Effects of hallucinogenic drugs on the human heart
Dhein, S., Gergs, U., Hofmann, B., Kirchhefer, U., Neumann, J.
This review (2024) outlines the effects of various hallucinogenic drugs on the human heart (contraction force & heart rate). These drugs, including bufotenin, psilocin, psilocybin, LSD, ergotamine, ergometrine, DMT, & 5-MeO-DMT, primarily stimulate serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, leading to their hallucinogenic effects. However, they also impact the heart, potentially increasing cardiac contractility and heart rate, which could predispose individuals to arrhythmias.
Abstract
Hallucinogenic drugs are used because they have effects on the central nervous system. Their hallucinogenic effects probably occur via stimulation of serotonin receptors, namely, 5-HT2A-serotonin receptors in the brain. However, a close study reveals that they also act on the heart, possibly increasing the force of contraction and beating rate and may lead to arrhythmias. Here, we will review the inotropic and chronotropic actions of bufotenin, psilocin, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ergotamine, ergometrine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in the human heart.