Studies on the Diethylamide of Lysergic Acid (LSD-25)

Chlorpromazine can both prevent and reverse the abnormal mental state induced by LSD-25, while azacyclonol (Frenquel) and reserpine are ineffective. In experiments with adult male drug addicts, chlorpromazine given before LSD prevented the reaction, and given during the reaction it rapidly brought subjects back to normal. Azacyclonol and reserpine did not block or reverse the LSD effects. The LSD reaction is measurable and reproducible, suggesting it could serve as a screen for predicting the clinical value of new tranquilizing drugs and help elucidate mechanisms of action of both tranquilizers and psychotogenic drugs.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The effects of drugs on the abnormal mental state induced by the diethylamide of lysergic acid (LSD-25) are of interest from several points of view. Some means of mitigating too severe a reaction is needed in using LSD-25 experimentally or therapeutically. Since the LSD reaction is measurable and reproducible,1it might be possible to use the LSD psychosis as a screen for predicting the potential clinical value of new tranquilizing drugs. In addition, such studies might be useful in elucidating the mechanisms of action of both the tranquilizers and the psychotogenic drugs. The purpose of the present paper is to present the results of experiments in which attempts were made to block (prevent) or reverse (treat) the LSD reaction with chlorpromazine, azacyclonol (Frenquel), and reserpine. Methods Subjects.— The subjects used in these experiments were all adult male drug addicts who were serving sentences for violation of the Harrison