Which class of drugs is known for physiological, sensory, and psychic effects?

Hallucinogens are a class of drugs specifically known for their ability to alter perception, mood, and various cognitive processes. These substances can cause significant changes in sensory perception, leading users to experience visual or auditory distortions. They also influence psychic effects, such as altered thoughts and feelings, which can contribute to profound changes in the state of mind.

The physiological effects of hallucinogens may include changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, though these are generally less pronounced compared to stimulants or depressants. The most defining characteristic of hallucinogens, however, is their capacity to produce altered states of consciousness, which users may describe as mystical or transcendent experiences. This set of effects distinguishes hallucinogens from other classes of drugs.

Stimulants primarily enhance alertness and energy; depressants typically have calming effects; and narcotics are mainly associated with pain relief and sedation, which do not encompass the wide range of sensory and psychic effects indicative of hallucinogens.