Deliriants

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Deliriants are a class of hallucinogen. The term was introduced by David E. Nichols to distinguish these agents from other psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocin. Deliriants are also known as anticholinergics because they work by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Deliriants act as competitive antagonists at the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. They are classified as anticholinergic, antimuscarinic, or antiparasympathetic because they reduce the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Effects[edit | edit source]

The effects of deliriants can include hallucinations, delirium, confusion, disorientation, and amnesia. These effects can be distressing and potentially dangerous, and unlike other types of hallucinogens, deliriants are generally not used recreationally.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Examples of deliriants include atropine, scopolamine, and diphenhydramine. These substances are found in a variety of plants and medicines, and can also be synthesized in the laboratory.

Risks[edit | edit source]

The use of deliriants can be risky due to their potential to cause overdose, addiction, and psychosis. They can also interact with other medications and substances, leading to potentially dangerous side effects.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Deliriants Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD