deliriants

Deliriants are a class of hallucinogenic substances that primarily produce delirium rather than clear visual experiences. They are typically anticholinergic agents that block muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain and body. Unlike psychedelics (like LSD) or dissociatives (like ketamine), deliriants commonly induce confusion, amnesia, and disorientation, with hallucinations that are often incoherent or frightening.

Most well-known deliriants derive from plants containing tropane alkaloids, such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. The most prominent sources are Datura species (Datura stramonium, Datura wrightii), Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), and Hyoscyamus niger (henbane). These alkaloids can be found in seeds, berries, leaves and roots, and may be present in various medicinal or traditional remedies historically.

Effects and symptoms include rapid onset of delirium, vivid but illogical perceptions, memory gaps, and severe confusion. Autonomic signs such as dry mouth, dilated pupils, flushed skin, fever, tachycardia, urinary retention, and hyperthermia are common. The mnemonic dry as a bone, red as a beet, hot as a hare, blind as a bat, and mad as a hatter is sometimes cited to describe the anticholinergic syndrome. The experiences are highly variable and can be frightening or dangerous.

Risks and outlook: Deliriants can be highly toxic and potentially fatal, particularly with high doses or when combined with other substances. Potency varies between plants and even batches, leading to unpredictable effects and prolonged illness. Medical care is advised for suspected ingestion or overdose; treatment is supportive and may involve sedation and cooling measures if agitation or hyperthermia occurs.