Short Term Side Effects
After the peak effects of salvia divinorum, normal awareness-of-self and
the immediate surroundings return but lingering side effects may be felt.
The short-term salvia divinorum side effects have a completely
different character than the peak experience. About half of users report a
pleasing 'afterglow', or pleasant state of mind following the
main desired effects.
Researchers (Baggott, et al) from the University of San Francisco conducted
a survey of 500 salvia divinorum users which identified that they 'sometimes
or often' experience the following common (>20% occurrence) lingering
salvia divinorum side
effects:
- Increased insight - 47%
- Improved mood - 44.8%
- Calmness - 42.2%
- Increased connection with universe or nature - 39.8%
- Weird thoughts - 36.4%
- Things seem unreal - 32.4%
- Floating feeling - 32%
- Increased sweating - 28.2%
- Body felt warm or hot - 25.2%
- Mind racing - 23.2%
- Lightheaded - 22.2%
- Increased self-confidence - 21.6%
Long Term Side Effects
Mood
While 'improved mood' is one of the most commonly noted short-term salvia
divinorum side
effects following usage, Baggot's salvia divinorum user survey results also
found that 25.8% of respondents reported antidepressant-like mood
improvements lasting 24 hours or longer. These findings are in-line with
known properties of k-Opioid agonists as well as anecdotal reports and
findings of clinicians.
Results from a study by William A. Carlezon et al using 'Forced-Swim
tests' (where rodents are forced to swim in a narrow cylinder from which
they cannot escape) have been used to suggest that salvia divinorum may have
"Depressive-Like Effects". However, extrapolation from the observation of
temporary physiological effects in rats to suggest more serious
psychological consequences is questionable, particularly given that salvia
divinorum's side effects on motor-control have already been observed and well
documented in human subjects.
Habituation
Salvia divinorum has not been found to be either physically or
psychologically addictive. The results of the Baggot survey, which used the
standard psychiatric drug dependence diagnostic framework, indicate that
salvia divinorum has little if any potential as a drug of dependence.
Both scientific and anecdotal user evidence indicates that chemical
constituents of salvia divinorum may in fact have potential as therapy for
drug addictions to stimulants (e.g., amphetamines) and opiates. Research has
shown that the plant contains neoclerodane diterpenes that have therapeutic
potential for helping people who have drug abuse problems. The neoclerodane
diterpenes in salvia divinorum are k-Opioid agonists. k-Opioid agonists,
according to Tidgewell et al, (AAPS Journal), "possess utility in the
treatment of opioid dependence and have been shown to have anti-depressant
activity as well as block stress-induced behavior responses."
Toxicity
Most users report no hangover or negative side effects the next day.
This is consistent with the apparent low toxicity of salvia divinorum
indicated by research conducted at the University of Nebraska.
Other Side Effects
A report on several salvia species has looked at the efficacy of some
‘folk’ uses of the genus. Salvia divinorum, as one of the species included
in the study, was found to work as a diuretic.
NOTICE:
The large amounts of information on this site
ranging from chemistry, botany, propagation, history, ingestion, side effects
and toxicity, etc is for information only. The information on this site is not
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Conditions / Disclaimer, our salvia is only for incense, herbarium specimen,
collection, legitimate research, plant propagation, and/or ornamental purposes.
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Salvia Divinorum Side Effects