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. 2012 Oct;2(5):199-205.
doi: 10.1177/2045125312451270.

Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder

Leo Hermle  1 , Melanie Simon, Martin Ruchsow, Martin Geppert
Affiliations

Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder

Leo Hermle et al. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2012 Oct.

Abstract

A 33-year-old female patient developed a hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) after lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) abuse for a year at the age of 18. Specifically, she reported after images, perception of movement in her peripheral visual fields, blurring of small patterns, halo effects, and macro- and micropsia. Previous treatment with antidepressants and risperidone failed to ameliorate these symptoms. Upon commencing drug therapy with lamotrigine, these complex visual disturbances receded almost completely. Based on its hypothesized neuroprotective and mood-stabilizing effects, the antiepileptic lamotrigine may offer a promising new approach in the treatment of HPPD.

Keywords: Flashback; LSD; hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest in preparing this article.

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