Research Topic: drug interactions

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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Acute Effects of Psilocybin After Escitalopram or Placebo Pretreatment in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects

This study examined whether taking the antidepressant escitalopram before using psilocybin affects the drug’s effects. Twenty-three healthy participants took either escitalopram or placebo for two weeks, then received a dose of psilocybin. Surprisingly, escitalopram did not reduce the positive mood effects of psilocybin and actually reduced some negative side effects like anxiety and bad feelings. The combination appeared safe with no increased cardiovascular risks.

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Ganoderma lingzhi (Reishi Mushroom)-Induced Acute Liver Injury in the Setting of Alcohol Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 47-year-old man developed severe liver inflammation after consuming Reishi mushroom powder while drinking large amounts of vodka over three days. Although Reishi mushrooms are commonly promoted as healthy supplements, in this case the combination with alcohol caused his liver enzymes to spike dangerously high. The patient recovered after hospital treatment, but the case highlights that even natural supplements can be harmful, especially when combined with alcohol. This raises concerns that more research is needed on how mushroom supplements interact with other substances people consume.

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Simultaneous cannabis and psychedelic use among festival and concert attendees in Colorado: characterizing enhancement and adverse reactions using mixed methods

This study surveyed music festival and concert attendees in Colorado about their experiences using cannabis and psychedelics together. Researchers found that most people reported cannabis made their psychedelic experience better by reducing anxiety, enhancing mood, or intensifying effects. Only a small percentage experienced negative effects like increased anxiety or confusion. The study suggests cannabis may help people manage difficult psychedelic trips, though more research is needed to understand how different types and amounts of cannabis affect outcomes.

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Acute Kidney Failure and Myocarditis Triggered by Magic Mushroom Toxicity in a Patient With Prior Cocaine Exposure

A middle-aged man who used magic mushrooms along with alcohol and LSD developed severe kidney failure and heart inflammation. He had previously used cocaine, which made his condition worse by promoting blood clots throughout his body. Despite dialysis treatment, his kidneys stopped working, he developed heart problems and blood clots in major blood vessels, and he unfortunately passed away. This case highlights how dangerous it can be to mix magic mushrooms with other drugs, especially for people with a history of cocaine use.

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Interactions between classic psychedelics and serotonergic antidepressants: Effects on the acute psychedelic subjective experience, well-being and depressive symptoms from a prospective survey study

This study examines how antidepressant medications (like SSRIs) affect the experience of classic psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD. Researchers found that people taking these antidepressants experienced less intense emotional and mystical effects from psychedelics, but surprisingly, both groups showed similar improvements in mood and well-being several weeks later. This raises important questions about whether patients need to stop their antidepressants before using psychedelics therapeutically.

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Pharmacokinetics of Psilocybin: A Systematic Review

This review examines how the body processes psilocybin, a compound from magic mushrooms being studied for treating depression and anxiety. When taken orally, psilocybin is quickly converted to its active form, psilocin, which reaches peak levels in the bloodstream within 1-4 hours and is eliminated mainly through urine. The body’s ability to process psilocybin involves specific liver enzymes that vary between individuals, potentially explaining why people respond differently to the same dose and why certain medications can interfere with its effects.

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Recent Advances in the Use of Ganoderma lucidum and Coriolus versicolor Mushrooms to Enhance the Anticancer Efficacy of EGFR-Targeted Drugs in Lung Cancer

This review explores how two medicinal mushrooms traditionally used in Asian medicine—Lingzhi and Yunzhi—can enhance the effectiveness of lung cancer drugs (EGFR-TKIs) and help overcome drug resistance. These mushrooms contain special compounds that can fight cancer in multiple ways, boost the immune system, and reduce side effects. The research suggests that combining these mushrooms with standard cancer treatments may improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.

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Enhancing antifungal stewardship: The educational and healthcare benefits of involving pharmacy students in audits

This study involved pharmacy students in reviewing fluconazole prescriptions at two Sydney hospitals to improve antifungal medication use. The researchers found that many fluconazole prescriptions were not being used appropriately, and some patients had dangerous drug interactions. The pharmacy students gained valuable real-world experience while helping the hospitals improve their antifungal stewardship practices.

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Deep Fungal Infection of the Skin with Two Rare Fungi in a Dog Being Treated with Immunosuppressant Therapy: A Case Report

A dog being treated for brain inflammation with immune-suppressing drugs developed a serious skin infection caused by two unusual fungi not previously reported together in veterinary medicine. The infection proved difficult to diagnose, requiring tissue samples and specialized laboratory testing to identify the fungi and determine which antifungal drugs would work best. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and reducing the immunosuppressive drugs, the infection did not improve and the dog’s underlying condition worsened, ultimately requiring euthanasia. This case shows the serious risks of fungal infections in animals on long-term immunosuppressive therapy and highlights the need for careful monitoring and early detection.

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