Hallucinogens are drugs that can change a user’s perception of reality. These substances, also known as psychedelics, can distort a person’s interpretation of what’s going on around them by making them see, feel, and hear things that are not real. Some are quick-acting, while others take much longer to take effect.
Unfortunately, altered perception of reality is not the only effect of using these substances. Before trying out a hallucinogenic, read on and discover their side effects.
LSD
The effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) can be felt within 30 to 60 minutes after dosing. According to Health Canada, there are short-term physical and mental effects after using the substance, including:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling disconnected from your body
- Feeling heavy or weightless
- Impaired memory
- Sweating
- Numbness
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in body temperature
Meanwhile, long-term effects of using LSD include:
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Flashbacks
Ecstasy
Ecstasy or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) takes about an hour after dosing to reach the brain. Effects could last three to four hours, but specific side effects may linger up to a week or longer.
This substance triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are feel-good chemicals in the brain. After taking ecstasy, you may feel:
- More energetic and confident
- Euphoric
- More sociable and friendly
But, after these pleasant effects wear off, you may experience physical effects like sweating, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. You may also feel the following mental side effects:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Delirium
Health Canada also noted that prolonged substance use might lead to liver damage, reduced sex drive, damaged brain cells, and decreased appetite. Other long-term side effects of MDMA include:
- Chronic exhaustion
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
Magic Mushrooms
Much like LSD, magic mushrooms have short-term mental and physical impacts.
Although these drugs can make users feel happy and creative, they can also cause hallucinations and adverse mental effects, such as:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Confusion
- Paranoia
After consuming shrooms or psilocybin, you may also be at risk of experiencing physical side effects, including:
- Numbness in the face
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle convulsions or weakness
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Lack of urinary control
- Dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting
- Sweating or chills
DMT
People use dimethyltryptamine (DMT) to experience a “trip” similar to the effects of taking LSD or psilocybin. But most people prefer DMT over LSD because the duration of a DMT trip can last for 30 to 45 minutes rather than hours, as is the case with the latter.
Moreover, recent research has found that low doses of DMT might help treat symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders.
The substance still comes with harmful side effects, such as dilated pupils, rapid eye movement, high blood pressure, and dizziness. When taken in high doses, users may be at risk of going into a coma and even respiratory arrest.
Because of these side effects, the compound is still illegal in Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Despite the compound’s illegal status, DMT delivery in Canada is still popular, with manufacturers selling their products online.
These are the side effects of some of the most popular hallucinogens today. Before trying a psychedelic, make sure you are aware of the side effects of the substance to avoid adverse effects on your health.
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