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LSD Overdoses: Three Case Reports.
Mark Haden1,2, Birgitta Woods3
1Executive Director, MAPS Canada (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|February 13, 2020
Summary
Accidental overdoses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) showed unpredictable positive outcomes, including sustained mood improvement and reduced pain. Early pregnancy LSD overdose did not harm the fetus, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Resurgence of interest in psychedelic substances for treating mental health conditions.
- Limited data on medical consequences of accidental psychedelic overdoses.
Observation:
- Case series detailing three accidental lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) overdoses.
- Information gathered through interviews, health records, and collateral reports.
Findings:
- One case showed sustained mood improvement and reduction in mania with psychotic features for nearly 20 years post-LSD overdose.
- Another case involved an early pregnancy LSD overdose with no apparent negative effects on the pregnancy or fetal development.
- A third case reported intranasal LSD overdose (550x recreational dose) was non-fatal and reduced pain and morphine withdrawal symptoms.
Implications:
- Accidental LSD overdoses may lead to unpredictable positive sequelae, including mental health symptom improvement and pain reduction.
- Findings suggest a potential for therapeutic benefits from LSD, even in overdose scenarios.
- Further research into the safety and efficacy of psychedelics in controlled medical settings is warranted.