Hallucinations mechanisms

Anti muscarinics Hyperthermia due to blockage of sweating mechanisms, decreased salivation and lacrimation, acute-angle-closure glaucoma in the elderly, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision, delirium, and hallucinations... 

Jacobs, B. (1978) Dreams and hallucinations A common neurochemical mechanism mediating their phenomenological similarities. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev., 2 59-69. 

Kliiver, H. (1966) Mescal and Mechanisms of Hallucinations. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. 

Since the same chemical in different contexts induces hallucinations of local cultural significance, there is unlikely to be a specific mechanism related to spiritual or religious experience. While most would assume visions induced by chemical hallucinogens result from released memories or associative processes. 

Amantadine was originally introduced as an antiviral compound (see Chapter 50), but it is modestly effective in treating symptoms of parkinsonism. It is useful in the early stages of parkinsonism or as an adjunct to levodopa therapy. Its mechanism of action in parkinsonism is not clear, but amantadine may affect dopamine release and reuptake. Additional sites of action may include antagonism at muscarinic and A-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Adverse effects include nausea, dizziness, insomnia, confusion, hallucinations, ankle edema, and livedo reticularis. Amantadine and the anticholinergics may exert additive effects on mental functioning. 

While its detailed mechanism of action is unknown, it is an effective blood schizonticide that is, it acts against the form of the parasite responsible for chnical symptoms. Orally administered mefloquine is well absorbed and has an absorption half-hfe of about 2 hours the elimination half-hfe is 2 to 3 weeks. Among its side effects are vertigo, visual alterations, vomiting, and such CNS disturbances as psychosis, hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, and depression. It should not be used concurrently with compounds known to alter cardiac conduction or prophylactically in patients operating dangerous machinery. It should not used to treat severe malaria, as there is no intravenous formulation. 

If decreasing dopaminergic activity benefits psychosis, what is the effect of increasing dopaminergic activity Potentiation of DA by a variety of mechanisms is a common denominator for inducing paranoia, hallucinations, and other manifestations of psychosis. For example ... 

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