Educational content. This article does not provide dosing, sourcing or buying information. In an emergency call 112 (EU), 999 (UK) or 911 (US).
Lysergamides are chemical relatives of LSD. Over the past decade, a series of analogues has been sold as “research chemicals”, usually on blotter paper: 1P-LSD, 1cP-LSD, 1B-LSD, 1V-LSD, 1D-LSD, 1BZ-LSD, AL-LAD, ECPLA, LSZ, Pro-LAD, 1P-MiPLA and 1cP-MiPLA, among others. Many were designed mainly to get around laws controlling LSD, and studies of 1P-LSD and 1cP-LSD indicate that the body converts them largely into LSD itself. In practice, the risks are therefore broadly those of LSD, plus the extra uncertainty of an unregulated product.
How they affect the brain
Lysergamides act mainly on the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, which changes perception, thinking and emotion for many hours. Effects include visual distortions, altered sense of time and self, and intense emotions, which can be frightening as easily as pleasant.
Common side effects
- Anxiety, fear and confusion; feeling out of control
- Rapid heartbeat, raised blood pressure and body temperature
- Nausea, dilated pupils, sweating or chills
- Insomnia and exhaustion afterwards
- Lasting for many hours, which can be distressing if things go badly
The main dangers
Psychological crises
Overwhelming fear, paranoia and confusion (“bad trips”) can lead to panic, self-harm or dangerous behaviour. In people with a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, hallucinogens can trigger lasting episodes of mental illness.
Accidents
Distorted perception and judgement contribute to falls, drowning and road accidents. Many hallucinogen-related deaths are the result of accidents rather than direct toxicity.
Fake “LSD”: NBOMes and DOx compounds
Blotters sold as LSD or its analogues have repeatedly been found to contain other, far more dangerous drugs. The US Drug Enforcement Administration warns that NBOMe compounds are commonly passed off as LSD and that extremely small amounts can cause seizures, cardiac and respiratory arrest, and death. Amphetamine-type hallucinogens such as DOC are also sold on blotters; they last much longer and can constrict blood vessels and overheat the body. A blotter cannot be identified by looking at it.
Dangerous combinations
- Lithium: combining with LSD-type drugs has been associated with seizures.
- Tramadol and some antidepressants: may increase the risk of seizures or serotonin toxicity.
- Stimulants and other hallucinogens: increase strain on the heart and the risk of panic and psychosis.
- Alcohol and cannabis: can make experiences more confusing and unpredictable.
Lingering effects
A small number of people experience hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD): visual disturbances such as trails or halos that continue long after use. Others have ongoing anxiety or feelings of unreality.
Warning signs of an emergency
- Seizures or collapse (suspect a substance other than LSD)
- Very high temperature, chest pain or very fast heart rate
- Severe panic, psychosis or a risk of self-harm or harming others
- Unresponsiveness
Call emergency services, keep the person somewhere safe, calm and quiet, reassure them, and stay with them.
Legal status
LSD is internationally controlled. Many countries have also brought LSD analogues under control, individually or through blanket laws such as the UK’s Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 and Germany’s New Psychoactive Substances Act. Calling a product a “research chemical” does not make it legal.
Where to get help
- Emergency: 112 (EU), 999 (UK), 911 (US).
- Netherlands: Drugs Infolijn (drugsinfo.nl); DIMS drug testing.
- UK: FRANK (talktofrank.com).
- US: SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357.
- A doctor or mental health service if you have lasting anxiety, visual disturbances or mood changes after use.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1P-LSD the same as LSD?
Research indicates that 1P-LSD and 1cP-LSD are largely converted into LSD in the body, so their effects and risks are similar.
Can you overdose on LSD analogues?
Lysergamides have relatively low direct physical toxicity, but severe psychological crises, accidents and mislabelled blotters containing NBOMes or other drugs cause serious harm and deaths.
What is HPPD?
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: visual disturbances that continue long after drug use. It is uncommon but can be distressing; seek medical advice if it happens.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice.
