Drug reference
lsd
Ergot alkaloid derivative, Psychedelic · Hallucinogen
Ergot alkaloid derivative, PsychedelicHallucinogen
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Potent hallucinogen. 5HT2A receptor activation is believed to mediate the hallucinogenic effect of LSD. Positron emission tomographic imaging reveals similar activation patterns between schizophrenic patients experiencing hallucinations and LSD-induced hallucinations.
Side effects
Common
Perceptual distortionsMood changes (elation, paranoia, depression)Intense arousalFeeling of panicPupillary dilationIncreased blood pressureIncreased pulseFlushingSalivationLacrimationHyperreflexiaIntense colorsAltered shapesFocus on unusual itemsaddictionpsychological dependence (leading to continuous or occasional use)
Serious
- Severe anxiety ('bad trip')
- Intense depression ('bad trip')
- Suicidal thoughts ('bad trip')
- Fatal accidents (during intoxication)
- Suicides (during or shortly after intoxication)
- Prolonged psychotic reactions
- Schizophrenic episodes (may precipitate)
- Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder ('flashbacks')
Ask House about lsd
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team