Hallucinogens are a class of drugs and naturally occurring substances that are credited with causing the appearance of hallucinations, according to Drugs.com's report on drug dependence. Common hallucinogens include mescaline, mushrooms, LSD and PCP. In addition to one-time effects, hallucinogens can cause more extensive side effects on the body over time, making awareness of the potential health consequences important prior to use.
Dependence
According to Drugs.com and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a major side effect of hallucinogens is dependence on the drugs. For hallucinogenic drugs, the primary form of dependence isn't physical. Instead, the drugs contribute to a psychological dependence on the effects of the drugs. The National Institute On Drug Abuse notes that not all hallucinogens are equally addicting, pointing out the LSD is not considered to be an addictive drug. However, the Institute goes on to note that the development of tolerance requires increased dosages, a trait of dependence.
Flashbacks
Users of hallucinogens, particularly LSD, may experience flashbacks to the hallucinogenic experience for as much as a year after their last usage, according to the National Institute On Drug Abuse. Flashbacks generally arrive without warning and take users back to experiences or images from their time under the influence.
Altered Heart Rates
Drugs.com notes in their report on LSD that the drug has the power to alter heart rates and the National Institute On Drug Abuse extends this conclusion to the entire class of hallucinogens. Increased heart rates are more common, but the National Institute On Drug Abuse notes that PCP can cause pulse drops at high doses.
"Bad Trips"
A host of side effects of hallucinogens are lumped into the category of "bad trips" to describe negative experiences with the substances. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that hallucinogens are highly unpredictable and that some symptoms of a bad trip can mimic schizophrenic episodes or lead to severe mood disturbances that may lead users to seek emergency care for anxiety or panic. This is especially true for PCP users, who experience the greatest level of negative side effects.
Hallucinogen-Induced Persisting Perceptual Disorder
Hallucinogen-induced persisting perceptual disorder, abbreviated as HPPD, is a lingering side effect of hallucinogen use, as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The condition is an advancement of flashbacks that hallucinogens can cause, and former users earn the diagnosis when the flashbacks become so severe as to interfere with regular daily living.
