Klassieke psychedelica: veiligheid, neveneffecten en medicatie-interacties

Summary

Classic psychedelics are non-addictive and have low toxicity, and their use under controlled conditions reduces the risk of serious unwanted effects such as persistent psychotic symptoms, disabling flashbacks, or increased suicidality. However, under uncontrolled conditions and without psychological support, these risks are real, and using these drugs to treat psychological symptoms should be strongly discouraged. Physicians should have open conversations with patients to inform them and assess risks, including possible interactions with other medications, which should be evaluated individually based on the medication and type of psychedelic.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Classic psychedelics: safety, side effects and medication interactions Given the growing scientific and social interest in the use of classic psychedelics for psychiatric disorders, physicians are increasingly confronted with patients resorting to these drugs. To this date, treatment with classic psychedelics within a medical framework is non-existent. Patients could seek such a treatment themselves by means of a retreat under the guidance of (non-)professionals in a non-official health facility in countries where the use of these substances is legalised. They could also go ‘underground’ in countries where these substances are illegal. It is important that physicians have an open conversation with their patients in order to adequately inform them and make a risk assessment. In this article, the safety, side effects and drug interactions of classic psychedelics are reported. Classic psychedelics are non-addictive and have a low toxicity. Their use under controlled conditions reduces the risk of serious unwanted effects, such as persistent psychotic symptoms, disabling flashback phenomena or increased suicidality. Under uncontrolled conditions and in the absence of psychological support, these risks are, however, real and thus the use of these drugs to treat psychological symptoms should be strongly discouraged. Interactions with other drugs are possible. This risk should be assessed individually for each patient, depending on the medication and type of psychedelic.