LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic substance that affects not only the mind but also the body. While most people associate LSD with its intense mental and perceptual effects—such as vivid hallucinations, distorted time, and heightened emotions—its physical impact is equally significant. Although LSD is not considered physically addictive and does not cause direct damage to organs or bodily systems, it can trigger a variety of physical responses that are often surprising and sometimes unsettling. In this article, we’ll explore the key physical effects of LSD, from changes in heart rate to shifts in body temperature and muscle coordination.
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
One of the first physical responses to LSD is a noticeable increase in heart rate and blood pressure. LSD stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. This stimulation can lead to tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate) and a rise in blood pressure. For some users, this can be a source of anxiety, as the physical symptoms of an increased heart rate may be perceived as a sign of impending danger, which can heighten the overall experience of fear or panic.
Although these effects are generally not life-threatening for healthy individuals, they can be concerning, especially for people with pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure. The combination of physical changes and mental anxiety can contribute to a negative experience, also known as a “bad trip.” As the body metabolizes LSD, these effects usually subside after several hours, though the intensity of the experience can vary from person to person.
Changes in Body Temperature and Sweating
LSD Effects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to fluctuations in body heat. Some users report feeling unusually warm, while others experience chills or cold sweats. This disruption in temperature regulation can make users feel physically uncomfortable and may contribute to feelings of restlessness or discomfort during the trip.
The sweat response can be intense, especially when the person is experiencing heightened emotions or anxiety. Sweating can range from a mild, clammy feeling to more extreme perspiration. This effect can be exacerbated by the individual’s environment, as a warm or humid setting can make these sensations feel more pronounced.
Dilated Pupils
One of the most noticeable physical effects of LSD is pupil dilation. Under normal circumstances, the pupils adjust to changes in light levels in a predictable way. However, when under the influence of LSD, the pupils expand (dilate) and remain dilated even in bright light. This effect is a result of LSD’s impact on the brain’s serotonin receptors, particularly in the areas that control the autonomic nervous system, which governs automatic functions like pupil constriction and dilation.
Dilated pupils are often one of the most visible signs that someone is under the influence of a psychedelic. This can make the eyes appear unusually large or intense, and people may also report changes in visual perception, such as enhanced colors or more vivid details, due to the heightened sensitivity of the eyes.
Muscle Tension and Coordination Changes
LSD can affect motor coordination and muscle control, causing a range of physical responses in the body. Some users report feeling as though their muscles are stiff or tense, while others may feel more relaxed. This muscle tension can be particularly noticeable in the face, jaw, or neck. A common effect of this tension is “jaw clenching,” which may lead to discomfort or soreness in the jaw muscles.
Additionally, LSD can impair fine motor coordination and balance, leading to a feeling of unsteadiness or difficulty controlling one’s movements. Some users may experience difficulty walking, speaking clearly, or performing tasks that require precise coordination, while others may feel a sense of lightness or buoyancy, making movement seem effortless. This altered sense of coordination is generally temporary and resolves as the effects of the drug wear off.
Increased Sensory Sensitivity
While the physical effects of LSD are often subtle compared to its powerful psychological effects, one of the most noticeable bodily responses is an increased sensitivity to sensory input. Sounds may become more vivid, textures may feel more pronounced, and visual stimuli may be more intense. This heightened sensitivity to the environment can make ordinary sensations feel more pleasurable, but it can also make the body more sensitive to discomfort.
For example, a slight breeze or touch can feel intensely pleasurable, while a scratchy fabric or uncomfortable position may seem overwhelming or painful. This heightened sensitivity is a result of LSD’s effects on the brain’s sensory processing centers, which are overstimulated during the trip. As the senses become more attuned to minute details, the body may respond with stronger physical sensations, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant.
Nausea and Digestive Issues
Another common physical effect of LSD is nausea, particularly during the onset of the trip. Some users experience mild stomach discomfort, a sensation of queasiness, or an upset stomach. This may be related to the way LSD affects the serotonin system, as serotonin is also involved in regulating gastrointestinal function. In some cases, this can lead to digestive issues, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, though these symptoms are generally not severe or prolonged.
The digestive system may become more sensitive to food, and users may experience unusual cravings, or in some cases, a lack of appetite. Nausea is more common during the initial stages of the trip, but it often subsides as the user becomes more accustomed to the effects of the drug. Eating light, easy-to-digest foods before or during the experience can help alleviate some of these digestive issues.
Dehydration and Dry Mouth
Another physical response to LSD is a feeling of dryness in the mouth and throat, commonly known as “cottonmouth.” This sensation is a result of the drug’s effect on the salivary glands, which produce less saliva than usual during the trip. This can make swallowing or speaking more difficult and may cause some users to feel thirsty or dehydrated. It is important to stay hydrated while on LSD, but it is also common for people to forget to drink water due to the altered perception of time and body sensations.
In addition to dry mouth, the body may become slightly dehydrated, particularly if the user is sweating profusely or engaged in physical activity during the trip. Drinking water or electrolyte-rich fluids can help prevent dehydration and alleviate the discomfort caused by cottonmouth.
The Return to Normal: After the Trip
As the effects of LSD begin to wear off, the body gradually returns to its normal state. Heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature usually stabilize, and any physical discomforts such as muscle tension, nausea, or dehydration tend to subside. The heightened sensitivity to sensory input also fades, allowing the body to return to its usual level of responsiveness to the environment.
Though the physical effects of LSD are often temporary and tend to resolve within hours of use, the emotional and psychological effects can linger long after the trip has ended. Many users report feeling a sense of mental clarity or emotional insight after the drug has worn off, while others may experience feelings of fatigue or emotional exhaustion as the body and mind process the intense experience.
Conclusion
LSD’s physical effects on the body are often subtle, but they can have a significant impact on the overall experience of the trip. From changes in heart rate and body temperature to alterations in sensory sensitivity and muscle coordination, the physical responses to LSD contribute to the unique and sometimes disorienting nature of the psychedelic experience. While most of these effects are temporary and not harmful for healthy individuals, they can be uncomfortable or unsettling, especially if the user is not in the right mental or physical condition.