LSD

Published on December 2, 2025 at 3:00 / Updated on December 16, 2025 at 8:01

(lysergic acid diethylamide)

Synonyms	The most common synonyms are: LSD, Acid, Blotter, and Window Pane.
Classification	Hallucinogen: Substance that alters the sensory perceptions of the person who uses it: hallucinations involving most of the senses can occur, leading the user to see, hear or feel things that do not exist.
Mechanism of action	Affects several neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, such as serotonin, also known as the "happiness hormone".
Routes of administration	Oral, most of the time. LSD is often taken as a liquid that has been applied to a little piece of paper called "blotter". The paper containing LSD can be swallowed completely or placed on or under the tongue.

Effects sought out by the user

Dissociation (feeling of detaching from one's surroundings)
Euphoria and feeling of joyfulness

Hallucination or pseudohallucinations (intense visual effects)
Synesthesia (blending of senses, e.g. impression of hearing colours)

Common adverse effects

Aggression
Impaired judgement
Concentration problems
Reduced coordination and weakness
Reduced appetite
Numbness
Sweating
Dizziness
Chills

Increased blood pressure
Mydriasis (dilation of the pupils)
Nausea
Panic
Paranoia
Unpleasant and terrifying feelings (bad trip)
Palpitations (rapid heart rate)
Tremor

Overdose effects

Arrhythmias
Coma
Convulsions

High blood pressure
Difficulty breathing
Abnormal increase in body temperature

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Develops quickly, especially if taken over several consecutive days. In this case, tolerance can develop after 3 to 4 days of use.

Addiction

Yes, psychological dependence is possible.

Withdrawal

Onset and duration of action
Route of administration	Onset of action	Peak	Duration of action
Oral	30 to 60 minutes	2 to 4 hours	6 to 12 hours

Screening

LSD cannot be easily detected, because routine tests do not detect that substance. Few data is available on the subject.

Intoxication management

No antidote available.
Treatment is mainly symptomatic.

Other relevant information

The concept of microdosing refers to taking psychedelic substances, such as LSD, in small doses. These are sufficiently small not to cause hallucinogenic effects to the user. The goal of microdosing is to improve certain conditions, such as depression and anxiety, or to improve certain abilities, such as concentration and creativity. Studies are being conducted to determine whether microdosing is effective and safe. At this time, microdosing is not without risk, because the illegal sale of these products is not regulated.

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

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