Health effects

Short-term effects
LSD produces many physical and psychological negative short and long-term consequences; effects usually begin within 30-90 minutes after administration. The effects of LSD are unpredictable and vary between people and from occasion to occasion. Factors include:

• The person's size, weight and health
• the surroundings in which the drug is used
• the user's personality, mood and expectations
• the dosage taken.

Short-term effects include:

• irregular or rapid heart beat,
• irregular breathing
• distorted sensory perceptions, body images, emotions and sense of space and time
• dilated pupils
• nausea and loss of appetite,
• sleeplessness
• dry mouth
• chills, hot and cold flushes
• shaking and abdominal discomfort
• poor coordination
• laughter
• paranoia, confusion and acute panic.

Bad Trip and come down
The effects of LSD can be very unpredictable. A person on LSD, who becomes depressed, agitated or confused, or who is in this state of mind before use, is prone to experience these feelings in an overwhelming manner.

The experience of a bad trip can be very unpleasant. Typical effects include spiders crawling on the skin, losing control of emotions, feelings of "going crazy". Panic can lead to risky behaviour such as running across a busy street or jumping from heights.

Usually the negative effects disappear after the drug wears off. However it has been known for users to experience hallucinations, bizarre behaviours and paranoia for several days after using the drug. Occasionally these effects can last weeks, months, or even years.

The most common adverse reaction (extreme bad trip) is a temporary (less than 24 hours) episode of panic. Symptoms include frightening hallucinations, anxiety, depression with suicidal thoughts and aggression with the potential to act violently

Reactions that are prolonged (days, months) and/or require hospitalisation are often referred to as "LSD psychosis". Both LSD psychosis and bad trips can affect first time and long time users, although these are more common in people with a history of mental health issues, who use other drugs, or who were not in a calm mindset and environment during administration.

Long-term effects
Flashbacks are a common long-term effect and can occur days, weeks or even years after using the drug. Some people re-experience the effects. Flash backs can be sparked off by the use of other drugs, stress, fatigue, or physical exercise. They are usually visual and can last a minute or two. There is some evidence that heavy use of LSD can impair a users memory and concentration. Using LSD may increase the risk of certain people developing severe mental disturbances.