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TYPES OF PSYCHEDELICS

Classification

Psychedelics can be classified in many ways, but generally speaking effects are correlated with the structure of the molecule. While one class of psychedelics is the subject of most of the research and promise in this area, two other, very distinct classes will be discussed, with a fourth included simply for completeness. Note that the term classic psychedelic technically refers to any of DMT, LSD, Psilocybin, and Mescaline, all but the last of which are serotonergic in nature.

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SEROTONERGIC

DMT

LSD

Psilocybin

1P-LSD

AL-LAD

ETH-LAD

4-AcO-DMT

LSA

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So-called because of their similarity to serotonin, which was a late evolutionary addition to mammal biology (relatively speaking compared to the more robust dopamine reward system). This class encompasses three of the classic psychedelics (DMT, LSD, and Psilocybin). These compounds act on a receptor called 5-HT2A (wherein 5-HT is serotonin, with this receptor being receptor 2A). This receptor, under normal circumstances, performs normal functions associated with cognition, and works with other receptors to aid in memory and the regulation of bodily functions. When stimulated by serotonergic psychedelics, this receptor (as well as some others) produce the archetypal psychedelic effects.

CATECHOLAMINERGIC

Mescaline

MDA

MDAI

MDMA

DOx

2C-x

Following this naming convention, catecholaminergic substances mimic the effects of catecholamines. These are chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are associated with reward and energy. When combined with the serotonin-like qualities of these substances, the result is a "stimulant hallucinogen", or in some cases, a stimulant with "empathogenic" qualities. Empathogenic substances enhance the brain's capacity for empathy.

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The classic catecholamine psychedelic is MDMA. MDMA causes the brain to release more serotonin and dopamine by blocking the pathway that allows these neurotransmitters to be broken down.

 

Note that "ecstasy" and "molly" generally contain a mix of pure MDMA and other substances designed to turn the generally introspective and emotional experience of pure MDMA into a more stimulating party-style experience.

DISSOCIATIVES

Ketamine

DXM

GHB

MXE

PCP

Ibogaine

Dissociative medications are also called NMDA receptor antagonists as they act on and block this receptor, decreasing non-essential communication between the brain the body. Dissociative compounds generally follow a dose-dependent response leading to increasing levels of motor and sensory impairment and increasing dissociation.

KAPPA AGONISTS

Salvinorin A

Kappa agonists like Salvia (Salvinorin A) work by overstimulating an opioid receptor responsible for mood (particularly dysphoria), wakefulness, and pain response. This overstimulation produces intense hallucinations via a poorly-understood mechanism. This class of drugs shows the least therapeutic potential at this time. but further research into the subject may yield potential.

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