What Drug Category Is LSD? Classic Psychedelics Explained
LSD is a classic psychedelic belonging to the ergoline family of compounds. It is classified pharmacologically as a serotonergic hallucinogen because it primarily acts on the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor system. Unlike stimulants or depressants, LSD does not simply increase or reduce central nervous system activity; instead, it alters brain network connectivity, including the Default Mode Network (DMN). This leads to changes in perception, cognition, and sensory integration. Effects typically last 7–12 hours due to strong receptor binding affinity. Research also explores its impact on thalamic gating mechanisms and its potential role in controlled clinical psychotherapy contexts.
