LSD-induced hallucinogen persisting perception disorder treatment with clonidine: an open pilot study

Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000 Jan;15(1):35-7. doi: 10.1097/00004850-200015010-00005.

Abstract

A pilot open study was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of clonidine in the treatment of LSD-induced hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Eight patients fulfilled entrance criteria. All complained of HPPD for at least 3 months and were drug free at least 3 months. They received fixed low doses of clonidine, 0.025 mg, three times a day for 2 months. They were evaluated by the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) and a self-report scale on the severity of symptoms (graded 0-5). Patients scored an average of 5.25 (SD = 0.46) on the CGI and 4 on the self-report scale at baseline, indicating marked psychopathology. One patient dropped out at week 3 and a second patient dropped out at week 5. Of the six patients remaining at the end of 2 months, the average CGI score was 2.5 (SD = 0.55) and the self-report scale score was 2, indicating mild symptomatology. LSD-related flashbacks associated with excessive sympathetic nervous activity may be alleviated with clonidine in some patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Clonidine / therapeutic use*
  • Hallucinogens / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide / adverse effects*
  • Perceptual Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Perceptual Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Perceptual Disorders / psychology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Hallucinogens
  • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
  • Clonidine