psychedelic trip killers
What Is a “Bad Trip”?
A bad trip is an intensely distressing psychedelic experience marked by:
- Severe anxiety, panic, or paranoia
- Overwhelming fear of losing control
- Paranoid or suicidal thoughts
- Physical discomfort (nausea, dizziness)
psychedelic trip killers, Bad trips are usually temporary but can be traumatic without proper care.
6 Common Causes
- Poor Mindset (“Set”)
- Stress, unresolved trauma, or fear before taking the substance.
- Unsafe Environment (“Setting”)
- Loud, chaotic, or unfamiliar places.
- Taking Too High a Dose
- Beginners often underestimate potency.
- Mixing Substances
- Alcohol, stimulants, or cannabis can amplify anxiety.
- Underlying Mental Health Issues
- Psychedelics can worsen psychosis or severe anxiety disorders.
- Unknown Substance
- Fake “LSD” (e.g., NBOMe) often causes bad trips.
How to Avoid a Bad Trip
1. Prepare Your Mindset
✔️ Do:
- Meditate or journal beforehand.
- Set a positive intention (e.g., “I want to heal”).
❌ Avoid: - Taking psychedelics when stressed or depressed.
2. Control Your Environment
✔️ Do:
- Trip in a quiet, familiar place (e.g., home with soft lighting).
- Have a trusted sober sitter (especially for high doses).
❌ Avoid: - Crowded parties or overwhelming stimuli.
3. Start with a Low Dose
| Substance | Beginner Dose |
|---|---|
| Psilocybin | 1–1.5g dried |
| LSD | 50–75µg (½ tab) |
| MDMA | 80–120mg |
4. Test Your Substance
- Use Ehrlich’s reagent (for LSD/shrooms) to avoid dangerous fakes like NBOMe.
- Get fentanyl test strips (contamination is rare but possible).
5. Have a “Trip Killer” Ready
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) can end a bad trip in 20–30 mins.
- Antipsychotics (e.g., Seroquel) also work but are slower.
6. Avoid Mixing Drugs
- Dangerous combos:
- Psychedelics + alcohol (nausea, confusion)
- Psychedelics + stimulants (heart strain)
🚑 How to Handle a Bad Trip
If you or a friend are struggling:
- Change the Setting
- Move to a quieter space, adjust lighting/music.
- Grounding Techniques
- Sip cold water, hold ice, focus on breathing.
- Repeat: “This is temporary, I am safe.”
- Distract the Mind
- Watch calming visuals (e.g., nature documentaries).
- Listen to soothing music (Psilocybin playlist).
- Call for Help
- Fireside Project (62-FIRESIDE) – free psychedelic peer support.
- If physical danger (chest pain, seizures), call 911.
💡 Post-Trip Care
- Rest & Hydrate: Psychedelics drain energy.
- Journal: Process emotions while fresh.
- Therapy: Helps integrate challenging experiences.
While classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin) are not lethal in overdose, adulterants and certain synthetic psychedelics can be life-threatening. Here’s what you need to know:
High-Risk Psychedelics (Potentially Fatal in Overdose)
| Substance | Lethal Dose (Est.) | Key Risks |
|---|---|---|
| NBOMe (25I-NBOMe) | 1–3mg | Seizures, heart attack, organ failure |
| DOx (DOC, DOB) | 5–10mg | Hypertensive crisis, stroke |
| 5-MeO-DMT (Synthetic) | 50mg+ | Respiratory arrest |
| Amanita muscaria | 5g+ | Delirium, seizures |
⚠️ Note:
- LSD, psilocybin, DMT have no documented fatal overdoses in pure form.
- Deaths linked to psychedelics usually involve:
- Adulterants (e.g., fentanyl in fake “LSD” tabs)
- Dangerous behavior (e.g., jumping from heights during psychosis)
Symptoms of Psychedelic Overdose
Seek immediate medical help if someone experiences:
- Physical:
- Seizures
- Chest pain / irregular heartbeat
- Vomiting for >2 hours
- Body temperature >103°F (hyperthermia)
- Psychological:
- Unresponsive catatonia
- Violent aggression
- Psychosis lasting >24 hours
Emergency Response
1. Call 911 (or local emergency number)
- Say: “Possible psychedelic overdose with [symptoms].”
- Mention if other drugs (e.g., alcohol, stimulants) were taken.
2. First Aid While Waiting
- For overheating: Cool with wet cloths, fan.
- For seizures: Clear space, place on side.
- For panic: Speak calmly, avoid restraint.
3. Bring to ER (If Safe to Transport)
- Take any remaining drug for testing.
- Share info: Dose, substance (if known), time taken.
Overdose Reversal (Trip Killers)
These won’t stop physical toxicity but can end psychological distress:
- Benzodiazepines:
- Lorazepam (2–4mg) or Diazepam (10–20mg)
- Antipsychotics:
- Quetiapine (50–100mg) – slower but effective
❌ Avoid:
- Alcohol (worsens dehydration)
- Stimulants (e.g., caffeine, Adderall)
Overdose Prevention
- Test Your Drugs
- Use Ehrlich’s reagent (LSD/psilocybin) + fentanyl strips.
- Start Low
- ½ standard dose if substance is unfamiliar.
- Never Use Alone
- Have a sober sitter monitor you.
- Avoid Mixing
- Especially with MAOIs, alcohol, or stimulants.
Psychedelic Safety Comparison
| Substance | LD50 (Lethal Dose) | Safe Dose Range |
|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin | ~6g (impossible to eat) | 0.5–5g |
| LSD | ~12mg (100+ tabs) | 50–300µg |
| NBOMe | 1–3mg | 200–800µg |
Key: LD50 = Dose lethal to 50% of test subjects.

