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The mechanism of action of LSD

LSD as therapy

LSD is the strongest psychedelic

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is considered one of the most powerful psychedelics because of its potency, duration and effects. Here are several reasons why the action of LSD is considered the strongest of all known psychedelics:

  1. Potency: LSD is highly potent and can have a very powerful effect at doses of just a few micrograms (µg). For example, a typical dose of LSD is around 100-200 µg, whereas the effects of psilocybin are usually felt at doses of 10-30 mg and DMT at doses of 10-60 mg. This means that LSD is roughly 500 times more potent than psilocybin and DMT.
  2. Trip duration: LSD trips can last up to 12 hours, whereas psilocybin and DMT usually have a shorter duration. This prolonged effect can make the LSD experience deeper and more intense than that of other psychedelics.
  3. Effects: LSD is known for its ability to produce very intense and complex visual, mental and emotional effects. These effects can vary greatly from person to person. The most common effects consist of changes in perception, increased introspection, mystical experiences and strong emotional responses. These intense effects make LSD a unique and potentially overwhelming experience.

The reason LSD has a strong effect and a long duration is that LSD fits into the same receptors as DMT and psilocybin, but because of the shape of the molecule, it does not come out easily. Furthermore, the liver breaks down LSD in a slow manner and these breakdown products are excreted via the urine. This is different from DMT and psilocybin.

The mechanism of action of LSD

LSD acts on receptors in the brain

The effects that are produced are primarily related to the serotonergic receptors. These 5-HT receptors are distributed throughout the brain, and the binding of LSD to these receptors alters signal transduction in the brain. LSD has an affinity for these receptors:

  1. 5-HT2A receptorLSD binds primarily to this receptor, which is involved in regulating perception, cognition, emotion and consciousness. Stimulation of this receptor by LSD can lead to changes in visual perception, intensification of emotions and alterations in consciousness. It can also increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, which can lead to changes in thinking and the sense of connection with the environment.
  2. 5-HT1A receptor: LSD can also bind to this receptor, which is involved in regulating anxiety, depression and mood. Stimulation of this receptor can lead to a reduction in anxiety and depression, although it is not clear to what extent LSD stimulates this receptor.
  3. Other 5-HT receptors: LSD can also stimulate the 5-HT1D, 5-HT5A and 5-HT6 receptors. Although the exact effects of this stimulation are not yet fully understood, it may be related to the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of LSD.

More glutamate and BDNF as a result of LSD

Aside from the effects a person can perceive, the chemical messengers in the brain change during the use of psychedelics such as LSD, DMT or psilocybin. Due to increased stimulation at the 5-HT2a receptor, more glutamate and BDNF are released.

Glutamate

Glutamate is the most important excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and plays a crucial role in communication between nerve cells. When more glutamate is released, this can lead to increased synaptic plasticity and the formation of new synapses between nerve cells. This in turn can lead to improved cognitive functions, such as learning, memory and information processing. However, a shortage of glutamate is rare and is typically only measured in neurological or psychiatric disorders.

BDNF

BDNF is a neurotrophin that promotes the growth and survival of nerve cells. It is often considered an important factor in neuroplasticity and can help to strengthen synapses between nerve cells. When more BDNF is released in the brain, this can lead to improved cognitive functions and the brain's ability to process new information and learn. BDNF is also associated with the protection of neurones against degeneration and the promotion of neurogenesis, or the growth of new nerve cells.

The mechanism of action of LSD

All in all, the release of glutamate and BDNF in the brain can lead to improved cognitive functions and the brain's ability to adapt to new environments and situations. For example, this can be beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as depression, where reduced synaptic plasticity and BDNF levels have been observed.

The adjacent image shows the mechanism of how psychedelics affect neurochemistry and neurotransmission. BDNF plays a significant role in treating depression, particularly in men, but also in women. Higher levels of BDNF and glutamate could theoretically offer relief from symptoms in some neurodegenerative conditions such as MS and Parkinson's.

BDNF info

The LSD experience

The experience someone has on LSD depends on the person using it, the circumstances and, most importantly, the dosage. A very low dose of LSD will produce little to no change, whereas a dose of 200 micrograms can produce a full trip. The higher the dosage, the greater the effects will be and with it the trip level.

LSD session as therapy

Are you curious about how we use LSD sessions as therapy? Then take a look at one of the pages below.

LSD session
LSD therapy