Dissociative drug
A
dissociative is a drug which reduces (or blocks) signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain, typically, but not necessarily, or limited to the physical
senses. Such a state of
sensory deprivation and
dissociation can facilitate self exploration,
hallucinations, and
dreamlike states of mind which may resemble some
psychedelic mindstates. Essentially similar states of mind can be reached via contrasting paths—psychedelic or dissociative. That said, the entire experience, risks and benefits are markedly different.
The primary dissociatives are similar in action to
phencyclidine (PCP), and include
ketamine and
dextromethorphan. Also included are
nitrous oxide (laughing gas),
salvia divinorum, and
muscimol from the
amanita muscaria (fly agaric) mushroom.
Many dissociatives also have
central nervous system depressant effects, thereby carrying similar risks as
opioids to slowing breathing or
heart rate to levels resulting in
death, when using very high doses.
Their effects are characterized by intense feelings of
depersonalization, derealization, and
analgesia.
Entries marked with a
# are naturally occurring.
NMDA receptor antagonists and sigma1 ligands
*
dextromethorphan*
ketamine*
memantine*
phencyclidine,
PCP*
Ibogaine # (is also classed as a
psychedelic)
*
dizocilpine*
riluzole*
Salvinorin-A #, the active constituent of
Salvia divinorum (
diviner's sage)
*
ibogaine (Complex mechanism of action)
Inhalants
*
Nitrous oxide*
Muscimol #
GABA-A agonist, primary active constituent
*
Ibotenic acid # NDMA agonist, metabolizes to muscimol
*
Muscarine #
muscarinic ACh agonist, trace constituent,
deliriantThese four groups of dissociatives have slightly different effects but also share similarities separating them from other classes of hallucinogens. They are markedly different from psychedelics such as
LSD, where alert and fully conscious users experience cognitive distortion while simultaneously interacting with the "real world". Hallucinations from these dissociatives are generally only experienced in dark rooms or with eyes closed, unless at very high doses above what is normally consumed recreationally. Nitrous oxide has very different effects however, and even at low doses includes auditory distortions. Unlike with many other psychedelic chemicals, salvia users are generally not ambulatory and the experience is frequently dissociative. Often a very brief trance is entered, where the user experiences an intense and very realistic dream state. On the other hand, the effect of salvia on
emotion has been reported to be less marked than that of true psychedelics.
Although muscimol does not usually cause normal hallucinations, it has a tendency to put the user to sleep, during which the user is able to have very vivid dreams with good dream recall.
*
Deliriant*
Psychedelic drug*
Psychedelics, Dissociatives and Deliriants*
Psychoactive drug
