LSD Research Guide

Full name: Lysergic acid diethylamide

A long-acting classic psychedelic studied for anxiety, depression and addiction. Research interest in LSD-assisted therapy has grown alongside MAPS-era psychedelic science.

How LSD Works

Activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (and others), changing perception, mood and the way brain networks communicate. Effects last much longer than most psychedelics.

Dosing Protocol

• Typical dose: 100-200 mcg in clinical trials
• Frequency: One to a few supervised sessions
• Duration: Acute effects last 8-12 hours
• Route: Oral, in a supervised therapeutic setting

Reported Benefits

• Studied for anxiety in serious illness
• Explored for depression and addiction
• Long duration allows deep therapeutic work
• Renewed clinical research interest

Potential Side Effects

• Long, intense experiences
• Anxiety or fear
• Raised heart rate and blood pressure
• Visual distortions lasting hours
• Risk of distressing experiences without support

Research Citations

1. LSD-assisted therapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening disease (2014) - Reduced anxiety with benefits sustained at 12-month follow-up in a small controlled study.
2. LSD treatment for anxiety disorder (Phase 2) (2023) - Significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared with placebo.

Related Psychedelics Compounds

• MDMA - Full Profile
• Psilocybin - Full Profile
• Ibogaine - Full Profile
• DMT - Full Profile
• Ayahuasca - Full Profile
• 5-MeO-DMT - Full Profile

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