MedPath

Lysergic acid diethylamide

Generic Name
Lysergic acid diethylamide
Brand Names
-
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C20H25N3O
CAS Number
50-37-3
Unique Ingredient Identifier
8NA5SWF92O
Background

Debate continues over the nature and causes of chronic flashbacks. Explanations in terms of LSD physically remaining in the body for months or years after consumption have been discounted by experimental evidence. Some say HPPD is a manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder, not related to the direct action of LSD on brain chemistry, and varies according to the susceptibility of the individual to the disorder. Many emotionally intense experiences can lead to flashbacks when a person is reminded acutely of the original experience. However, not all published case reports of chronic flashbacks appear to describe an anxious hyper-vigilant state reminiscent of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Associated Conditions
-
Associated Therapies
-
globenewswire.com
·

Drug of Abuse Testing Market Analysis Report 2024:

The global drug of abuse testing market, valued at $6.97B in 2023, is projected to reach $11.71B by 2032. Factors driving growth include strict laws, rising drug consumption, and government initiatives. Recent developments include acquisitions and new product launches. Fingerprint-based testing is a new opportunity, while drug legalization and lack of skilled technicians pose challenges. North America leads the market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific.
forbes.com
·

New Documentary Addresses Navy SEALS, PTSD, Addiction And Psychedelics

Navy SEALS face severe physical and mental health issues post-deployment, including PTSD and depression. 'In Waves and War' documents their struggles and an experimental ibogaine treatment in Mexico offering hope. Despite its benefits, ibogaine's Schedule I status in the U.S. limits access, highlighting a need for regulatory change and more research.
fbcnews.com.fj
·

Drug crisis reaches new heights: Volatabu

Kalesi Volatabu, Founder of Drug Free World Fiji, warns that Fiji’s drug crisis has escalated with users openly sharing illicit substances. The crisis extends beyond traditional drugs like crystal meth and heroin to include LSD, ecstasy, and ketamine. Volatabu emphasizes the urgent need for action and open dialogue to address the issue.
marijuanamoment.net
·

FDA Approves Long-Awaited Clinical Trial Of Smoked Marijuana To Treat PTSD In Veterans

After years of delays, FDA approves Phase 2 of MAPS' study on smoked medical marijuana for PTSD in veterans, funded by Michigan's cannabis tax revenue.
nature.com
·

Strategies for resolving challenging psychedelic experiences: insights from a mixed-methods study

References discuss psychedelics' therapeutic potential, abuse potential, and psychological effects, focusing on psilocybin's impact on depression, anxiety, and cancer-related distress, with studies exploring predictors of psychedelic response, integration challenges, and the role of set and setting in therapeutic outcomes.
menshealth.com
·

Where Current Research Stands on Psychedelics and Mental Health

Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine are being researched for mental health benefits, including treating PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. They may enhance neuroplasticity and mood but are mostly illegal, with exceptions in some states. Microdosing effects are inconclusive. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression but has risks. The future of psychedelics in mental health treatment remains uncertain.
drugs.com
·

Psychedelics Like Psilocybin, MDMA Tied to Higher Odds for Schizophrenia

Psychedelic drug users have a 21-fold higher risk of developing schizophrenia after ER visits, with a 3.5-fold increased risk even after controlling for existing substance use and mental health disorders, according to a Canadian study. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights the potential risks of hallucinogen use outside clinical trial settings.

Shrooms Are Changing Minds

Miami University researcher Andrew Jones uses bioreactors to produce psilocybin and other psychedelics, attracting attention and funding. Despite FDA setbacks like rejecting Lykos Therapeutics' MDMA application, interest in psychedelics for treating PTSD, depression, and addiction remains high. Jones' lab synthesizes compounds for consistency and safety, and he collaborates on research into psilocybin's neuroplastic and anti-inflammatory effects. Public acceptance of psychedelics is growing, with legal psilocybin therapy available in Oregon, and ongoing research worldwide.
psychologytoday.com
·

LSD: The Bad and Potentially Good Sides

LSD, discovered by Albert Hofmann in 1938, was initially marketed by Sandoz for psychiatric use. Its recreational rise in the 1960s led to its 1968 Schedule I classification. By 2023, 9% of adults aged 19-30 had used hallucinogens. MindMed's LSD formulation, MM120, received FDA 'breakthrough therapy' status for treating generalized anxiety disorder, showing significant anxiety reduction post-dose. LSD use carries risks like psychosis and flashbacks, but current research and FDA approval of ketamine-related medications suggest potential for LSD in mental health treatment.
wxow.com
·

What experts say about taking psilocybin as an alternative treatment for depression

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in 'magic mushrooms,' is compared to the antidepressant escitalopram in a six-month trial for depression. Psilocybin showed greater flexibility in brain states and higher well-being scores, but both treatments had comparable depressive symptom improvements. Critics argue for more extensive trials and addressing issues like cost and patient selection before widespread use.
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath