Drugs, particularly recreational ones, have a nasty reputation for causing mood swings and hallucinations. Most of the drugs that are popular among users and addicts today are especially prized or formulated for their specific effects. Unfortunately, these very same effects could also become uncontrolled, creating unpleasant physical, mental and emotional stress. Often, these emotions can be either extremely positive or extremely negative. Depending on the amount of drugs that enters the body and the person’s own physiological reactions to it, mood swings can be prolonged and intense.
Drugs that can cause mood swings
There are several types of drugs that lead to mood swings. These are:
Cocaine
Cocaine was a drug that soared in popularity in the 80s and 90s. It is a known stimulant that may be dissolved and taken through an IV, although it is commonly inhaled. Cocaine, like its derivative crack, produces a feeling of intense euphoria, which makes it very popular with users. It can quickly stimulate the central nervous system, increasing energy and confidence and reducing inhibition.
The problem with cocaine is that once the initial effects wear off, the negative effects begin. This is then replaced by depression, guilt, anxiety and nervousness, exactly the opposite of the emotions it produces initially.
Inhalants
Inhalants frequently come in the form of adhesives such as glues, gasoline, aerosol propellants, spray paints and cleaning liquids. Although safe in small quantities and if used as indicated, inhalants may be abused.
Inhalants produce a ‘high’ but this is only temporary. Unless a new ‘hit’ is taken, the user could begin to suffer from negative emotions, leading to mood swings.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines were the drug of choice for nearly two decades starting in the 1950s. It was actually a prescription drug, used to treat mild depression, fatigue and obesity. The only problem is that amphetamines can lead to addiction, which has now severely limited its use today.
Over-the-counter drugs that have amphetamine-like effects are frequently being abused by some users. Because of its stimulant effects, it helps keep people awake and alert. It can also suppress the appetite, making it the drug of choice of people who want to lose weight.
The problem is that amphetamines are also drugs that cause mood swings. People who use them frequently exhibit insomnia, restlessness and irritability. In some cases, it can even cause tremors.
LSD
LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide is a synthetic substance, a drug that was made popular in the 60s and 70s. It is a hallucinogenic drug, capable of changing the user’s perception of reality. It is so strong that it can work even in very small doses.
Like most drugs, LSD can also lead to mood swings. Although its initial effects are mainly producing hallucinations, it can create confusion and anxiety in users.
There are also other naturally-occurring drugs that function in similar ways to LSD. Peyote, for example, contains mescaline, while certain types of mushrooms contain psilocybin. These ingredients both produce hallucinations, which made them very popular for use by people practicing certain religious rituals.
Although both substances are quite effective, they are not as potent as LSD, which is 200 times more potent than psilocybin and around 4,000 times more powerful than mescaline.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are prescription drugs that change the levels of neurotransmitters in the body, including norepinephrine and serotonin. Antidepressants include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics. Although quite effective, these drugs do have side effects, including mood swings.
