Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a powerful psychedelic substance that alters perception and thought processes. While a physically lethal overdose is rare, an “overdose” typically refers to experiencing overwhelming or psychologically distressing effects. These intense experiences can pose significant risks.
Understanding Overdose with LSD
A physically fatal overdose from LSD is virtually unheard of. The estimated lethal dose in humans is approximately 100 milligrams, about 1,000 times the typical recreational dose of 50-250 micrograms. Unlike substances like opioids or alcohol, which can cause death through respiratory depression, LSD primarily impacts the brain’s serotonin receptors, leading to psychological rather than direct physiological harm at recreational doses.
When a very high dose of LSD is consumed, the concern shifts from organ failure to profound psychological distress. Individuals may experience an intense, prolonged, and terrifying psychological event, commonly referred to as a “bad trip”. While direct physical toxicity is low, symptoms can include seizures, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature), and in rare cases, rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue leading to kidney issues). These severe reactions necessitate immediate medical attention.
Recognizing and Responding to Adverse Reactions
An adverse psychological reaction to LSD, often called a “bad trip,” can manifest with various distressing symptoms. These include extreme anxiety, intense paranoia, disorientation, and panic attacks. Hallucinations may become overwhelming and frightening, leading to feelings of losing one’s identity or disintegrating. Impaired judgment can also lead to risky behaviors, such as attempting self-harm or aggression towards others.
If someone is experiencing such an overwhelming reaction, immediate steps should be taken to ensure their safety and provide reassurance. Moving the individual to a safe, quiet, and low-stimulation environment can help reduce distress. It is important to offer calm reassurance, remind them that the effects are temporary, and avoid confrontation. If the person poses a danger to themselves or others, exhibits severe physical symptoms like seizures or extreme hyperthermia, or if their psychological distress is unmanageable, seeking emergency medical help is imperative.
Additional Risks and Considerations
Beyond acute overwhelming experiences, other significant risks are associated with LSD use. LSD can potentially trigger or exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, particularly psychosis or schizophrenia, in predisposed individuals. Even without a pre-existing condition, prolonged psychotic reactions or severe depression can follow a “bad trip”.
Another concern is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), where individuals experience recurring visual disturbances or “flashbacks” long after the drug’s effects have worn off. These flashbacks can manifest as visual snow, light trails, or geometric patterns and can persist for months or even years, causing distress. Combining LSD with other substances, known as polysubstance use, increases the unpredictability and severity of the experience. The illicit nature of LSD also means that dose and purity can vary significantly, adding another layer of risk.