PS268 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Aphrodisiac, Trihexyphenidyl, Atropa Belladonna
Anticholinergic Hallucinogens:
-come from the potato family Solanaceae (Atropa, Hyoscyamus, Mandragora all mostly in
Europe and Datura worldwide, all from the family Solanaceae)
-anticholinergics cause light headedness and sensation of flying
3 pharmacologically active alkaloids responsible for effects:
-atropine, scopolamine, and hyosycamine
-are all potent central and peripheral cholinergic blocking agents that occupy the
acetylcholine receptor site but do not activate it
-thus their primary effect is to block muscarinic cholinergic neurons, including
parasympathetic system
-some of the psychological responses to these drugs are probably a reaction to peripheral
changes
-these alkaloids block production of mucus in nose and throat, prevent salivation and
perspiration, increase temperature to fever levels, and slowed heart rate
-moderate doses cause considerable dilation of pupils and inability to focus on near
objects
-large doses results in behavioural pattern resembling toxic psychosis; delirium, confusion,
loss of attention, drowsiness, loss of memory for recent events
-the clouding of consciousness and no memory for intoxication period plus the absence of
vivid sensory effects separate these drugs from the indole and catechole hallucinogens
-these anticholinergics are the original deliriants
