Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent psychedelic substance that significantly alters perception, mood, and thought processes. Seizures are neurological events characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to changes in awareness, muscle control, or behavior. The question of whether LSD can directly cause seizures is important, especially with renewed interest in psychedelic compounds for therapeutic purposes. This article explores the scientific understanding of LSD and seizure induction.
How LSD Affects the Brain
LSD primarily affects the brain by interacting with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction causes characteristic psychedelic experiences: altered sensory perception, thought patterns, and mood shifts.
LSD acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor, binding to and activating this receptor, though not to the same extent as serotonin.
The drug’s binding to the 5-HT2A receptor is remarkably tight, with a part of the receptor folding over the LSD molecule, locking it in place. This unique binding mechanism contributes to the extended duration of LSD’s effects, lasting many hours.
While LSD primarily targets serotonin systems, it also influences other neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine and glutamate, playing roles in reward, motivation, and cognitive functions.
Direct Evidence of Seizure Induction
Scientific literature and clinical observations indicate pure LSD, used by healthy individuals, is not commonly associated with direct seizure induction. Research suggests psychedelics, including LSD, do not cause or exacerbate seizures in controlled clinical settings. Studies found no evidence from trials or preclinical models that psychedelics directly induce seizures.
Despite this, some individual case reports exist where seizures occurred in conjunction with LSD use. However, these instances often involve complicating factors that make it difficult to attribute the seizure solely to LSD.
A review of recreational drug abuse cases found a small percentage of individuals experienced seizures, but LSD intake was often unconfirmed, and other substances were frequently involved. Therefore, while rare occurrences are noted, a direct causal link between pure LSD and seizures in healthy individuals is not well-established in scientific consensus.
Contributing Factors to Seizure Risk
While pure LSD is not considered a primary cause of seizures, certain factors can increase seizure likelihood with LSD use. Individuals with pre-existing neurological conditions, like epilepsy or other seizure disorders, are at higher risk. Clinical trials involving psychedelics typically exclude individuals with a history of seizures due to unknown effects.
The concurrent use of other substances, known as polydrug use, can significantly increase seizure risk. Some substances, particularly those that lower the seizure threshold, can interact adversely with LSD.
For example, combining LSD with mood stabilizers like lithium has been associated with an increased risk of seizures, with nearly half of reported cases involving this combination resulting in seizures.
Additionally, substances sold as LSD may be adulterated with other compounds, such as NBOMes or stimulants, which are known to provoke seizures. These synthetic hallucinogens, unlike traditional LSD, have been directly linked to seizures and other severe adverse effects.
Recognizing and Responding to Seizures
Recognizing seizure signs is important for timely response. Symptoms vary widely, including loss of consciousness, uncontrolled muscle movements like jerking or stiffening, or staring spells. Other signs include confusion, emotional changes, or unusual sensory experiences (e.g., strange smells or tastes). Seizures typically last for a few seconds to a few minutes and may be followed by a period of confusion or exhaustion.
If someone experiences a seizure, especially after substance use, seeking immediate medical attention is necessary. Positioning the person safely by moving objects away and turning them onto their side can help prevent injury and maintain a clear airway.
It is important to stay calm and support the individual until medical professionals arrive, as they can determine the cause of the seizure and provide appropriate care.