. In high doses, it can lead to a detachment from one's own body. Especially in the initial phase of the trip, mild breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, sweating, changes in blood pressure, and nausea may occur.

Onset of action

after 20–60 minutes.

Duration of effect

approx. 8–12 hours

Aftereffects

2–5 hours

Risks and side effects

Cramps, teeth grinding, and fluctuations in body temperature and blood pressure are common side effects. The risks associated with LSD use are clearly psychological and depend on the user's personality. The perceptual changes during a trip can be so intense that inexperienced users feel overwhelmed by the flood of impressions. Particularly when the rules regarding set and setting are disregarded, adverse reactions, disorientation, panic, paranoia, and "bad trips" can occur.

Long-term risks

Even with a single use, there is a risk of triggering psychosis. Following intense panic attacks during "bad trips," post-traumatic stress disorder can develop later. Persistent flashbacks are not uncommon after LSD use and can be extremely distressing for some individuals. LSD addiction is not known.

Contraindications

People with cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, mental problems or illnesses, psychoses, paranoid personality disorders, people who have to take neuroleptics* or pregnant women should refrain from consuming LSD.

* Neuroleptics are medications primarily used to treat mental disorders (e.g., Haldol, Leponex, or Zyprexa). [1]

Safer Use

  • Have your trip tested to determine the dose and rule out the possibility that you bought NBOMe/DOM/DOI/DOC instead of LSD.

  • Use a low dose. Don't add more, even if it doesn't work immediately!

  • Only take LSD after thorough preparation and in a safe, comfortable environment, and only with experienced friends (a good setting). Avoid potentially dangerous places, as your sense of orientation may be impaired. Do not participate in traffic, not even as a pedestrian.

  • Only take LSD if you feel mentally and physically well (use a cheap set).

  • You shouldn't be afraid, but you should have enough respect for the effects of LSD. If you're afraid of an intense psychoactive effect, then refrain from using it. Don't take LSD on a full stomach, but eat something light before or even during the trip.

  • Let yourself go during the trip; don't try to fight the effects of the LSD.
    Plan plenty of rest and relaxation for the day after the trip to process the experience.

  • LSD trips should remain exceptional experiences.

  • In case of panic attacks or bad trips: see In case of emergency .

  • Generally, mixing LSD with other psychotropic substances is not recommended because unpredictable effects can occur.

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