Serotonergic psychedelic

While the full mechanism of action is not understood, serotonergic psychedelics are known to exhibit partial agonist activity for various 5-HT receptors in ​a range of affinities and efficacies. As a result, they may be classified by their activity at different 5-HT sub-sites, such as 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B, 5-HT_2A, etc.

Many serotonergic psychedelics, such as the family of tryptamines, have very strong structural similarities to serotonin itself. This partially explains the affinity they have for certain 5-HT sites. Most research suggests that the signature psychedelic effect is due to strong partial agonist activity at the 5-HT_2A, and to a lesser extent, 5-HT_2C and 5-HT_1A receptors.^{[citation needed]}

The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loops (also known as CSTC-loops) appear to be central to the function of psychedelics,^[5] which are also regulated by the serotonergic system. These control loops connect brain areas like the frontal lobe, the striatum and the thalamus; they aggregate, process and forward internal and external information.

The disruption of the neurotransmitter balance causes these control loops to collapse overwhelmed, leading to the flooding of the frontal lobe with neuronal excitatory glutamate; internal and external stimuli as well as all kinds of non-conscious contents can freely move up to the cerebral cortex and appear as visions in consciousness.^[6][7]

Furthermore, over-activation of the locus coeruleus and subsequent widespread norepinephrine secretion may occur, causing a perceived state of sensory transcendence and sometimes even intense spiritual or transpersonal experiences.

It is worth noting that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a class of antidepressants including Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft) can increase the dosage required for hallucinogenic effects in some people (based on anecdotal reports). Some users, however, have found this to be entirely untrue for them, so those who are using daily antidepressants should, at first, only attempt a common dosage.

• Responsible use
• Serotonin
• Neurotransmitter
• Psychedelics
  • Tryptamines
  • Phenethylamines
  • Lysergamides

• Serotonergic psychedelic (Wikipedia)

• Nichols, D. E. (2016). "Psychedelics". Pharmacological Reviews. 68 (2): 264–355. doi:10.1124/pr.115.011478. ISSN 1521-0081. 
• Geyer, M.A.; Nichols, D.E.; Vollenweider, F.X. (2009). "Serotonin-Related Psychedelic Drugs": 731–738. doi:10.1016/B978-008045046-9.01160-8. 
• Nichols, C. D., & Sanders-Bush, E. (2001). "Serotonin Receptor Signaling and Hallucinogenic Drug Action". Heffter Rev Psychedelic Res, 2, 73-79. https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20170110205041/https://heffter.org/docs/hrireview/02/chap5.pdf
• Halberstadt, Adam L. (2015). "Recent advances in the neuropsychopharmacology of serotonergic hallucinogens". Behavioural Brain Research. 277: 99–120. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2014.07.016. ISSN 0166-4328. 
• Beique, J.-C.; Imad, M.; Mladenovic, L.; Gingrich, J. A.; Andrade, R. (2007). "Mechanism of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor-mediated facilitation of synaptic activity in prefrontal cortex". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 104 (23): 9870–9875. doi:10.1073/pnas.0700436104. ISSN 0027-8424. 
• Winter, J.C; Fiorella, D.J; Timineri, D.M; Filipink, R.A; Helsley, S.E; Rabin, R.A (1999). "Serotonergic Receptor Subtypes and Hallucinogen-Induced Stimulus Control". Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. 64 (2): 283–293. doi:10.1016/S0091-3057(99)00063-5. ISSN 0091-3057. 
• Nichols, David E.; Nichols, Charles D. (2008). "Serotonin Receptors". Chemical Reviews. 108 (5): 1614–1641. doi:10.1021/cr078224o. ISSN 0009-2665. 
• Canal, C. E., & Murnane, K. S. (2017). The serotonin 5-HT2C receptor and the non-addictive nature of classic hallucinogens. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 31(1), 127-143. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881116677104