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Medically reviewed by Giordano Novak, University of São Paulo on April 3rd 2022
LSD is a hallucinogenic drug, and it can produce powerful psychedelic effects that create hallucinations and feelings of euphoria and can give you bursts of energy.
But what about taking LSD and SSRI medication? Is LSD actually a depressant?
It’s true that LSD can have antidepressant properties, namely in the way it interacts with the serotonin receptors in the body.
However, a lot more research needs to be undertaken. Additionally, you should try to avoid mixing SSRIs and LSD and practice caution.
In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about what LSD is, how SSRIs work, and the ways in which LSD has the potential as an antidepressant in the future.
Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD or Acid, is a hallucinogenic drug. It was first synthesized in 1938 from ergotamine tartrate; a CHEMICAL derived from the fungus that grows on rye grain.
The effects of LSD are strong and can be unpredictable for each individual user. It produces powerful psychedelic effects that create PHYSICAL and mental sensations, as well as hallucinations.
Pro Tip: LSD is a semisynthetic drug because it is produced in a laboratory setting, but it is derived from natural ingredients.
It is NOT considered to be a depressant like alcohol or benzodiazepines, which slow down the activity of the central nervous system [2]. Instead, LSD is classified as a hallucinogen.
No, LSD is not addictive. It does not create physical dependence and is not known to cause cravings or withdrawal symptoms like other substances.
However, this does not mean that LSD is completely safe for use, and it should still be used with caution.
Prolonged use of LSD can lead to developing tolerance, meaning that users will need to take higher doses of the drug for the same effects to be felt.
There is also the risk of those who already have mental health issues developing Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), and it has the potential to worsen conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This can lead to an INCREASED risk of side effects and can put people at a greater risk of having a bad trip, which is when users experience unpleasant feelings or thoughts while on LSD.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, more commonly known as SSRIs, are a group of medications that help to treat depression.
They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve mood and regulate emotions. SSRIs are often prescribed for people who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) or anxiety disorders.
No, SSRIs are not addictive. When taken as prescribed, they usually DO NOT cause cravings like other substances that are considered to be addictive.
However, SSRIs can have withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped suddenly, so it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to your medication.
The withdrawal can be difficult to go through and heighten side effects like suicidal thoughts.
There is still a lot of debate and research to be done, but many experts believe that LSD could have antidepressant properties. This is because it interacts with the serotonin receptors in the brain, much like SSRIs do [1].
Pro Tip: It has also been shown to react with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are one of the serotonin receptors.
However, it’s important to note that there is very little scientific evidence to suggest that LSD can treat depression or anxiety.
Studies are still in the very EARLY stages, and while it appears promising in small amounts, don’t look at it to cure your mental health issues yet.
The big issue is ensuring the safety of these drugs. In the correct dosage, hallucinogenic and psychedelic drugs are very WELL TOLERATED and have minimal risks of side effects. Instead, these potential risks are minimal and tend to include:
These side effects are actually LESS severe than those of most antidepressants [3], which can cause:
This is in ADDITION to standard nausea, vomiting, and dizziness that usually come with prescribed and approved antidepressants.
Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition where too much serotonin builds up in the brain, causing a wide range of symptoms, including:
When it comes to psychedelics and SSRIs, there is a potential for serotonin syndrome to occur. This is due to the fact that BOTH of these substances increase serotonin levels in the brain.
This happens when antidepressant medications and LSD are taken in the incorrect dosages – usually far too much – and it not only makes mental health conditions WORSE, but it can also impact the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal, and any antidepressant drugs that INCREASE serotonin should be avoided with LSD. Clinical trials have shown the severity of the syndrome and the effects of antidepressant medication with LSD [5].
The short answer is no. It’s not recommended that you take LSD while on SSRIs, as the two could interact in an unpredictable way [4].
Pro Tip: Mixing LSD and antidepressants can lead to wandering. This causes the person to stray mindlessly for extended periods of time, which can be exceptionally dangerous.
There have been some reports of people experiencing WORSENED symptoms while taking both LSD and an SSRI together, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using them together.
These symptoms include:
If you want to buy LSD online in Canada, we’re here to help. Our chosen seller is reliable and trustworthy, with an excellent reputation so that you know you’re ALWAYS getting pure acid that hasn’t been tampered with. But is purity really an issue?
Bad sellers and dealers will often cut costs by LACING their products with chemicals and filler ingredients that alter the integrity and purity of LSD.
These additional ingredients can have an adverse effect on your mind and body, even leading to poisoning in some cases.
This is why it’s important to be SMART when you’re buying acid, and you should always purchase it from reputable sources.
In conclusion, LSD and SSRIs can interact in an unpredictable way. While LSD appears to have some potential antidepressant properties due to its INTERACTION with serotonin receptors, it’s not a depression treatment yet despite what evidence suggests.
It’s important to avoid taking LSD while on SSRIs as it could have a negative effect on your mind and body.
The potential drug interactions could lead to a really BAD trip, and further research is needed to determine what all the outcomes could be.
1: Lim A. Psychedelics as Antidepressants. Scientific American. Published January 30, 2021. Accessed December 31, 2022. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/psychedelics-as-antidepressants/
2: Baumeister D, Barnes G, Giaroli G, Tracy D. Classical hallucinogens as antidepressants? A review of pharmacodynamics and putative clinical roles. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2014;4(4):156-169. doi:10.1177/2045125314527985
3: What are the real risks of antidepressants? – Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Published March 19, 2019. Accessed December 31, 2022. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-are-the-real-risks-of-antidepressants
4: Goldman S, Galarneau D, Friedman R. New Onset LSD Flashback Syndrome Triggered by the Initiation of SSRIs. The Ochsner journal. 2007;7(1):37-39. Accessed December 31, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096346/
5: Singh A, Puskoor S, Saunders R. PROLONGED LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLMIDE INDUCED SEROTONIN SYNDROME. Chest. 2019;156(4):A2132. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2019.08.2076
6: Psychiatry Online. (n.d.). The American Journal of Psychiatry. Available at: https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010035
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