Laboratory Studies

In general, laboratory studies do not play a large role in the diagnosis and treatment of hallucinogen poisoning.

Only a few hallucinogenic agents show up on standard toxicological screens. These include MDMA (positive for amphetamines), PCP, and marijuana.
Treatment of hallucinogen poisoning is rarely affected by drug screen results.
Dextromethorphan (as in Robitussin DM) may cause a false-positive result for the presence of PCP.

Metabolic abnormalities should be sought and aggressively treated.

MDMA may cause hyponatremia.
PCP and MDMA may cause rhabdomyolysis and subsequent myoglobinuric renal failure. Check the creatine kinase level.
Always exclude hypoglycemia as a cause of altered mental status.

Imaging Studies

A CT scan of the head is indicated in all patients with an unexplained alteration in mental status.

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

Hallucinogens. Claviceps purpurea.
Hallucinogens. Morning glory (Ipomoea violacea).
Hallucinogens. Bufo marinus.
Hallucinogens. Psilocybe coprophilia.
Hallucinogens. Amanita muscaria.

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Author

Jeffrey S Forrest, MD Staff Psychiatrist, Orange County Health Care Agency

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Alexander B Shortridge, BA East Tennessee State University

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Chief Editor

Glen L Xiong, MD Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine; Medical Director, Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center

Glen L Xiong, MD is a member of the following medical societies: AMDA - The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, American College of Physicians, American Psychiatric Association, Central California Psychiatric Society

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: SafelyYou, Blue Cross Blue Shield<br/>book co-editor for: Wolter Kluwer, American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

Additional Contributors

Scott Cameron, MD Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Regions Hospital

Scott Cameron, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael E Richards, MD, MPA Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Michael E Richards, MD, MPA is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, National Association of EMS Physicians, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Brooke S Parish, MD Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Brooke S Parish, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Psychiatric Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Ronald C Albucher, MD Chief Medical Officer, Westside Community Services; Consulting Staff, California Pacific Medical Center

Ronald C Albucher, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Psychiatric Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.