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Innovative research from the University of Georgia suggests that psilocybin, the active compound in “magic mushrooms,” may offer a safe alternative treatment for medication-resistant depression and anxiety, with side effects similar to traditional antidepressant medications.
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study’s findings challenge previous assumptions about the safety profile of psilocybin and underscore its potential as a therapeutic option for mental health disorders.
Led by Joshua Caballero, an associate professor in UGA’s College of Pharmacy, the meta-analysis examined the acute side effects of psilocybin therapy in comparison to conventional antidepressants. The results revealed that when administered as a single therapeutic dose, psilocybin elicited side effects such as headache, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure—similar to those associated with traditional antidepressants.
Caballero emphasizes, “The acute side effects are what we may expect from your traditional antidepressants because those medications work in a similar fashion to psilocybin. They both target serotonin receptors.”
Importantly, the study found that these side effects were generally well tolerated by participants and typically subsided within 24 to 48 hours, suggesting a favorable safety profile for psilocybin therapy.
However, the long-term side effects of psilocybin remain unknown, given its classification as a Schedule 1 drug with hallucinogenic properties. Despite its potential medicinal value, psilocybin requires careful monitoring and professional supervision, particularly due to concerns about its abuse potential and the potential for adverse effects.
Caballero urges caution, stating, “Without proper monitoring, you won’t know the concentration of psilocybin in those mushrooms and you could have a bad trip or other negative outcome.”
The meta-analysis, which included multiple studies involving 528 participants, highlights the importance of professional supervision during psilocybin therapy. Trained therapists and healthcare providers played a crucial role in guiding patients through the treatment process and ensuring their safety and well-being.
“While psilocybin holds promise as a treatment option, professional supervision is key when dealing with potentially dangerous substances,” Caballero emphasizes.
Looking ahead, Caballero hopes that the study’s findings will inform future research and clinical practice, enabling experts to monitor for potential side effects and ensure the safe and effective use of psilocybin as a therapeutic agent.
“By safely using this drug in a controlled environment, I think it could be groundbreaking for a lot of patients that need it,” Caballero concludes.
The study, titled “Acute Adverse Effects of Therapeutic Doses of Psilocybin,” provides valuable insights into the safety profile of psilocybin and its potential as a transformative treatment for mental health disorders.
