A trip killer, or hallucinogen antidote, is a drug that aborts or reduces the effects of a hallucinogenic drug experience (or 'trip').[1][2][3][4][5] As there are different types of hallucinogens that work in different ways, there are different types of trip killers.[6][7][8] They can completely block or reduce the effects of hallucinogens[6] or they can simply provide anxiety relief and sedation.[3] Examples of trip killers, in the case of serotonergic psychedelics, include serotonin receptor antagonists, like antipsychotics and certain antidepressants, and benzodiazepines.[4][6] Trip killers are sometimes used by recreational psychedelic users as a form of harm reduction to manage so-called bad trips, for instance difficult experiences with prominent anxiety.[2][4] They can also be used clinically to manage effects of hallucinogens, like anxiety and psychomotor agitation, for instance in the emergency department.[3][9]
When psychedelics are used in recreational contexts without adequate supervision, they can lead to tragic outcomes.20 There are rare reports of serious adverse effects, including psychosis and even suicide, arising from recreational use.21 Methods for subduing socalled "bad trips" in recreational settings include potentially dangerous habits, such as taking benzodiazepines, which are known to be "trip killers."22
Another form of mixing substances involves the use of trip killers; a pharmacological coping strategy aimed to reduce the negative effects of a psychedelic experience by consuming a different substance (Suran, 2024). While this is a new concept and an under researched area, there are reports of trip killers being effective in reducing the negative effects of a psychedelic experience (Suran, 2024). One study gathered research from reddit, an online social media platform, investigating the usage of trip killers during challenging psychedelic experiences (Suran, 2024). The most popular and effective trip killers used were prescription medication, with 47% reporting the use of benzodiazepines as they reduce anxiety, followed by the use of antipsychotic and antidepressant medication (Suran, 2024). However, there are risks in mixing substances with psychedelic drugs, and subjectivity in the effectiveness. As some individuals may experience positive effects, while for others it may lead to negative effects (Suran, 2024). Therefore, it is recommended that before using trip killers, individuals should try other non- pharmacological coping strategies to reduce the negative effects of the psychedelic drug (Gable, 2004; Van Amsterdam et al., 2011). These factors discussed above, demonstrate the effectiveness of protective behaviours and harm reduction practices, in promoting safe psychedelic use and reducing harm.
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