Question

Drugs like LSD, barbiturates, amphetamines, etc., are used as medicines to help patients with mental illness. However, excessive doses and abusive usage are harmful. Enumerate the major adverse effects of such drugs in humans.

Answer 1

Adverse effects of LSD

LSD, lysergic acid diethyl amine, is used as an antidepressant, overdose of which leads to psychosis. Chromosomal and foetal abnormalities are also associated with it.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are CNS depressant drugs and used to reduce anxiety and induce sleep. However, continuous use of barbiturates results in irreversible brain damage. Sudden withdrawal may cause epilepsy.

Amphetamines

Continuous misuse of amphetamines causes psychosis, triggering feelings of hallucinations and paranoia.