A very potent lab-made compound that briefly alters perception, mood, and sense of self by switching on a serotonin signal. A single supervised high-dose session may bring lasting anxiety relief and reduced problem drinking; signals for depression and cluster headache are weaker. Risks include panic, raised blood pressure, and triggering serious mental illness in vulnerable people. Illegal outside research. (Full Review)

Protocol

Dose

100–200 μg oral

Single or paired supervised session

Setting

Trained monitor present

Dedicated preparation and integration

Timing

Morning start

Single dose; sessions spaced by weeks

Time to effect

Durable benefit

Weeks–months

Anxiety and mood improvements

Onset

30–60 min

After an oral dose

Session

8–12 hours

Peak at 2–4 hours

Benefits

Medium: Reduction of anxiety; reduction of alcohol misuse

Low: Relief of cluster headache attacks; improvement of depressive symptoms

Speculative: Sustained increases in openness and well-being; enhanced neuroplasticity relevant to longevity

Contraindications

Personal or family history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders

Bipolar disorder

Significant or unstable cardiovascular disease (uncontrolled hypertension, recent heart attack <90 days)

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Key Interactions

Lithium, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)

SSRIs, SNRIs (e.g., sertraline, venlafaxine)

MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine); stimulants

Serotonergic OTC agents (dextromethorphan, St. John's wort)

Serotonergic supplements (5-HTP, L-tryptophan, SAMe)

Other serotonergic or 5-HT2A-active substances (e.g., psilocybin)

Risk & Side Effects

High: Acute anxiety, panic, and distressing experiences; acute cardiovascular stimulation

Medium: Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder; triggering of psychosis or mania in vulnerable individuals

Low: Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue

Speculative: Prolonged or delayed psychological difficulty

Monitoring

Marker	Target	Why
Blood pressure	<120/80 mmHg at baseline	Screens and tracks acute cardiovascular stimulation
Heart rate	60–90 bpm at baseline	Detects excessive acute cardiovascular load
Anxiety score (STAI or HAM-A)	Track change from baseline	Defines success of an anxiety-directed session
Depression score (BDI or MADRS)	Track change from baseline	Tracks mood outcomes and comorbid depression
ECG	Normal sinus rhythm, no QT prolongation	Screens for arrhythmia risk before dosing

Cadence: Vital signs at baseline and periodically during the 8–12 hour session; symptom and safety follow-up at ~1 day, 1–2 weeks, and 4–16 weeks after a session

Qualitative Assessment

Sleep quality in the nights following a session
Energy levels and daytime functioning
Cognitive clarity and mood stability
Sense of well-being, outlook, and connectedness
Presence of any lingering perceptual disturbances

LSD for Health & Longevity

Protocol

Benefits

Risk & Side Effects

Monitoring

Qualitative Assessment