Psychotomimetic agents
Chemical agents that consistently produce changes in thought, perception
and mood, without causing any major disturbances in the autonomic nervous
system or other serious disability, are classified as psychotomimetic
agents. This group of agents includes substances which, when administered
in low doses (<10 mg), cause conditions similar to psychotic disorders
or other symptoms emanating from the central nervous system, such as loss
of feeling, paralysis, hallucinations, etc.
During World War II, the US military investigated a wide range of possible
non-lethal, psychotomimetic chemical incapacitating agents such as
lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and marijuana derivatives as well as
several glycolate anticholinergics. One of the anticholinergic compounds,
3-quinuclidinyl benzilate, was developed and weaponized in the 1960s as a
new chemical agent and assigned the NATO code BZ. Studies continued
in the US until at least 1965.
The common signs and symptoms produced by the psychotomimetic agents are:
- restlessness, dizziness, failure to obey orders, confusion, erratic
behavior, unsteadiness on the feet, vomiting
- dryness of the mouth, tachycardia at rest, elevated temperature,
flushing of the face, blurred vision, dilation of the pupils, slurred
or nonsensical speech, hallucinatory behaviour, disrobing, mumbling,
incoherence, stupor and coma
- inappropriate smiling or laughter, irrational fear, distractibility,
difficulty expressing self, perceptual distortions and phobias
Psychotomimetic agents are generally now not considered to be likely
chemical warfare agents. They were experimented with in the 1950s-70s, but
tend to be unstable and are difficult to deliver in sufficient
concentration to be effective, as well as being very unpredictable in
their effects.
3-Quinuclidinyl
Benzilate [3-Quinuclidinyl benzilate, 3-Chinuclidylbenzilate,
3-quinuclidinylbenzilate, BZ, EA2277, agent 15] - C21H23NO3
A a crystalline solid, odourless or with a fruity or benzene-like odour.
It is classified as a hallucinogenic chemical warfare agent. QNB usually
is disseminated as an aerosol, and the primary route of absorption is
through the respiratory system. Absorption also can occur through the skin
or gastrointestinal tract. Mild to moderate intoxication can cause
elevated body temperature, dry mouth, dry skin, low urine output, flushing
of skin, dilated pupils, inability to focus on near objects, blurred
vision, and rapid heart rate (this may later reduce to a normal or slow
heart rate). Other effects include disorientation, altered level of
consciousness, delusions, hallucinations, poor judgment and insight
(denial of illness), short attention span, distractibility, impaired
short-term memory, slurred speech, involuntary repetition of behaviours,
loss of coordination, variability in behavior (e.g., between quiet and
restless states), and muscle weakness.
Severe intoxication: Dose-dependent decrease in consciousness level from
drowsiness through sedation to stupor and coma, hallucinations and
combative agitation, serious alterations in heart rhythm and serious
alterations in levels of ions in biological fluids (electrolyte
disturbances).
Effects may occur within 30 minutes of exposure. they typically include
altered thoughts, feelings, and awareness surroundings, seeing or
hearing things that do not exist. . Dilated pupils, increased blood
pressure, and increased body temperature are typical. Physical effects
(e.g. dilated pupils, mild hypertension and occasionally raised body
temperature) appear first. Sensory-perceptual changes are the outstanding
features of LSD. Visual disturbances are perceived with eyes closed or
open and may consist of geometric shapes or figures in patterns. Flashes
of intense colour are seen and stable objects may appear to move and
dissolve. Cross-sensory perception (synaesthesia) such as ‘coloured
hearing’ can occur where sounds such as voices or music evoke perception
of particular colours or shapes. The perception of time may appear to slow
down.
Phencyclidine
[PCP, angel dust, Phenylcyclohexylpiperidine] - C17H25N
A mind-altering drug that may lead to hallucinations. It is considered a
dissociative drug, leading to a distortion of sights, colours, sounds,
self, and one's environment. Low to moderate doses may cause: numbness of
the extremities, slurred speech, and loss of coordination may be
accompanied by a sense of strength and invulnerability, a blank stare,
rapid and involuntary eye movements, and an exaggerated gait are among the
more observable effects, auditory hallucinations, image distortion, severe
mood disorders, and amnesia may also occur, acute anxiety and a feeling of
impending doom, paranoia, violent hostility, a psychoses indistinguishable
from schizophrenia. Physiological effects of low to moderate doses
include: slight increase in breathing rate. rise in blood pressure and
pulse rate, shallow respiration, flushing and profuse sweating occurs.
Physiological effects of high doses include: hypotension, bradycardia,
bradypnea, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, flicking up and down of the
eyes, drooling, loss of balance and dizziness, violence, self-harm and
suicide.
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