What Happens If You Take Too Much LSD (Acid)

LSD, commonly called “acid,” is short for lysergic acid diethylamide, a substance derived from a hallucinogenic fungus. This drug is most commonly taken orally and produces vivid hallucinations and other mind-altering effects.

LSD is different from many other common drugs of abuse in that it’s not thought to be associated with significant reinforcing properties, physical dependence, nor withdrawal—several reasons why it may not be as heavily used as substances like heroin or cocaine. It’s more common for it to be used on occasion for the experience of the hallucinogenic effects.

Because LSD is not as heavily used as other substances, people may wonder “can you overdose on LSD?” This page will explain what LSD overdose is, signs of overdose, and how to get help if you or a loved one is struggling with hallucinogen use.

Can You Overdose on LSD (Acid)?

Though not as immediately toxic as some other illicit drugs, LSD overdose is absolutely possible. High doses of LSD can cause a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and psychosis. In some cases, high doses of classic hallucinogens can lead to death, but this is rare.

The most common way that people are injured while under the influence of LSD is through risky behaviors, such as driving while impaired or engaging in physical activity without considering the risks.

Signs of LSD (Acid) Overdose

LSD is distinct from other hallucinogens in that it tends to produce images and sensations that are so vivid that they can seem completely real.

LSD overdose symptoms include:

Most of the directly dangerous symptoms require a massive overdose to occur. A typical dose is around 50 micrograms to 150 micrograms, though it’s important to note that different individuals will respond differently to similar doses of any drug, but especially hallucinogens. It can also be difficult to tell just how pure and potent any drug is when obtained from an illegal source. Possible effects of a massive overdose include:

• Seizures.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Vomiting.
• Hyperthermia.
• Breakdown of muscle tissue.
• Respiratory arrest.
• Intracranial hemorrhage.

What Is a “Bad Trip?”

A “bad trip” is when a person who has taken LSD experiences hallucinations that are distressing or frightening in some way, possibly producing panic or feeling like they are going to experience serious harm. Any of this can result in injury to the person who took the drug or those nearby.

Aside from potentially permanent damage from injury, some of the more commonly reported long-term effects are flashbacks to bad trips. People who used LSD years in the past can end up having vivid flashbacks to the disturbing things they saw and/or felt during these hallucinations. However, this experience is still quite rare. Around 60 percent of people who had used a hallucinogen self-reported a mild kind of flashback a few days after using the drug, only 4 percent found this distressing, and even fewer continue to experience distressing flashbacks for long periods of time.

Is a Bad Trip the Same as an Overdose?

Although symptoms of a “bad trip” can be part of an overdose on LSD, the two are not the same. A bad trip involves feeling anxious, paranoid, afraid, and seeing or hearing frightening things that are not real. A bad trip, however, ends in the same amount of time a good trip ends; it just leaves negative feelings behind, and it is more likely to occur in people who have a pre-existing mental health condition, like anxiety or depression.

On the other hand, an overdose involves a dangerous level of toxins in the body. Taking too much LSD leads to longer trips, an increased risk of psychosis, and possible death. People who experience psychosis because of too much LSD may attempt to harm themselves or others. They may experience hyperthermia, or dangerously high body temperature, or tachycardia, heart problems, or irregular heartbeat. They may suffer rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of skeletal muscles leading to physical weakness, toxins flooding the body, and eventual kidney failure. Emergency medical attention, including respiratory support, may be needed in rare instances of severe LSD overdose.

Is LSD Addictive?

Although LSD isn’t associated with significant dependence, the use of the drug can still become compulsive and problematic for some people. Even when use is infrequent, large doses of the drug can result in a greater chance of toxicity, overdose, or a bad trip. If the use of LSD has become problematic, a consultation with a medical professional or addiction specialist could help someone avoid additional injury or health problems.

There are few, if any, deaths from taking too much LSD; however, the experience can still be psychologically damaging. A person can experience terrifying hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and long-term changes to mood or mental health. The effects of a “normal” dose of LSD can last for hours, and taking more than that can put a person at risk of hospitalization due to serious psychological and behavioral issues, which may take days to clear up on their own.

Is LSD a Natural or Man-Made Drug?

LSD is a synthetic drug, meaning it is man-made. LSD stands for D-lysergic acid diethylamide, a chemical synthesized from ergot, a fungus that grows on some grains like rye. This fungus can cause hallucinations and delusions when too much of it is ingested.

Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, synthesized LSD from ergot in 1938 while attempting to find some therapeutic value in the chemicals. He discovered the hallucinogenic and psychedelic properties of the drug in 1943 when he accidentally took some himself.

While its pure form is a clear liquid, LSD is commonly taken by eating or licking blotter paper that has a small amount of the liquid saturated into it. It can also be consumed as tablets or capsules. It is rarely consumed in its pure liquid form.

Negative Effects of LSD on the Body

LSD can cause some serious changes to the body. Short-term side effects from taking LSD include:

Long-Term Effects of LSD on the Brain

In some instances, people who have no previous episodes of, nor predisposition toward psychotic illnesses can experience drug-induced psychosis, although symptoms may be temporary and can be treated with hospitalization.

Though there is no significant withdrawal associated with many of the classic hallucinogens, including LSD, medical supervision and management of the relatively-lengthy period of intoxication in a safe, comfortable, low stimulus (e.g., dimly lit, quiet rooms) environment can be very helpful.

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is the clinical term for flashbacks, which can occur even after one dose of LSD. Episodes of HPPD are spontaneous and involve re-experiencing some of the psychedelic effects of the LSD trip. A flashback may include visual or auditory hallucinations that were experienced during the original trip too. The individual may also experience halos or shining visual trails attached to objects, or see motions in their peripheral vision that are not there.

Treating Hallucinogen Misuse in Las Vegas

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at . Desert Hope, American Addiction Centers’ drug rehab in Nevada is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.

When you call us our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators are on hand 24/7 to answer your questions about what to expect in rehab, how to start admissions, how to use your insurance coverage for rehab, or other ways to pay for rehab.