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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Hallucinogen
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1992-09-02
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Any substance that acts on the central
nervous system to produce changes in
perception and mood and often hallucinations.
Hallucinogens include LSD, peyote, and
mescaline. Their effects are unpredictable
and they are illegal in most countries. In
some circumstances hallucinogens may produce
panic or even suicidal feelings, which can
recur without warning several days or months
after taking the drug. In rare cases they
produce an irreversible psychotic state
mimicking schizophrenia. Spiritual or
religious experiences are common, hence the
ritual use of hallucinogens in some cultures.
They work by chemical interference with the
normal action of neurotransmitters in the
brain.