The antidepressant effects of vaporized N,N-Dimethyltryptamine: a preliminary report in treatment-resistant depression
OpenAlex – January 04, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Vaporized DMT shows promise for treating treatment-resistant depression, with 83.33% of six participants responding positively after just one day. In a Phase 2a clinical trial, patients experienced a significant decrease in depression severity, with a mean reduction of 22 points on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale by Day 7 and 17 points by one month. Remarkably, 66.67% maintained their response at one month, while half sustained remission. These findings highlight DMT's potential as a rapid-acting antidepressant in psychiatric care.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychedelic tryptamine contained in the indigenous ayahuasca brew has shown antidepressant effects. This Phase 2a clinical trial investigates for the first time the efficacy of isolated DMT in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods Six TRD patients participated in an open-label, fixed-order, dose-escalation study, receiving a lower (15 mg) and then a higher (60 mg) dose of vaporized DMT in a single-day session. Depression severity was assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) up to one-month post-dosing. Results Significant reductions in MADRS and PHQ-9 scores were noted from Day 1 to M1. The mean MADRS score variation from baseline to D7 was −22 points and −17 points at M1. PHQ-9 scores also showed significant decreases, mirroring the MADRS results. By D7, 83.33% of patients responded to treatment, with 66.67% achieving remission. At M1, 66.67% maintained response, and 50% maintained remission. Discussion The rapid onset and sustained antidepressant effects of vaporized DMT align with the paradigm of rapid-acting antidepressants to be used in the scope of interventional psychiatry. The non-invasive route and short-acting nature of DMT offer practical advantages, potentially enhancing accessibility to psychedelic treatments. Clinical Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT06094907