psychiatry and medicine
Hallucinogens, Opioids, and Other Psychiatric Drugs
- Drugs that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings, often causing hallucinations (sensory experiences without external stimuli).
- LSD (acid), psilocybin (mushrooms), PCP, and ketamine are some examples of Hallucinogens.
- Psychosis-like episodes.
- Flashbacks (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder).
- Impaired judgment leads to risky behavior.
- Opioids
Alcohol Withdrawal
- Occurs when a heavy drinker suddenly stops or significantly reduces alcohol intake, leading to overactivity of the central nervous system.
- Symptoms typically begin within 6-24 hours after the last drink, peak at 24-72 hours and can last up to a week or more.
- Common Symptoms: Tremors, anxiety, sweating, nausea, vomiting, irritability, insomnia, and increased heart rate.
- Severe withdrawal can cause delirium (which can include confusion, hallucinations, fever, high blood pressure, and seizures, requiring medical treatment).
Stimulants and Depressants
- Stimulants: Drugs that increase CNS activity, leading to increased alertness, energy and elevated mood.
- Ex: Caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines (Adderall), cocaine, memthephatamine.
- Certain stimulants can lead to addiction, anxiety, paranoia, cardiovascular risks, and withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression and increased appetite (ghrelin stimulation)
- Depressants: Drugs that decrease CNS activity, leading to relaxation and drowsiness.
- EX: Alcohol, benzodiazephines (Valium), barbituaries, opioids.