30 Sec Answer: Several prescription and non-prescription drugs can make people hallucinate, including LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, cannabis, anticholinergics, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines.
Introduction
Hallucinations are sensory experiences that are not caused by any real external stimuli. They are usually associated with mental health issues such as psychosis or schizophrenia, but some substances can also cause hallucinations. This article will look at what pills make you hallucinate.
What Are Hallucinations?
Hallucinations are when a person perceives something that isn’t actually there. It is a sensory experience in the absence of any actual stimulus. It could be auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory or tactile. Hallucinations can occur in different forms and can vary in intensity. For example, an individual might hear voices in their head or see things that aren’t there.
Types Of Drugs That Can Cause Hallucinations
There are several types of drugs which can cause hallucinations if taken in large enough doses. These include psychedelic drugs such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), mescaline (a naturally occurring psychoactive substance found in certain cacti species) and psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms). MDMA (ecstasy) is another type of drug which has been known to cause hallucinations when taken in high doses. Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic which can also cause hallucinations in large amounts. Cannabis is another commonly used recreational drug which can produce hallucinatory effects when taken in large doses. There are also various prescription and non-prescription medications which have been linked to hallucinatory effects including anticholinergics (used to treat nausea and vomiting), antipsychotics (used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and benzodiazepines (used to treat anxiety and insomnia).
What Do Hallucinogenic Drugs Do?
The main effect of taking a hallucinogenic drug is that it alters the way one perceives reality. People may experience vivid visuals or colours which seem brighter than usual. Objects may appear distorted or magnified while time may appear to slow down or speed up dramatically. Thoughts may race faster than usual while speech may become slower and more deliberate. Additionally, users may feel more emotional than usual; they may laugh uncontrollably or cry without being able to explain why they’re doing so. These effects typically last between 3-6 hours depending on the dosage taken.
Short-Term Effects Of Taking Hallucinogenic Drugs
When someone takes a hallucinogenic drug, they can expect a range of short-term effects to take place within minutes after ingestion of the substance. Depending on the type of drug ingested, users may experience elevated heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, changes in body temperature, increased energy levels, sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion and difficulty concentrating. Many people who take these drugs report feelings of euphoria along with visual distortions such as seeing trails behind moving objects or geometric patterns behind closed eyes. Nausea and vomiting may also occur as well as loss of coordination resulting from impaired motor skills and balance control mechanisms within the body.
Long-Term Effects Of Taking Hallucinogenic Drugs
While most of the effects of taking hallucinogenic drugs tend to dissipate quickly once the individual stops taking them, there is still potential for long-term consequences due to repeated use over time. In general terms, extended use can lead to increased risk for addiction, cognitive deficits such as memory problems or impaired judgement along with possible negative interactions with other medications one might be taking concurrently with hallucinogens. Furthermore, psychological symptoms such as anxiety disorders and depression can arise due to changes in brain chemistry brought about by extended use of these substances over time leading to an overall decline in physical health and wellbeing over time if not managed properly with proper medical attention from healthcare professionals specialized in this field of study .
Why Do People Take Hallucinogenic Drugs?
There are several reasons why people choose to take hallucinogenic drugs even though there are known risks involved with their consumption; ranging from trying to achieve an altered state of consciousness out of curiosity or desire for spiritual enlightenment all the way through seeking relief from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety symptoms among others given the reported temporary benefits these substances provide by releasing dopamine into the bloodstream resulting in temporarily feeling better while under its influence however this should always be done responsibly under professional guidance from experienced healthcare providers familiar with how these substances interact with each other safely and effectively .
Potential Side Effects Of Taking Hallucinogenic Drugs
While there is much debate about whether psychedelics should be classified as safe for recreational use or not , what we do know for sure is that like any other drug , it carries risks when misused . The most common side effects associated with psychedelic drugs include nausea , vomiting , panic attacks , delusions , confusion , agitation , paranoia , flashbacks , heightened senses & sensitivity towards sound & light . Additionally , overdose on these substances is possible although it is rare . Long term use can result in liver damage due to prolonged contact with toxins produced during metabolism of these compounds inside the body . Lastly , mixing multiple psychedelics together increases potential side effects & risks associated with their use making this practice strongly discouraged without proper medical supervision .
Is It Possible To Have A Bad Trip When Taking Hallucinogenics ?
Yes , it is possible to have a bad trip when using psychedelics ; essentially experiencing extreme fear & terror while under the influence of these substances . This occurs because serotonin receptors located throughout our brains become activated causing alterations in perception & cognition leading us into states where we often lose touch with reality thus increasing chances for having a “bad” experience . Therefore it’s important for individuals interested in exploring psychedelics safely & responsibly seek professional help beforehand so that appropriate steps can be taken to reduce risk factors associated with taking these compounds .
Who Should Avoid Taking Psychedelic Drugs ?
Individuals suffering from underlying psychiatric conditions such as severe depression , PTSD , bipolar disorder & schizophrenia should avoid taking psychedelic drugs since research has shown that those living with pre-existing mental illness may face increased chances for exacerbating current symptoms due possibly activating underlying dormant neurological pathways causing unexpected & unwanted side effects during an episode . Additionally anyone under 18 years old should avoid taking these substances since brain development hasn’t fully matured yet thus leaving children vulnerable against potentially dangerous adverse reactions if consumed prematurely without proper medical supervision present at all times .
How To Stay Safe When Taking Hallucinogenics ?
If you choose to experiment responsibly & safely with psychedelics then following these simple tips will help ensure your experience goes smoothly : first do your research before consuming any new substances ; second don’t mix multiple substances together unless cleared by a doctor ; third take breaks throughout your session ; fourth find yourself an experienced guide who knows what he/she is doing ; fifth set intentions prior entering into trance like state ; sixth have plenty water around & restful environment setup beforehand ; seventh keep dosages low until tolerance develops slowly over time ; eighth start low go slow when increasing dosages ; ninth never combine alcohol & psychedelics together ; tenth stay away from isolated areas unless accompanied by trusted friends who understand what you’re going through ; eleventh if anything feels off stop immediately seek medical attention right away just incase emergency arises !
Conclusion
In conclusion we hope this article gave readers insight into what pills make you hallucinate along with potential side effects associated with misuse of these compounds so that everyone remains safe while exploring expanded states consciousness responsibly knowing full well all risks involved ahead of time ! Ultimately its important