Classical psychedelics

Classical psychedelics (or classic psychedelics) refers to the most common, recognizable, and historically significant psychedelic substances. They generally include:

A common feature of classical psychedelics is that they act as (partial) agonists at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, which is abundant in specific regions of the human brain.[1][2]

Classical psychedelics may be distinguished from novel psychedelics, which are generally psychedelics discovered after the 1970s. These include relatively older and well-tested substances like 2C-B as well as highly novel compounds like the 25x-NBOMe series, which were developed as neurochemical probes.

Furthermore, they are thought to have excellent safety profiles relative to most psychoactive substances, with low abuse potential and toxicity.[citation needed] However, adverse psychological reactions like severe anxiety, paranoia, delusions, mania, and psychosis are always possible, especially in individuals susceptible to mental disorders.

As a result, harm reduction practices are advised.

See also

References

  1. Carhart-Harris, R. L., Leech, R., Hellyer, P. J., Shanahan, M., Feilding, A., Tagliazucchi, E., Chialvo, D. R., Nutt, D. (2014). "The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs". Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 8. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00020. ISSN 1662-5161. 
  2. Glennon, R. A., Titeler, M., McKenney, J. D. (December 1984). "Evidence for 5-HT2 involvement in the mechanism of action of hallucinogenic agents". Life Sciences. 35 (25): 2505–2511. doi:10.1016/0024-3205(84)90436-3. ISSN 0024-3205.