What are Hallucinogens?
- Hallucinogens are drugs that change mood and perception. One may experience imaginary sensations and feelings. Thus, hallucinogens get their name because they cause “hallucinations.” Hallucinogens are usually used recreationally, but they can be used for medical purposes.
- Examples:
- MDMA (Molly/Ecstacy)
- LSD
- Psilocybin (mushrooms)
- Salvia divinorum (Salvia)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
What Can Lead to a Hallucinogen Overdose?
- Taking multiple hallucinogens together
- Not all hallucinogens are lethal at high doses, but some, such as 251-NBOMe and PCP, are.
- Some hallucinogens can take 20-90 minutes to kick in, leading to overdose if one does not wait long enough between doses.
- Hallucinogens can still lead to negative effects:
- Mixing hallucinogens with other types of drugs, such as depressants.
- While the use of hallucinogens may not always lead to harm, the resulting behavior, which can lead to injury or suicide, can.
- The psilocybin mushrooms could be confused with other poisonous mushrooms.
What Are Signs of a Hallucinogen Overdose?
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature (indicated by sweating)
- Hallucinations and distorted reality
- Erratic behavior
- Change in eating habits (specifically, decreased appetite)
- Abnormal breathing
- Emotional instability
- Nausea
- Loss of memory
- Seizures
How Can You Help?
- Call 911 and get medical attention immediately
- Keep watch over the person, tracking heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and body temperature
- Bring them to a safe place and keep them calm
- Prevent the person from harming themselves or others
- If they are having a seizure, do not try to restrain them and make sure there the area around them is clear
- Make sure they don’t drive/bike