- NEW!
by maddock on September 18th, 2005
The LD50 (dose at which 50% of administrations are fatal) of LSD is approximately 55mg/KG in mice. Assuming that the human body is reasonably similar in metabolism, that means that in order to kill an average human weighing 70KG (~155lb), they would have to ingest 3,850mg of LSD to die half of the time.
LSD is -the- most potent psychoactive currently known, and the psychotropic threshold is about 35-70ug (micrograms). Street doses are around 100ug.
A subject would have to ingest 38,500 street doses of unadulterated LSD* to die half of the time. If street prices are $5 per hit (conservative), it would cost $192,500 to obtain this much LSD.
Can you die from LSD poisoning? Yes, but it has yet to be documented in a human. Can you die from self-injury or recklessness while out of your mind on LSD? Absolutely, it happens all the time.
* LSD is often mixed with amphetamine derivatives, methamphetamine, caffeine, phencyclidine, pseudoephedrine, all of which are cardiotoxic and will kill you thousands of times faster than LSD itself, which is a remarkably safe drug, systemically.
by Drinking Dano on January 24th, 2005
It is totally possible to die from an LSD overdose.
While I am not going to get on my soapbox and scream to the heavens to either use or not use any drugs, LSD can be a very powerful drug.
It is quite correct to say that most people who die having used LSD do so as a result of the poor decisions they make while strung out on a trip, this usually amounts to things like getting behind the wheel of a car ETC. (I’ve never seen a DOCUMENTED case of someone believing they can fly and jumping off a building)
However, there have been a number of people who have died as a result of Cardiac Arrest due to a bad trip. They just have such a scary trip that they almost literally “talk” themselves in to a Heart Attack. In this case, it isn't the drug per se that cause the Heart Attack though.
Even worse than this are the people that have gone catatonic. I couldn’t tell you if this was because of a bad trip or bad Acid, but to me, it’s a fate WORSE than death.
by Lilya411 on January 4th, 2005
As far as I know people don't usually die as a physical result of the drugs, although people can kill themselves and others while on the drugs. LSD will make you crazy. DO NOT TRY LSD.
by WHITE BEAR on March 13th, 2006
You could die of heart failure caused by intense fear. I believe fear can kill you.
A very intense LSD rush caused by multiple tabs can speed the heart up to 200 beats a minute and theoretically could be dangerous to a weak heart.
I once thought I was going to die on LSD as my heart was beating too fast.I was in an ambulance rigged up to a heart monitor reading 190 beats a minute. The more I worried about my heart rate the higher it got and I had extreme palpitations.
Im sure you could die in rare instances from this overload on the heart.
LSD can also cause fatal dehydration theoretically, thought it is probably not the LSD itself but what it is laced with that can dry one out too much.
by VinnieT on July 30th, 2009
All of these answers are correct. If you are perfectly healthy human being above the age of 16 years old, you probably wont even die if you take LSD hundreds of times. Anyone who would tell you that you could die from a just 1 or 2 hits your first time is just one of those nazi anti drug DARE program people. They have never done it, never researched it, and are only trying to stike the fear of some sort of 'God' into you. LSD can be frightful or dangerous if takin in the wrong place and in the wrong state of mind, but as far as physically dropping dead from a hit of LSD? COMPLETELY REDICULOUS.... Have fun, trip well.
P.S. : definatly listen to the people that said 'clear your mind and enjoy the ride'. You MUST relax and go into it with a carefree positive attitude or you will just end up tripping balls and wishing you were sober again.
by Anonymous on October 12th, 2008
LSD is one strange drug. You seem to build "resistance" to it incredibly rapidly, almost as you are taking it. I knew a very few people who took it on consecutive days or more and they all told me the same thing. They were up to doses about 3-5 times higher to get the same effects in no time.
One dealer I knew was busted in his home with LSD on himself. He ate a 50 sheet before being loaded into the back of a police cruiser. I tried this stuff and 3 was a huge trip. My buddy told me he got off incredibly rapidly, but he really could not distinguish the intensity from the 10 he usually took of this particular batch. He was one of those folks I knew that did take LSD daily for a short time.
If ever someone was gonna OD on LSD this should have done it. This article is correct. The actual chemical cannot kill you in the types of doses any user would ingest.
It is one of the only recreational drugs I know of that has no real OD amount. I had heard that well before my buddy took his 50 but never really bought it till after that event.
by Ura Phake on February 25th, 2006
This is patently absurd from a logical standpoint (self-induced cardiac arrest under the influence of LSD).
It's in that same category wherein someone is asleep and dreaming that they are on a high cliff or building and in that dream they fall to their death -- whereupon they are alleged to die in their sleep.
Who came back from the dead to tell anyone the tale?
Who "talked themself" into a cardiac arrest, died and told the tale?
There is no supporting documentation regarding such a phenomenon and is as relevant here as any other imaginary "old wives tale." It never happened.
by lady fuschia on February 10th, 2006
I knew someone who died whilst on LSD. Whilst it was not the LSD itself that killed him it was the use of the drug that caused him to jump from a high building resulting in a coma and eventual death.
Your choices are your own, this isn't the place for moralising, but yes, you can definetely die through taking LSD.
by raaedub00 on October 13th, 2010
You cannot die from LSD. LSD is the safest drug there is. Mind over matter guys. You can take 300 hits, or touch a crystal and not die of overdose. You can trip, and then hurt yourself. But don't blame it on the LSD, that was what you went into. Your mindset changes each trip. There's no such thing as a 'bad trip'. It's an overwhelming experience. Acid IS pretty intense, but don't tell people not to try it. When your on acid, it makes you learn more things about yourself and you think about things a lot. I see acid as being creative in your own thoughts and minds. Try LSD if you want, don't listen to what people are telling you. MIND OVER MATTER. It doesn't matter how many hits you take, you'll still trip no matter what and have the full experience.
by XRussX on November 23rd, 2008
Last had LSD in 1986.Suffered horribly that night,22yrs later still have not recovered,and certain now, I never will. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
by Gonzo on January 13th, 2007
It is vertually impossible to die from a overdose.
And LSD is surprisingly unharmful to the human body. It doesnt harm any vital organs.
The long term effects are psychological but will only effect a handful of the popualtion. These long term effects are known as flashbacks. These can occur anytime after the effects of the drug have worn off. Flashbacks are memories from a previous trip replaying themselves. Some call these 'free trips' and see it as a bonus.
Anyways, no you cant die from LSD. Or it is extrememly unlikely that you will.
by WHITE BEAR on May 10th, 2006
Not directly unless you consume a massive dose of thousands of doses.Theoretically the brain could shut down under the effect of extreme doses.
Normally indirectly from injuries whilst under the influence of LSD.
Street LSD is not pure and contains strychnine which is basically rat poison which is a heart toxin.Small amounts of strychnine can kill you.
by bethany19651 on May 3rd, 2007
I went to the hospital on it and the doctor said that i wouldnt die but I could trip for the rest of my life. Thank god I didnt
by jerryonly138 on January 15th, 2007
you belive you can fly,and if you have a bad trip you see things that scare the shit out of you,so u could be scared to death.
by eberryz on June 2nd, 2007
A large amount and you can...or just the insanity itself will make you want to kill yourself.
You just have to learn how to control your mind, So you won't have a bad trip and take it in a calm environment so the chances of a bad trip arent as likely. I'm an experienced LSD user, and I do know what I am talking about. It is an extremely dangerous drug, when not taken properly in the proper location. Bad trips are hell
by Shana on February 10th, 2008
Die from Lsd no, but you can definitely trick yourself into thinking you are dead, or in hell. You think you are having a cardiac arrest, it can be scary, but just talk yourself out of it! when good drugs happen to bad people. Be in the right mindset!
by Erukosis on April 30th, 2008
The people that may have reportedly / supposedly died from cardiac arrest as a result of LSD use...
Most likely had an underlying cardiac or heart disease or problem.
That, or they could have been on a variety of medications that may have caused the heart rate to speed up before hand [speed or ADD medicine such as adderall, caffeine, nicotine, marijuana, ecstasy, etc.] which, when combined with the LSD, could have caused the heart rate to sky rocket rapidly.
Also, I've read that LSD increases body temperature and blood pressure. So, if the person taking it unknowingly has an underlying cardiac or heart problem, this may kick them into cardiac arrest or some blood pressure-related problem.
I've read that if LSD is taken with certain antidepressants, then the user goes into a state where they may or may not be aware at all of their state, in which they may endanger themselves and others. This, along with the possibility that the user unknowingly had an underlying mental illness, could cause someone to harm themselves or others, or do stupid things like jump off of buildings [which is reported, as I've noticed while watching a video on YouTube of an interview with Timothy Leary where a man -- I believe he was a Senator or something -- confronted Leary about how LSD caused the man's daughter to jump out of the 2nd story window to her death].
Basically, if you're scared of taking LSD, I can only give a basic little suggestion:
Look for the book "The Psychedelic Experience: A Guide Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead" by Timothy Leary, and read it. It gives plenty of information about LSD and other psychedelic "trips" and how to have a good trip, and how to calm and pull yourself out of a bad trip. It was written by a variety of authors, including Timothy Leary -- who was one of the psychologists who led the LSD tests at Harvard University in the 1960s.
Also, read Aldous Huxley's "The Doors of Perception" and "Heaven and Hell", which are both philosophical studies of perception and psychedelic drug use [as Huxley himself used mescalin and LSD, and detailed the accounts and experiences in the books].
Reading guides and other users' experiences [from the 1950s and 1960s, as those who used it back then detailed it in a more research, and interesting way] would calm some fears, and would also allow for a more relaxing experience, in my opinion.
Like the Beatles song [and "Psychedelic Experience"] says,
"..Turn off your mind, relax, and float down stream."
by jenna on April 23rd, 2008
i might try is my friends took it i know it is dangrous but will it kill me the first time i take it like is there a chance
by Daneca on February 17th, 2008
Yes, though as someone mentioned the LD50 is extremely high.
Most responsible psychonauts will not have to worry about the other possible causes of death list.
by mac1896 on January 7th, 2007
I had a former boss back around '89 that was murdered by his longtime girlfriend. She was in his will and stood to get all his property (about 10 acres) in Dartmouth (MA).
After his death and autopsy, it was found that she had killed him with a massive dose of LSD mixed in with lime Jello before it had set.
So, a massive heart attack brought on by LSD overdose was determined by the coroner.
She was arrested, charged and sent to prison.
She didn't get the property either.
p.s. Holy shit, I actually found a forensic article on the story:
http://expertpages.com/news/testing_drugs_exhumed_body.htm
by Lainerz on January 7th, 2007
First of all Acid is measured in Micrograms, one million micrograms in a gram. 80 to 150 micrograms per a "hit", the lethal dose of 50% of laboratory animals is around 12,000 micrograms, but this obviously doesn't make it safe for anyone(human or not) to take even 6,000 micrograms. Some people have taken LSD enough to be able to take heavy doses, you should always start off in small dose, a good 2 hits (about 200micrograms) are fine. 50micrograms is threshhold for many, others may need a little bit more. 400 or more micrograms is heavy (4 hits or more). Yes you can die, on acid most likely to run in the road and get hit by a car or some other unnatural death, but when you get close or around to taking the LD50, it's a high chance to have a siezure, due to bubbles in the brain. Let's say you took too much acid (for you), you need to calm down, you may be treated with Valium (Diazepam), 5-15 milligrams depending on body weight. You will calm down quite a bit, the visuals however will still remain, may even start to dwindle away. Be responsible, and be happy before you experiment. And I can't stress enough, YOU MUST KNOW YOUR SOURCE. The experience of the chemist must be known by you.
by Petebish on August 11th, 2010
i think you can die or at least become extremely ill by taking any unregulated illegal drug
by maleena1 on November 2nd, 2010
For the dumb asses who says acid makes you crazy, it doesn't. Reatards, first off if your not a fucking reject you'll know only to take only one or two hits.
I'm on it right now and feel perfectly sane.
Fucker heads.
>:]
As for the answer to this question, no, you will not die from the drug itself, but rather your own dumbass actions you take while intoxicated,
by kisamona on January 5th, 2011
When u Drop acid make sure your nothing near anything that will make you afraid or petrified, ESPECIALLY Seeing police!! that'll Fuck your Whole trip up*Bad Automatically* then u spaz out & see terrible Shit!! so keep yourself with people u can trust and don't leave your home!! Or else you could see Demons Riding elephants coming after you with Pitchforks made of Fire and Pterodactyls swooping down on you attempting to steal your soul. Best way to avoid this from experience is to have a Bouquet of beautiful flowers and stay indoors at all time while under the influence. And so ive been told LSD makes your Spine Bleed and Chronologically Fucks you up. :P which im not sure if its been proven or not but i havnt had any problems with my spine and ive been dropping acid for the past few years. xD and Acid isnt THAT much of a Hardcore drug, Crack,Cocaine,Heroine,Meth, and PCP are much worst!! Hey at least your Not Cutting your face off and feeding it to your dog. C'mon now.
by lolatyou2010 on April 4th, 2010
Taking normal amounts of acid isn't going to kill you. It's going to make awesome shapes of color run around your room while your walls breathe.
The overdose amount (LD50) is waaay more you could ever hope to get. The dangers are some dumb 15 year old taking a few hits and thinking he's super man and trying something dumb (ie jumping off something or running into something you thought was something else for a min).
One thing people don't realize is that when your tripping (small amounts), after you blink, whatever you saw goes away. So the chances of you seeing something, wanting to do something (dumb), and then doing it are really low.
Every time I have ever tripped, I've been in complete control of my functions (except my eyes were moving and staring at everything). Though my experience with acid is limited to 2 blotters. In reality, if your taking more than just 2-3 blotters, you probably shouldn't be messing with acid. Psychedelic cacti sound more for you.
by Lyzergic on February 16th, 2010
khgh
by Lyzergic on February 16th, 2010
khgh
by Lyzergic on February 16th, 2010
khgh
by Lyzergic on February 16th, 2010
guys.. I've just written a huge text here which I spent like 1hour and 30mins writing it and then I clicked "Answer Question" and this went to a page asking me to login and I lost all my giant text explaining my issue.. but basiclly I have arrhythmia attacks due the all drugs that I used untill now(too much mdma, meth, coke, joints, alchool and specially LSD..) and my question is that if I take pure LSD (non streets one) it will be painful to my heart? answer me plz
by Veronica_F6140 on January 12th, 2011
hahahha the only thing LSD is going to do to you is make your back hurt for a little (: teehee
by virtualcontext on February 18th, 2011
I once drove from Kansas City Mo to Manhattan, Kansas (a two hour drive) on four hits of acid and two tabs of x after a rave. Man, that was a tough drive... LOL
by kottonmouthkings420 on October 13th, 2006
you can't necessarily die from the drug itself, but you can go crazy from a very bad trip or you can hurt yourself while on this drug by making sum rather poor decisions. I'm a big fan of LSD and have done it many times. To avoid having a bad trip don't take it if you are in a bad mood at the time,are nervouse or scared, or are very angry about something. LSD opens your mind and is one of my favorite drugs. I suggest for your first time of using acid to only take 2-3 hits. Also make sure someone who is sober is there to watch you. Make sure you can trust them, this way you wont do something stupid such as think you can fly, drive your car, go run into oncoming traffic etc.
by Weed_4_Ever_666 on December 7th, 2006
i have been using acid for about 13 years now and all i have to say is, im pretty god damn lucky. lsd is one of the most potent drugs known. if it is taken by someon stupid enough... yes! it can definatly kill you. infact i almost died once and it wasent pretty. i blacked out of reality and puked evreywhere for hours. only take lsd in small amounts. i have no clue why someone would want to take enough to get that high. a simple tab is enough for ANYONE no matter how much of a tolerence for the drug u have.
by joaolkf on January 19th, 2010
No one has ever died form a panic attack so, no one has ever died from a panic attack caused by LSD also. "talk themselves into a heart attack" is so absurd that make my laugh for about 5min.. haha thanks whoever came up with that one!
Is incredible how people seems to search they imaginations and not brut facts when asked questions they don’t know nothing about!
by scubabob on April 13th, 2006
Hasn't GW Bush been trying to OD for a few years?
by Practical.Toker on January 26th, 2012
I saw 1000 ways to die where a man soaked his t-shirt in ~2,000,000 doses of lsd in an attempt to smuggle it through the airport.
He started sweating and absorbed massive doses of the substance. Before making it through security he had a heart attack.
I don't know what to believe. That show makes me feel like, "this shit didn't happen. They're making it up." But they claim it's all true.
by TeeTee2012 on February 19th, 2011
Im reading all this Because,i been thinking about trying LSD but i have Panic Attack disorder so probably my luck ill have a bad trip l0l! but i been reading LSD ain't harmful. Acid tho does make your Brain Stem Bleed. Mom was a big hippy and she had a flashback years ago and she's in college taking Classes for the Medical field and she read what Acid does to your brain and stem.
by Tom_K6987 on September 18th, 2011
Whilst we are discussing wether you could die or not from taking LSD, we almost forget that there can be other consequences too. Some people take LSD and fall into a psychosis, develop schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. It is not clear weather LSD causes the mental illnesses or that the LSD functions as a trigger. That means that the person is meant to have a mental illness, but hasn't developed one.
Still, it can be the most interesting and spiritual experience of your life, but it can also be the most horrible experience. In all ways it's unimaginable for one that hasn't taken LSD.
Important is when you are doubting wether you should use it or not, you shouldn't take it. You must want to see your world changing in something you cannot apprehend. You must like to see things that aren't there. And you can't be scared for if you took too much or not.
If you do have these ideas, it's best not to take LSD because you probably will get a bad trip and wouldn't enjoy it. If you don't: make sure you are in a place you know and feel comfortable in, with only people who know and don't care that you took LSD and can help you get trough it.
If you take all the above safety measures, You will have a really nice trip. An unforgetable experience which will change the way you're thinking about your life, the world and the universe.
by munchkin_kids_downunder on January 7th, 2007
simply, yes. you can die from any drug in reality.
what if someone spliced the genes that produce the buzz in pot into a legal plant? (tomato, lawn grass, ivy, etc)
by zwatcher on December 6th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Do you have any advice for a beginning drug user?
by Weylon on November 24th, 2011
| 6 people like this
What should I do if a father I know is smoking weed around his two year old daughter?
by Prettyicecube on November 25th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What illicit drugs offer highs that outweigh the lows?
by Spookburger on November 17th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
How can I just say no without hurting the drug pushers feelings?
by Weylon on December 7th, 2011
| 7 people like this
You're reading Can you die from taking LSD?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
Exactly what I would have answered.
by AlenaD on September 24th, 2005
Useful; though STP and DMT are milder, they produce a much harsher experience.
by RedJohn on March 13th, 2006
LSD is one of the most potent psychoactives, not the most. DMT is much more potent and intense. DMT is what creates our dreams, if you use DMT (in it's various ways you can) it will be the most intense provocative experience you have ever had in waking life. Datura is also on the lines of DMT in its intense effect...although most of the time when you use Datura you remember only half of what happend. I suggest no one try Datura...it's very negative, it was also used by indians as a punishment. The physical effects are horrible as well, constantly feeling the need to pee, scratchy dry throat, seeing evil things, reliving the past, sometimes totally incoherant of your own surroundings(people talking to you, where you are, etc.)
by Lainerz on January 7th, 2007