special subjects
Hallucinogens
Introduction
Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that can cause unpredictable, idiosyncratic reactions. Intoxication typically causes hallucinations, with altered perception, impaired judgment, ideas of reference, and depersonalization. There is no stereotypical withdrawal syndrome. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is supportive. Traditional hallucinogens include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and mescaline. All are derived from natural products: LSD from a fungus that often contaminates wheat and rye flour Psilocybin from several types of mushrooms Mescaline from the peyote cactus Many synthetic hallucinogens (“designer drugs”) are based on naturally occurring tryptamine or phenylethylamine molecules such asN,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT). To complicate matters, many illicit drugs sold under one name actually contain another drug of abuse—often Ketamine and Phencyclidine (PCP) (PCP), anesthetic drugs, Some other drugs, including Marijuana (Cannabis) , also have hallucinogenic properties. The term hallucinogen persists, although use of these drugs may not cause hallucinations. Alternative terms, such as psychedelic and psychotomimetic, are even less appropriate. 