Disease: alcoholism

Drug–drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review

This review examined how psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin interact with other medications people might be taking. Researchers found that certain psychiatric medications like antipsychotics can block the effects of psychedelics, while other drugs may enhance them. The study highlights the importance of understanding these interactions for safe therapeutic use of psychedelics in clinical settings.

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Evolution and Comparative Analysis of Clinical Trials on Psilocybin in the Treatment of Psychopathologies: Trends in the EU and the US

Researchers are studying psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, as a potential treatment for depression, anxiety, and addiction. The United States has significantly more clinical trials underway than the European Union, reflecting different regulatory approaches and funding levels. While US trials progress faster, EU trials emphasize safety and careful evaluation. Both regions show promising results when psilocybin is combined with professional psychological support in controlled settings.

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Down the rabbit hole – the psychological and neural mechanisms of psychedelic compounds and their use in treating mental health and medical conditions

Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD are showing significant promise for treating various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These substances appear to work through multiple mechanisms, including inducing profound mystical experiences and increasing neuroplasticity in the brain. Research indicates that environmental and contextual factors significantly influence how effective these treatments are, and even virtual reality experiences mimicking psychedelic effects show therapeutic benefits. The field is moving toward responsible, evidence-based clinical applications of psychedelics in psychiatry.

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Psychedelic-induced mystical experiences: An interdisciplinary discussion and critique

This paper examines how psychedelic research studies ‘mystical experiences’—profound spiritual-type states often linked to therapeutic benefits. The authors argue that current scientific measures of these experiences are based on Western Christian and colonial-era ideas about mysticism that aren’t universal. They propose that scientists should work more closely with religious scholars and anthropologists to better understand these complex experiences across different cultures and contexts.

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Biological studies of clavine alkaloids targeting CNS receptors

This paper reviews clavine alkaloids, a class of natural compounds from ergot fungi that show promise as psychiatric medications. Unlike well-known psychedelics like LSD, clavine alkaloids may provide therapeutic benefits for anxiety and depression without strong hallucinogenic effects. The authors highlight how these compounds interact with brain receptors in ways that could make them safer and more effective medications for treating mood and neurological disorders.

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Effects of hallucinogenic drugs on the human heart

Hallucinogenic drugs like LSD and psilocybin affect not only the brain but also the heart. These drugs increase heart rate and contractility mainly through specific serotonin and histamine receptors. While these effects might have therapeutic potential for psychiatric conditions, prolonged use can damage heart valves and cause dangerous arrhythmias. Understanding these cardiac effects is crucial for safe medical use and treatment of overdoses.

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Psilocybin as Transformative Fast-Acting Antidepressant: Pharmacological Properties and Molecular Mechanisms

Psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, is being studied as a potential rapid-acting treatment for severe depression that doesn’t respond to standard antidepressants. Unlike conventional antidepressants that take weeks to work, psilocybin shows promise for producing mood improvements within days. The drug works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain and promoting the growth of new neural connections, though researchers are still working to fully understand how it achieves its antidepressant effects.

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Lower-dose psycholytic therapy – A neglected approach

This review examines psycholytic therapy, a method using lower doses of LSD or psilocybin combined with ongoing psychotherapy to help people process psychological conflicts and trauma. Developed in Europe during the 1960s-1970s and used successfully at over 30 clinics, this approach was largely abandoned when psychedelics became illegal but is now being reconsidered. Historical research shows it was effective for anxiety, depression, and personality issues in treatment-resistant patients, with safety profiles comparable to conventional therapy.

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