Deliriant

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Deliriants are a class of hallucinogen. The term was introduced by David F. Duncan and Robert S. Gold to distinguish these drugs from psychedelics and dissociatives, such as LSD and ketamine respectively, due to their primary effect of causing delirium, as opposed to the more lucid states produced by other hallucinogens (psychedelics and dissociatives).[1] The term is generally used to refer to anticholinergic drugs.

Effects

The delirium produced is characterized by stupor, confusion, confabulation, and regression to "phantom" behaviors such as disrobing and plucking.[2] Other commonly reported behaviors include holding full conversations with imagined people, finishing a complex, multi-stage action (such as getting dressed) and then suddenly discovering one had not even begun yet, and being unable to recognize one's own reflection in a mirror.[citation needed]

The effects have been linked to sleepwalking, a fugue state or a psychotic episode (particularly in that the subject has minimal control over their actions and little to no recall of the experience). This is a notable departure from the effects of serotonergic psychedelics.

Naturally occurring deliriants are found in plant species such as Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), various Brugmansia species (Angel's Trumpets), Datura stramonium (Jimson weed), Hyoscyamus niger (henbane), and Mandragora officinarum (mandrake) in the form of tropane alkaloids (notably atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine). Synthetic compounds such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) are also deliriants. Uncured tobacco is also a deliriant due to its very high nicotine content, resulting in a delirious hallucinogenic intoxication[citation needed]. Uncured tobacco was once used in entheogenic ceremonies by Native Americans.[citation needed]

Recreational use

Despite the fully legal status of several common deliriant plants, deliriants are largely unpopular as recreational drugs due to the severe and unpleasant nature of the hallucinations produced.[3]

User reports of recreational deliriant usage on the Erowid website generally indicate a firm unwillingness to repeat the experience.[4] In addition to their potentially dangerous mental effects (accidents during deliriant experiences are common)[5] some tropane alkaloids are poisonous and can cause death due to tachycardia-induced heart failure and hyperthermia even in small doses.[6] Other physical effects include intense and painful drying of the eyes and mucous membranes, as well as a pronounced dilation of the pupils which can last for several days resulting in sensitivity to light, blurry vision and inability to read.[citation needed]

Mythology

Deliriants such as henbane, mandrake, and Jimson weed are featured in many stories in European mythology, often in association with witches and magic.[citation needed]

Classes of deliriants

See also

References

  1. Duncan, D. F., and Gold, R. S. (1982). Drugs and the Whole Person. New York: John Wiley & Sons
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  3. Grinspoon, Lester and Bakalar, James B. (1997). Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered. The Lindesmith Center
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External links