Can You Overdose on LSD (Acid)?

Can You Overdose on LSD?

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD or acid) overdose is possible but unlikely. Individuals would have to consume contaminated or incredibly high doses of LSD to trigger an overdose.¹ Research shows about 1,000 times the standard dose of LSD produces an overdose. This amount is astronomical compared to a 10-microgram “microdose” or full 100-microgram dose.² However, overdosing on LSD is only one complication associated with hallucinogenic drugs.

LSD Overdose Symptoms

Symptoms of an LSD overdose and toxicity may begin gradually and be challenging to identify. The drastic effects on the body and the mind become more apparent with time. Symptoms vary depending on the person, but showing just one or two of side effects could indicate a severe reaction to LSD.

Symptoms of an LSD overdose or LSD toxicity include:³

• High anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Self-injury and harm
• Suicidal thoughts and actions
• Homicidal thoughts and actions
• Feeling of losing control
• Extreme depression
• Pupil dilation
• Higher blood pressure
• Quicker heartbeat
• Feeling flushed and sweating
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Being drowsy or unable to sleep
• Shakiness
• Weakness
• Poor appetite
• Overactive reflexes

A severe and significant acid overdose can result in:³

• Stopped breathing
• Blood clotting issues
• Brain hemorrhage
• Cardiac distress
• Coma
• Seizures

Can LSD Kill You?

In some cases, LSD can kill you. Accidental ingestion can result in fatal consequences and overdose. If you notice LSD overdose symptoms in yourself or a loved one, contact medical support or call 9-1-1 immediately.

LSD Overdose Vs. a “Bad Trip”

A “bad trip” is a phrase used to describe a negative encounter with LSD or another hallucinogen. Typically, a person may use these substances to experience heightened sensory awareness, perceptual changes, or a sense of mental clarity. A bad acid trip presents an unwanted set of effects.⁴

Individuals cannot predict or prevent bad trips when using LSD. A person with positive past experiences can still negatively react to LSD in the future. Bad trips can leave the person feeling mentally unwell for extended periods due to a host of scary, frightening, and anxiety-provoking results.

Symptoms of a bad trip on LSD may include:^3,4

• Unsettling hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Intense anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Confusion
• Verbal aggression
• Violence

Risk Factors for LSD Overdose

An LSD overdose is highly dependent on the amount of drug taken. Since the dose must be so high, individual differences or previous experiences will be less impactful. The purity of the drug is another critical factor. Some psychedelic drugs may contain fentanyl, an incredibly potent drug with a high risk of overdose. In this situation, the person could overdose on fentanyl, not LSD.¹

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Taking LSD?

Consistent or high-dose LSD use can create several long-term effects. These conditions may take time to reduce or, in some instances, be permanent.

Long-term effects of LSD use may include:

Hallucinogen-Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is a condition where people who are not intoxicated experience the effects of LSD. People with HPPD note flashbacks from LSD intoxication with hallucinations and other perceptual changes.^{1, 3}

Symptoms of HPPD could last for years and impact the ability to function. Individuals may feel disconnected from reality and disorganized, making work, academic performance, and relationships seem impossible.

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is another possible effect of LSD use, especially for those taking medications or other substances that interact with serotonin. Serotonin syndrome from LSD use can trigger symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, and bodily changes that can develop quickly or over time.¹ In either case, ending LSD use will typically restore serotonin levels.

Drug-Induced Psychosis

LSD and other hallucinogens can produce numerous substance-induced mental health conditions, such as drug-induced psychosis. Hallucinogen-induced psychosis occurs when drugs like LSD trigger psychosis. Psychotic symptoms, including delusional thinking and hallucinations, can be permanent, even after LSD use ceases.⁵

When to Seek Help for LSD Use

Unlike alcohol, opioids, and sedatives, LSD does not typically lead to addiction. Though some hallucinogens can be habit-forming, unwanted effects or complications from acid tend to reduce the risk of repeated use.¹

LSD addiction and dependence symptoms may occur separately. People may not become fully dependent on LSD but could develop a tolerance for the drug, requiring larger doses over time to create desired LSD effects.¹

Therapy Treatments for LSD Misuse

It is never too early or late for addiction treatment. Someone who recently had a “bad trip” or an LSD overdose may prioritize treatment. Addiction recovery may begin as long as the individual abstains from further use, and therapy is often the primary form of treatment.

In-person and online therapy options will be similar throughout recovery. Treatments should begin with a thorough evaluation from a mental health expert to fully understand the interaction between clients’ thoughts, feelings, and symptoms. Not all therapy options will be ideal for every situation, so combined treatment methods may yield the most promising response. Anyone interested in finding a new therapist should consider using an online therapy directory.

Therapy for managing LSD addiction or dependence may include:^5,6

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a common and effective treatment for various mental health, physical health, and addiction issues. This treatment works by understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence lives. CBT sessions will focus on building more effective coping skills for managing stress throughout LSD addiction recovery.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT can help people manage their drug-related behaviors by building coping skills related to mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication.
• Motivational interviewing (MI): MI aims to increase internal motivation for change and goal completion by illustrating the separation between goals and actions.
• Contingency management (CM): CM works to increase motivation for change through external validation. Clients receive rewards for engaging in recovery-focused and sober activities.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): In ACT, a person learns to accept aspects of life and commits to changing their thinking patterns or actions to improve the present moment.
• Family therapy: Family therapy can help by increasing communication skills and improving relationships to lower stress and improve protective factors for the individual in treatment.

In My Experience

In my experience, LSD overdose is a rare but dangerous situation. Since people must consume tremendous doses of LSD to overdose, there could be another substance, like fentanyl, that produces the dangerous effects. “Bad trips” are not overdoses, but they present a greater risk to people using LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and other hallucinogens. Though opinions of psychedelics are changing as experts explore clinical uses, no one should attempt to self-medicate their mental health conditions with LSD. Seeking mental health treatment is always the best option.