LSD (for Chemistry Class) :: essays papers

lysergic acid diethylamide (for Chemistry Class)Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)LSD), a potent psychotropic drug, also called a psychedelic, offset synthesized from lysergic acid in Switzerland in l038. Lysergic acidis a white odorless drug, a component of the mold of ERGOT. Ergot is aproduct of the fungus Claviceps purpurea. Th e bio-active ingredients ofergot are all derivatives of lysergic acid. LSD is a semi-syntheticderivative of lysergic acid. Thus LSD is an ergot - like substance. Thedrug evokes dreamlike changes in clime and thought and emasculates theperception of time and space. It can also create a feeling of lack of self-control andextreme terror. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) also goes by name likeacid, sugar, Blotter, Sugar Cubes, Blue Unicorn, Acid, Cid, Sid, BartSimpsons, Barrels, Tabs, Blotter, Heaven ly blue, L, liquid liquid,Microdots, Mind detergent, Orange cubes, Orange micro, Owsley, WeddingBells, windowpane, etc. LSD is very potent the impelling do se is measured in micrograms(ug) -- however, the lethal dose is literally thousands of times that,making the drug essentially non-toxic. LSD is non-addictive, and therehave been only a few cases of possible overdose where people ingested extremely large amounts of the drug (Alan et al.,1978 Griggs et al,. 1977). LSD can be administered a number of ways, themost common by word of mouth though paper, sugar cubes, on a piece of gelatin, orby pill intravenously or intramu scularly. A standard dose withnoticeable hallucinogenic effects is about 100-200 ug. The intensity ofthe trip is proportional to the size of the dose-- it is interesting tonote, though, that the duration of the trip seems to stay the same athigher dos es (Freedman, 1984). Physical effects include drowsiness,dizziness, dilated pupils, numbness and tingling, weakness, tremors, andnausea. Transient abnormal thinking induced by LSD, such as a sense ofomnipotence or a state of acute paranoia, can result in dangerousbehavi or. Long-term adverse reactions such as persistent psychosis,prolonged depression, or faulty mind have also been reported followingLSD ingestion but whether these are a direct result of ingestion isdifficult to establish. Althoug h LSD is not physiologically addicting,the drugs potent mind-altering effects can lead to chronic use. In the1960s LSD use was widespread among people who sought to alter andintensify their physical senses to achieve supposed insights into theunive rse, nature, and themselves and to intensify emotional connectionswith others. The drug has been tried as a treatment for infantile autism,for alcoholism, and to accelerate psychotherapy, but no medical use hasbeen established.