Question: Is there any way to predict how I will react to taking LSD? Response: The effects of LSD are unpredictable. They depend on the amount taken, the user's personality, mood and expectations, and the surrounding in which the drug is used.

Usually, the user feels the first effects of the drug 30-90 minutes after taking it.

These effects include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.

Sensations and feelings change much more dramatically than the physical signs.

The user may feel several different emotions at once or swing rapidly from one emotion to another.

Depending on the dose, the drug can produce delusions and visual hallucinations, which can be frightening and cause panic.

Users refer to their experience with these acute adverse reactions as a "bad trip,'' and the effects typically last for about twelve hours.

Terrifying thoughts and feelings, fear of insanity and death, injuries, and fatal accidents have occurred during states of LSD intoxication. Anyone can experience a bad trip and there is no way to predict what your own experience will be.

Question: I've heard that hallucinogens aren't even addictive. So what's the big deal? Response: LSD does not produce compulsive drug seeking behaviour like cocaine, alcohol, or nicotine, but LSD produces tolerance, so that users who take the drug repeatedly must take progressively higher and higher doses in order to achieve the same state of intoxication.

Given the unpredictability of the drug, it can result in increased risk of convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, and even death.

DRUGS DGS