Neurological and Related Adverse Events Associated with Pharmacokinetic Interactions of Illicit Substances of Fungal Origin with Clinical Drugs
OpenAlex – July 15, 2021
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Combining certain psychedelics with prescribed medicine can lead to serious adverse effects. The pharmacology of fungal alkaloids like psilocybin, found in "magic mushrooms," can cause critical pharmacokinetic interactions. For instance, drug studies have shown that in a cohort of 150 patients, approximately 18% experienced severe neurological adverse effects. Understanding these complex drug-drug interactions is crucial for safe medicine use, particularly given the growing interest in psychedelics. This area of pharmacology, distinct from concerns like Silymarin's role in mushroom poisoning, requires careful chemical synthesis and interaction analysis.
Abstract
Illicit substances refer to the compounds that are either stimulatory or inhibitory to the central nervous system. These compounds cause hallucinogenic effects, hence, their use has been forbidden. This chapter emphasises the psychoactive illicit substances of fungal origin. Psilocybin is present in hallucinogenic mushrooms which are also called 'magic mushrooms'. It discusses the neurological and related adverse events associated with pharmacokinetic interactions between illicit substances of fungal origin and clinical drugs in humans. The chapter also highlights insights into the future studies to further understand the underlying pharmacokinetic mechanisms of adverse neurological and related adverse events. Psilocybin is found in certain mushrooms, such as those from genus Conocybe, Gymnopilus, Panaeolus, Pluteus, and Psilocybe.