Delirium

As Delirantia be hallucinogenic and partly anticholinergic acting psychotropic substances referred to, which in intoxicating doses a state similar to a delirium cause. This mostly happens by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors . Often used delirious drugs are e.g. For example, the in some solanaceous plants ( Engelstrompeten , belladonna , henbane , Datura ) occurring scopolamine that muscimol of the mushroom , alcohol (if consumed in large quantities) and the synthetic DPH .

The intoxication caused by the consumption of delirium is characterized by mental dissociation and the amnesias resulting from it, as well as confusion, disorientation, states of excitement and the possible occurrence of real hallucinations that are not recognized as such . This can lead to phantom acts and resulting accidents.

Since alkaloids from nightshade plants are predominantly highly toxic, plant delirium can easily be overdosed and lead to life-threatening tachycardia or hyperthermia .

literature

• Louis Lewin : Fantastica - The numbing and exciting stimulants - For doctors and non-doctors . Voltmedia GmbH, Paderborn 2005, ISBN 978-3-937229-68-3 , p. 508.
• Helmut Sigel, Astrid Sigel: Inorganic drugs in deficiency and disease , Volume 14 by Metal ions in biological systems , CRC Press, 1982, ISBN 0824715691 , p. 245