Psychoactive effects hallucination

The psychotropic effects of Salvia divinorum have generated interest among psychopharmacologists and other scientists. Chemical analysis of the plant has succeeded in identifying the active substance, which is now known as salvinorin A. Research on animals and human volunteers indicates that the psychoactive effects of salvinorin A are comparable to those of mescaline. As little as 200-500 meg of salvinorin A will reliably produce hallucinations in people, when the crystallized substance is vaporized over a flame and inhaled. On the basis of effective dose, salvinorin A is the most potent natural hallucinogen known. The leaves have been determined to contain 1—4 mg of salvinorin A per gram of dry weight. 

The psychoactive effects of phencyclidine are stimulant and similar to the effects of hallucinogens. Hallucinations are often bizarre, frightening, and challenging. Aggressive behavior, usually with amnesia, is common. Self-destruc-tive actions are also seen. Overdosage is associated with paresthesia, slurred speech, ataxia, and later catatonia, dilated pupils, and coma, with tachycardia, hypertension, and dysrhythmias. Seizures and deaths have occurred (SED-11, 86 4). 

Lysergide, better known as LSD, is a potent hallucinogenic that results in a psychoactive effect that heightens perception, creates distortions of the body, and causes visual hallucinations. The person taking LSD can experience unpredictable mood swings from euphoria to depression and panic, which is commonly referred to as a bad trip. LSD also causes hypertension, dilated pupils, hyperthermia, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). 

Memantine is approved for treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer s disease. It is an antagonist at glutamatergic NMDA-receptors. Memantine is well tolerated and has a small beneficial effect at six months in moderate to severe AD (McShane et al. 2006). For patients with dementia one has to be careful wit all kind of medications that may affect the central nervous system. Delirium and hallucinations are common adverse effects in patients with dementia. Agitation may be due to delirium and external causes should be ruled out before adding another psychoactive drug. Sleep disturbance is common in demented elderly patients. Sleep deprivation may in a patient with dementia induce delirium. Nonpharmacological treatment for delirium or hallucinations should be considered first. 

Designer drugs are mind-altering and can produce hallucinations. For these reasons, they are often called psychoactive or psychedelic. Designer drugs produce their effects by altering the way nerve cells (neurons) in the brain communicate with each other (Figure 1.1). 

Dronabinol (Marinof) [C-ll] [Anriemeric, Appetite Stimulant/ Antivertigo] Uses N/V associated w/ CA chemo appetite stimulation Action Antiemetic 4- V center in the medulla Dose Adults Peds. Antiemetic 5-15 mg/m2/dose q4-6h PRN Adults. Appetite stimulant 2.5 mg PO before lunch dinner max 20 mg/d Caution [C, ] Contra Hx schizophrenia, sesame oil hypersensitivity Disp Caps SE Drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, mood change, hallucinations, depersonalization, orthostatic 4- BP, tach Interactions T Effects W/ anticholinergics, CNS depressants, EtOH 4- effects of theophylline EMS Use caution w/ sympathomimetics, can T hypertension and tach use caution w/ anticholinergics and antihistamines, can T tach concurrent EtOH use can T CNS depression this is a principal psychoactive substance present in marijuana OD May cause extreme psychiatric effects (anxiety, mood changes and depersonalization) keep pt in a quiet environment and provide reassurance activated charcoal may be effective... 

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