Recreational drugs affect the cardiovascular system through distinct mechanisms; however, data regarding their cardiovascular impact in the emergency department setting is limited. This study aimed to assess the incidence of cardiovascular effects following recreational drug use in presentations to the emergency department, identify the main drug groups invo...
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring hallucinogen known to produce alterations in perception, cognition, and autonomic function through its effects on central serotonergic pathways. Products marketed as “mushroom” formulations may contain psilocybin or related psychoactive compounds despite ambiguous labeling and limited regulatory clarity, creating diagnosti...
BackgroundWild mushroom foraging is common in the United States. Poisoning usually results from misidentification, though some "edible" mushrooms can also cause toxicity. Armillaria ("honey mushrooms") are widely foraged and generally considered edible, yet sporadic gastrointestinal illness has been reported. Their clinical effects remain poorly described. P...
Recreational psychedelic use is increasing, yet data on adverse events remains limited. This study characterized emergency department (ED) visits associated with recreational psychedelic use at UC San Diego Medical Center. We conducted a retrospective chart review of ED encounters (2010-2023). Cases were identified using ICD-10 hallucinogen-related codes and...
Abstract Background: This case describes a substance-induced manic episode with psychotic features in which interaction with an AI (artificial intelligence) chatbot appeared to corroborate and reinforce the patient’s delusional thought content and to contradict medical advice. Excerpts from the patient’s interactions with the AI chatbot provide novel clinica...
Introduction: Depression is a widespread mental illness that affects a large portion of the world population and many of those who suffer from depression are resistant to treatment currently available. The purpose of this review is to compare the efficacy of psilocybin to the current available methods for the treatment of refractory depression. Methods: PubM...
Purpose: Self-inflicted penetrating orbital trauma is a rare ophthalmologic emergency requiring timely intervention and neurological monitoring to identify and treat any possible intracranial complications and to prevent irreversible vision loss. This case report aims to describe a fatal case of self-inflicted ocular trauma following the consumption of psilo...
Known for their capacity to alter perception and consciousness, psychedelics are increasingly being explored for therapeutic applications in treating conditions such chronic pain, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.1,2 Despite historical stigmas and legal restrictions, recent changes in legislation and the United States Food and Dr...
As psychedelic use expands, the number of adverse effects will increase proportionally. New frameworks for monitoring safety outcomes on a population level are required to limit potential harms. Darke et al. characterized 33 lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 10 psilocybin-related deaths in Australia between 2000 and 2023 using the country's sophisticated ...
A previously healthy adolescent presented to the emergency department with an abrupt onset of altered mental status and abnormal behaviour, including shaking of the extremities, rocking back and forth, and non-sensical speech, after ingestion of chocolate that contained psilocybin. Neurological
Several studies have been conducted and more are underway examining psilocybin-assisted therapy as a treatment for various psychiatric conditions including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and alcohol use disorder. However, many studies have been limited by small sample size and have not comprehensively evaluated treatment risks outside of controlled...
Back to table of contents Previous article Next article ViewpointsFull AccessPsychedelic Drugs for Mental Disorders and Human Potential: Placebo or PanaceaDavid Hellerstein, M.D., Kevin Sabet, Ph.D., Jeffrey A. Lieberman, M.D.David HellersteinSearch for more papers by this author, M.D., Kevin SabetSearch for more papers by this author, Ph.D., Jeffrey A. Lieb...
IntroductionDespite the relative reduction in opioid and other illicit substance overdoses in the past few years, clinicians must remain vigilant in keeping up to date on emerging trends with regard to potential substances of abuse. As overdoses of traditional drugs of abuse decrease in light of legislative and de-prescribing initiatives, it stands to reason...
BackgroundLysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are serotonergic hallucinogens that are used primarily for recreational abuse. Small studies evaluated the efficacy of LSD and psilocybin for several psychiatric conditions. There are limited safety or toxicity data for either of these substances, especially in large populations.MethodsThis was a retr...
Use of hallucinogenic substances as a public health concern has increased over the past decade. Among adolescents, there are increasing emergency department presentations for intoxication with these drugs, contrary to decreasing reported use of classical hallucinogens such as LSD. Academic and governmental groups have monitored use of hallucinogens, highligh...
UnlabelledThe definition New psychoactive substances (NPS) refers to emerging drugs whose chemical structures are similar to other psychoactive compounds but not identical, representing a "legal" alternative to internationally controlled drugs. There are many categories of NPS, such as synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, phenylethylamines, piperazi...
A28-year-old man with a history of drug and alcohol abuse presented multiple times to the hospital over 2 months with an elusive constellation of symptoms, resolving spontaneously in each instance. This patient required a high level of care for management and stabilization, including 3 emergency department visits, 2 medical floor admissions, and 1 intensive ...
A25-year-old man was brought to the emergency department from a late-night dance club. A friend reported that the patient commonly used designer drugs that he purchased over the Internet. While at the club, he started to vomit and experience visual hallucinations. He had no previous medical history and took no prescription medications. On searching the patie...
