Management overview for novel hallucinogenic drug poisoning
Novel hallucinogenic drugs are designed to mimic established hallucinogenic drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). These drugs are accessible over the internet and ‘darknet’1.
Hallucinogenic drugs are divided into dissociative and psychedelic drugs—see Drug examples and effects of hallucinogenic drugs for the most common hallucinogenic drugs. Novel hallucinogenic drugs are constantly emerging, but established psychedelic hallucinogenic drugs (eg LSD) are still commonly used.
Management of novel hallucinogenic drug poisoning is supportive care, aiming to prevent the serious complications of serotonergic toxidrome and sympathomimetic toxidrome. Complicating factors in treatment include the diverse and nonspecific symptoms of acute intoxication, frequent ingestion of multiple recreational drugs, and the drug(s) taken often not being what they were purported to be.