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Romeo B, Kervadec E, Fauvel B, Strika-Bruneau L, Amirouche A, Verroust V, Piolino P, Benyamina A. Safety and risk assessment of psychedelic psychotherapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Psychiatry Res 2024; 335:115880. [PMID: 38579460 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Psychotherapies assisted by psychedelic substances have shown promising results in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate safety data in human subjects. We carried out a search on MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases between 2000 and 2022. Standardized mean differences between different dose ranges and between acute and subacute phases were calculated for cardiovascular data after psychedelic administration. Risk differences were calculated for serious adverse events and common side effects. Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis. There were only nine serious adverse events for over 1000 administrations of psychedelic substances (one during the acute phase and 8 during the post-acute phase). There were no suicide attempts during the acute phase and 3 participants engaged in self-harm during the post-acute phase. There was an increased risk for elevated heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure for all dose range categories, as well as an increased risk of nausea during the acute phase. Other common side effects included headaches, anxiety, and decreased concentration or appetite. This meta-analysis demonstrates that psychedelics are well-tolerated, with a low risk of emerging serious adverse events in a controlled setting with appropriate inclusion criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Romeo
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800, Villejuif, France; Unité de Recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - Psycomadd - Paris Saclay University Île-de-France, France.
| | - E Kervadec
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800, Villejuif, France; Unité de Recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - Psycomadd - Paris Saclay University Île-de-France, France
| | - B Fauvel
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - L Strika-Bruneau
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800, Villejuif, France; Unité de Recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - Psycomadd - Paris Saclay University Île-de-France, France
| | - A Amirouche
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800, Villejuif, France; Unité de Recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - Psycomadd - Paris Saclay University Île-de-France, France
| | - V Verroust
- Unité de Recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - Psycomadd - Paris Saclay University Île-de-France, France; Université Picardie-Jules Verne, France
| | - P Piolino
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - A Benyamina
- APHP, Paul Brousse Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, F-94800, Villejuif, France; Unité de Recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions - Psycomadd - Paris Saclay University Île-de-France, France
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Rouaud A, Calder AE, Hasler G. Microdosing psychedelics and the risk of cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy: Comparison to known cardiotoxins. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:217-224. [PMID: 38214279 PMCID: PMC10944580 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231225609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Though microdosing psychedelics has become increasingly popular, its long-term effects on cardiac health remain unknown. Microdosing most commonly involves ingesting sub-threshold doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, or other psychedelic drugs 2-4 times a week for at least several weeks, but potentially months or years. Concerningly, both LSD and psilocybin share structural similarities with medications which raise the risk of cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy when taken regularly, including methysergide, pergolide, and fenfluramine. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, which is also reportedly used for microdosing, is likewise associated with heart valve damage when taken chronically. In this review, we evaluate the evidence that microdosing LSD, psilocybin, and other psychedelics for several months or more could raise the risk of cardiac fibrosis. We discuss the relationship between drug-induced cardiac fibrosis and the 5-HT2B receptor, and we make recommendations for evaluating the safety of microdosing psychedelics in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonin Rouaud
- University of Fribourg Center for Psychiatric Research, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Abigail E. Calder
- University of Fribourg Center for Psychiatric Research, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Hasler
- University of Fribourg Center for Psychiatric Research, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Lake Lucerne Institute, Vitznau, Switzerland
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Hirschfeld T, Prugger J, Majić T, Schmidt TT. Dose-response relationships of LSD-induced subjective experiences in humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1602-1611. [PMID: 37161078 PMCID: PMC10516880 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01588-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent classic serotonergic psychedelic, which facilitates a variety of altered states of consciousness. Here we present the first meta-analysis establishing dose-response relationship estimates of the altered states of consciousness induced by LSD. Data extracted from articles identified by a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines were obtained from the Altered States Database. The psychometric data comprised ratings of subjective effects from standardized and validated questionnaires: the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (5D-ASC, 11-ASC) and the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30). We performed meta-regression analyses using restricted cubic splines for data from studies with LSD doses of up to 200 μg base. Most scales revealed a sigmoid-like increase of effects, with a plateauing at around 100 μg. The most strongly modulated factors referred to changes in perception and illusory imagination, followed by positively experienced ego-dissolution, while only small effects were found for Anxiety and Dread of Ego Dissolution. The considerable variability observed in most factors and scales points to the role of non-pharmacological factors in shaping subjective experiences. The established dose-response relationships may be used as general references for future experimental and clinical research on LSD to compare observed with expected subjective effects and to elucidate phenomenological differences between psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hirschfeld
- Psychedelic Substances Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Prugger
- Psychedelic Substances Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tomislav Majić
- Psychedelic Substances Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry und Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timo T Schmidt
- Psychedelic Substances Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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Sadee W. Ligand-Free Signaling of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Genetics. Molecules 2023; 28:6375. [PMID: 37687205 PMCID: PMC10489045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitous sensors and regulators of cellular functions. Each GPCR exists in complex aggregates with multiple resting and active conformations. Designed to detect weak stimuli, GPCRs can also activate spontaneously, resulting in basal ligand-free signaling. Agonists trigger a cascade of events leading to an activated agonist-receptor G-protein complex with high agonist affinity. However, the ensuing signaling process can further remodel the receptor complex to reduce agonist affinity, causing rapid ligand dissociation. The acutely activated ligand-free receptor can continue signaling, as proposed for rhodopsin and μ opioid receptors, resulting in robust receptor activation at low agonist occupancy with enhanced agonist potency. Continued receptor stimulation can further modify the receptor complex, regulating sustained ligand-free signaling-proposed to play a role in opioid dependence. Basal, acutely agonist-triggered, and sustained elevated ligand-free signaling could each have distinct functions, reflecting multi-state conformations of GPCRs. This review addresses basal and stimulus-activated ligand-free signaling, its regulation, genetic factors, and pharmacological implications, focusing on opioid and serotonin receptors, and the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). The hypothesis is proposed that ligand-free signaling of 5-HT2A receptors mediate therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs. Research avenues are suggested to close the gaps in our knowledge of ligand-free GPCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Sadee
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Aether Therapeutics Inc., Austin, TX 78756, USA
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The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021329. [PMID: 36674849 PMCID: PMC9865175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to identify effective therapies for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is a particularly important issue in modern societies. In addition, difficulties in finding new drugs have led pharmacologists to review and re-evaluate some past molecules, including psychedelics. For several years there has been growing interest among psychotherapists in psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, of depression, or of post-traumatic stress disorder, although results are not always clear and definitive. In fact, the mechanisms of action of psychedelics are not yet fully understood and some molecular aspects have yet to be well defined. Thus, this review aims to summarize the ethnobotanical uses of the best-known psychedelic plants and the pharmacological mechanisms of the main active ingredients they contain. Furthermore, an up-to-date overview of structural and computational studies performed to evaluate the affinity and binding modes to biologically relevant receptors of ibogaine, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, psilocin, and lysergic acid diethylamide is presented. Finally, the most recent clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of psychedelic molecules in some psychiatric disorders are discussed and compared with drugs already used in therapy.
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Kiluk BD, Kleykamp BA, Comer SD, Griffiths RR, Huhn AS, Johnson MW, Kampman KM, Pravetoni M, Preston KL, Vandrey R, Bergeria CL, Bogenschutz MP, Brown RT, Dunn KE, Dworkin RH, Finan PH, Hendricks PS, Houtsmuller EJ, Kosten TR, Lee DC, Levin FR, McRae-Clark A, Raison CL, Rasmussen K, Turk DC, Weiss RD, Strain EC. Clinical Trial Design Challenges and Opportunities for Emerging Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder: A Review. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:84-92. [PMID: 36449315 PMCID: PMC10297827 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.4020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Importance Novel treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed to address both the ongoing opioid epidemic and long-standing barriers to existing OUD treatments that target the endogenous μ-opioid receptor (MOR) system. The goal of this review is to highlight unique clinical trial design considerations for the study of emerging treatments for OUD that address targets beyond the MOR system. In November 2019, the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTTION) public-private partnership with the US Food and Drug Administration sponsored a meeting to discuss the current evidence regarding potential treatments for OUD, including cannabinoids, psychedelics, sedative-hypnotics, and immunotherapeutics, such as vaccines. Observations Consensus recommendations are presented regarding the most critical elements of trial design for the evaluation of novel OUD treatments, such as: (1) stage of treatment that will be targeted (eg, seeking treatment, early abstinence/detoxification, long-term recovery); (2) role of treatment (adjunctive with or independent of existing OUD treatments); (3) primary outcomes informed by patient preferences that assess opioid use (including changes in patterns of use), treatment retention, and/or global functioning and quality of life; and (4) adverse events, including the potential for opioid-related relapse or overdose, especially if the patient is not simultaneously taking maintenance MOR agonist or antagonist medications. Conclusions and Relevance Applying the recommendations provided here as well as considering input from people with lived experience in the design phase will accelerate the development, translation, and uptake of effective and safe therapeutics for individuals struggling with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Kiluk
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Bethea A Kleykamp
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Sandra D Comer
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Roland R Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kyle M Kampman
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Marco Pravetoni
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle
| | - Kenzie L Preston
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ryan Vandrey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Cecilia L Bergeria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael P Bogenschutz
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York
| | - Randall T Brown
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert H Dworkin
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Patrick H Finan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | | | - Thomas R Kosten
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dustin C Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Frances R Levin
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Aimee McRae-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Charles L Raison
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | - Dennis C Turk
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Roger D Weiss
- Division of Alcohol, Drugs, and Addiction, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric C Strain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Benjamin I, Louis H, O. Ekpen F, Gber TE, Gideon ME, Ahmad I, Unimuke TO, P. Akanimo N, Patel H, Eko IJ, Simon O, Agwamba EC, Ejiofor EU. Modeling the anti-Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Activity of (E)-6-chloro-N 2-phenyl-N 4-(4-Phenyl-5-(Phenyl Diazinyl)-2λ 3, 3 λ 2- Thiazol-2-yl)-1, 3, 5-Triazine-2,4- Diamine. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2022.2160773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Innocent Benjamin
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Hitler Louis
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Francis O. Ekpen
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Terkumbur E. Gber
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Mathias E. Gideon
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Iqrar Ahmad
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R. C. Patel; Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
| | - Tomsmith O. Unimuke
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Nyong P. Akanimo
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Harun Patel
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R. C. Patel; Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
| | | | - Ojima Simon
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Ernest C. Agwamba
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel U. Ejiofor
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
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Ortiz CE, Dourron HM, Sweat NW, Garcia-Romeu A, MacCarthy S, Anderson BT, Hendricks PS. Special considerations for evaluating psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy in vulnerable populations. Neuropharmacology 2022; 214:109127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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