Can You Overdose On LSD? The Shocking Truth

How Much LSD To Overdose?

Compared to a lot of drugs, LSD is relatively safe when ingested on its own in doses under 200 micrograms. Can you overdose on LSD? Yes. It takes more than 1,000 micrograms of LSD to overdose, sometimes less, depending on the user’s physical tolerance to the drug.

LSD is not considered an addictive drug—that is, it does not produce compulsive drug-seeking behavior as cocaine, heroin, and meth effects do. However, LSD users may develop tolerance to the drug. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), often called acid, is an illicit hallucinogenic drug that affects your perceptions for several hours.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) belongs to schedule I drugs. Schedule I substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for substance abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are heroin, marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote. [1]

LSD Overdose Symptoms

Can you overdose on LSD? Yes. According to Healthline, while LSD overdoses are rare, it’s important to remember that drugs aren’t always accurately labeled or manufactured in a sterile environment. In other cases, they could be contaminated with something that has a higher chance of causing an overdose. [2]

Experiencing any of the following after taking LSD would be a good indicator that it’s time to call for emergency help:

• Frequent vomiting
• Uncontrollable bowel movements
• Symptoms of psychosis
• Fever
• Unconsciousness
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

The diagnosis of LSD intoxication is clinical. A thorough history and physical requires emphasis. In complicated cases, coagulation studies and serum electrolytes should be obtained, especially when seizures are present or neuroleptic malignant syndrome is suspected. Imaging studies are warranted to rule out other diagnoses. Electrocardiography is appropriate to evaluate tachycardias, bradycardias, and other arrhythmias, not necessarily caused by LSD itself, but possibly from congestion with other potent stimulants, such as MDMA.

Can you overdose on LSD and is it detectable? Yes. Any routine drug test does not detect the substance. However, a recent study in 2015 by Dolder et al. sought to quantify LSD and its main metabolite, 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD (abbreviated as O-H-LSD), in the serum, as well as in urine samples, primarily in the emergency setting. Their methods were both accurate and precise in quantifying the expected concentrations in subjects intoxicated by LSD, but their approach has not found wide adoption in clinical settings. [3]

LSD Overdose Death

It might be possible to experience an LSD overdose (defined as ingesting enough of the drug to cause toxicity or death), but it’s incredibly rare. Still, that doesn’t mean that it’s always safe to consume large doses of LSD.

Can you overdose on LSD? Yes. The prognosis is generally favorable in patients presenting under the influence of LSD, provided the exclusion of other diagnoses and no complications arise. Since treatment is primarily supportive, as long as the clinical staff follows the treatment recommendations provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the expectation is for quality outcomes. [4]

If LSD overdoses are so few and far between, what’s behind the deaths linked to LSD? If you see someone or know someone that doesn’t seem to be experiencing an overdose but is very agitated or seems like they might harm themselves or others, get them to a safe environment and stay with them while you call for help.

LSD Overdose Treatment

Treatment of LSD toxicity or overdose is mainly supportive. Autonomic symptoms require symptomatic treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published protocols for improving treatment for patients under the influence of or withdrawing from specific substances in a 2006 update.

For hallucinogenic toxicity, the recommendation is to provide a quiet environment for the patient, preferably free from external stimuli, and to provide direct one-to-one supervision to ensure the patient does not cause any harm, whether it is self-harm or harm to others. The guidelines also state that a low dose of a benzodiazepine may be indicated in some cases for control of anxiety.

Can you overdose on LSD? Yes. Fortunately, there are treatments available. Individuals who have taken large doses of LSD are at risk for residual psychotic symptoms and are therefore managed with antipsychotic drugs if symptoms manifest and persist. [5]

Addicted To LSD

LSD Addiction Treatment

Can you overdose on LSD? Yes. Generally, taking any illicit substance is dangerous. Given the illegality of LSD and other Hallucinogens, there is a high potential for dealers to lace them with other drugs like fentanyl drugs, ketamine, or meth. These adulterants are not only highly addictive but may cause a fatal drug overdose.

How long do the effects of LSD last and how it can harm you? Tolerance and dependency develop during the course of repeat cycles of abuse as a number of physiological adaptations to hallucinogen use and residual changes in the brain and central nervous system functions take place. Some of the effects are dramatic leading to severe depression and other emotional, cognitive, psychomotor, and behavioral or personality disorders that are difficult to reverse.

We Level Up addiction counselors will discuss the average cost of the program based on the personalized treatment that works best for you.