Can You Overdose on LSD?

LSD, also known as acid, is a potent psychedelic drug capable of altering the way people perceive the world around them. The experience can be confusing or frightening for many people.

This guide to LSD overdose explains what happens if you take too much acid and addresses questions like can acid kill you and what to do in the event of an overdose. You’ll also learn how to connect with effective addiction treatment near you.

What Is LSD?

LSD—lysergic acid diethylamide—is a synthetic drug known for its hallucinogenic properties. It was created in 1938 by a Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann who accidentally discovered its mind-altering properties a few years later [1]. LSD is derived from a chemical found in ergot (a fungus that grows on grains).

 Acid is usually sold in the form of small paper squares called tabs, but it may also be found in gelatin squares, liquid, and capsules.

 The drug works by powerfully affecting serotonin levels in the brain [2]. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that governs mood, cognition, and perception.

 People use LSD for various reasons, including curiosity, spiritual exploration, or recreational experiences. The effects, known informally as a trip, may last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. These experiences may involve seeing vivid colors, hearing sounds differently, or feeling sensations in strange ways. Some people describe the trip as mind-opening, while others report it as confusing or terrifying.

 While LSD is not considered physically addictive, it may trigger the development of psychological dependence. The intense experience it creates may draw people back for more, increasing the risk of misuse. 

Can You Overdose on Acid?

For anyone wondering, “Can you OD on acid”, it’s possible, but it’s not the same as overdosing on substances like alcohol or opioids. Overdose occurs when someone takes too much of a substance, leading to toxic effects in the body. With LSD, taking an extremely high dose is unlikely to cause death but can result in severe physical and psychological complications.

 An overdose of LSD is rare because the drug’s toxic threshold is incredibly high. Most doses of acid are measured in micrograms—a tiny fraction of a milligram—and even large amounts are generally enough to cause fatal toxicity. That said, acid overdoses can still cause dangerous symptoms like panic attacks, psychosis, or extreme agitation. These effects can put the person or others at risk of harm, especially if in an unsafe environment.

 It’s also worth keeping in mind that LSD is not always pure and is sometimes laced with other substances that may carry even higher overdose risks. This is why taking acid can be unpredictable and possibly dangerous, even at lower doses.

How Much Acid Is Too Much?

Those taking acid usually consume doses between 50 and 200 micrograms, sufficient to produce intense but manageable effects. Taking more than this can lead to an overwhelming and potentially harmful experience.

 Research suggests that a lethal dose of acid would be roughly 14,000 micrograms, much more than someone usually consumes in a recreational setting. Even smaller doses beyond 200 micrograms, though, can amplify the drug’s effects unpredictably.

 Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell how someone will react to a high dose of acid. Variables like body weight, tolerance, and mental health can all influence the experience. Some people may handle large amounts without issue, while others may spiral into panic, paranoia, or psychosis [2]. 

What Happens if You Take Too Much LSD?

Taking too much LSD can prompt severe physical and psychological effects. While an overdose is unlikely to damage organs or cause immediate death, the consequences can still be dangerous.

 A bad trip is one of the most common outcomes of taking too much LSD. Bad trips occur when the hallucinations and altered perceptions become uncontrollable or terrifying. People on a bad trip may feel trapped in their minds, believe they are in danger, or experience intense fear.

 Physically, high doses of LSD can cause symptoms like:

• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Sweating or chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tremors or muscle tension

 Although rare, some people taking too much acid can encounter serious complications like seizures or respiratory distress. These effects are not common but may occur in those with pre-existing health conditions or those using LSD in combination with other addictive substances.

 Overdosing on LSD is associated with psychological effects like delusions or even psychosis, leaving the person unable to distinguish reality from hallucination. This state of confusion can lead to risky behaviors like wandering into traffic or harming themselves unintentionally.

 If these symptoms manifest after taking LSD, seek medical attention immediately. While most effects will wear off as the drug leaves the system, professional support will streamline recovery. Can acid kill you, then?

Can You Die from LSD?

LSD-related deaths are infrequent, but they do sometimes happen [3]. Most deaths linked to LSD are not due to the drug itself but rather the actions people take while under its influence.

 Someone having a bad trip might panic and jump from a dangerous height or run into traffic while under the influence of the drug. Others may harm themselves due to the intense fear or paranoia they experience during an overdose. These indirect risks make LSD potentially life-threatening, even if the drug isn’t directly toxic.

 There are also rare occurrences where LSD brings on fatal complications like hyperthermia (overheating), stroke, or heart attack, especially when taken in massive doses or mixed with other substances. Although this is extremely unlikely, the likelihood increases if the person has underlying medical issues or takes LSD in an unsafe environment.

 Contamination is another factor to consider—LSD sold on the black market may be laced with other drugs, some of which are far more toxic than acid. Substances like 25I-NBOMe are sometimes marketed as LSD and have been linked to fatal overdoses, even in small amounts.

 So, while the drug itself may not be directly lethal, the associated risks should not be overlooked. Acid is highly unpredictable, and its effects can vary greatly from person to person. If you or someone you care about experiences extreme symptoms while on LSD, seek medical help immediately—it could save a life.

Signs of an Acid Overdose

Common physical signs of an LSD overdose include:

• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle tremors
• Stiffness
• Fever

Psychological symptoms of acid overdose may include:

• Intense paranoia
• Fear
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations that may feel overwhelming or terrifying
• Delusions
• Psychosis
• Loss of control

 Although these symptoms might not always be life-threatening in isolation, but they can bring about dangerous situations. Someone experiencing delusions, for example, may act unpredictably, putting themselves or others at risk. If someone shows these signs after taking LSD, call for medical help right away.

Can Acid Be Laced?

Acid can be laced with other substances, which makes its use even more unpredictable and dangerous. The drug is manufactured and sold on the black market, which means there is no way to guarantee the purity or safety of the drug.

 One of the most common current dangers is the inclusion of synthetic drugs like 25I-NBOMe, which can mimic the effects of LSD [4]. These substances are even more dangerous than acid, though—even small doses of these synthetic drugs can cause heart complications, seizures, and death. Regrettably, it’s impossible to tell by appearance alone whether a tab contains pure LSD or a combination that contains a harmful substance like 25I-NBOMe.

 Beyond this, LSD may also be contaminated with other chemicals during the manufacturing process. This can raise the risk of toxic reactions, even at doses that are considered safe for LSD alone.

 To avoid these risks, it is safest to avoid consuming any Schedule I drugs like LSD. You can never be entirely sure what you’re ingesting, which dramatically increases the risk of adverse outcomes like overdose. 

Is a Bad Trip the Same as an LSD Overdose?

Bad trips and LSD overdoses sometimes share similar symptoms, but they are not the same.

 A bad trip is a distressing experience that occurs when the effects of LSD become frightening or overwhelming. Bad trips are normally characterized by:

• Intense fear
• Paranoia
• Disturbing hallucinations
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Loss of control

 Bad trips are much more common than overdoses and usually resolve once the drug’s effects wear off. That said, they can still be deeply traumatic and may lead to lasting emotional stress or anxiety.

 An LSD overdose, by contrast, involves taking a dose so high that it triggers serious physical and mental health issues. Symptoms of LSD overdose may include: 

• Extremely high blood pressure
• Seizures
• Respiratory distress
• Loss of consciousness
• Psychotic episodes

 The primary difference is that a bad trip is mainly psychological, while an overdose can involve dangerous physical complications. Both bad trips and overdoses require care and attention. In the event of an acid overdose, though, immediate medical attention is essential to prevent long-term harm or even death.

Negative Effects of LSD on the Body & Brain

LSD can have a pronounced effect on the body and the brain, with effects that depend on the dose, setting, and individual sensitivity to the drug. While many people focus on the drug’s potential to create unique and intense experiences, the risks of this Schedule I drug are impossible to ignore. Using LSD in any amount can trigger both short-term and long-term consequences, some of which can be life-threatening.

Short-Term

The short-term effects of LSD usually kick in within 90 minutes of someone taking the drug and can last for 6 to 12 hours. While many people seek out the sensory and hallucinogenic effects of acid, many experience negative side effects.

 LSD’s short-term effects are usually felt within 30 to 90 minutes of taking the drug and can last for 6 to 12 hours. While many people seek out the hallucinogenic and sensory effects, LSD can also cause negative side effects.

 Immediate physical effects associated with LSD may include:

• Dilated pupils
• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• High body temperature
• Tremors
• Muscle tension
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Chills

Psychological effects can include:

• Distorted perception of time and reality
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Extreme mood swings
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty communicating

 These effects can vary widely based on the dose, the environment, and the person’s mental state. Even at low doses, LSD can cause confusion and impair decision-making, rendering it potentially dangerous to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Long-Term

The long-term effects of LSD are less predictable and may differ from person to person. Some people may use the drug with no lingering problems, but many experience lasting challenges after taking an acid trip.

 Some of the most common long-term physical effects associated with LSD include:

•  Increased tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to deliver the initial effects [5].
• Flashbacks, clinically described as HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder), where someone re-experiences parts of their acid trip unexpectedly long after the drug has worn off.
• Sleep disturbances. 

The psychological effects triggered by LSD may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Persistent fear
• Paranoia
• Episodes of psychosis, especially in those with a history of mental health issues

 Some people also report struggling with emotional detachment or difficulty feeling connected to reality after heavy or repeated use of LSD. While these effects are not common, they show why it’s potentially dangerous and damaging to use any Schedule I drug like LSD.

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Sources

 [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/lysergic-acid-diethylamide

 [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6870484/

 [3] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1011615-overview

 [4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-07069-8

 [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128002124000790