Pharmaceuticals
August 12, 2021
Gniewko Więckiewicz, Iga Stokłosa, Magdalena Piegza et al.
30 citations
Depression remains a clinical challenge despite many available treatments. Recently, formerly illicit substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) have drawn scientific interest. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library, identifying 10 relevant papers. Most selected studies showed a significant correlation between psilocybin and DMT use and reduction in depression symptom intensity. The authors conclude that psilocybin and DMT could be useful in depression treatment, but further observations are still required.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
January 19, 2023
Iga Stokłosa, Gniewko Więckiewicz, Maciej Stokłosa et al.
25 citations
No single effective drug for alcohol abuse has been identified, despite centuries of effort, due to the complexity of alcohol dependence. Psychotherapy remains the main treatment, with few FDA-approved medications—acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone—and nalmefene approved by the EMA available to augment it. Recent reports suggest baclofen, topiramate, varenicline, and gabapentin may be useful. Clinical trials with psilocybin and MDMA show promise as breakthroughs, but much more research is needed before new pharmacological treatments become widely available.
Psychiatria polska
August 31, 2022
Sandra Szafoni, Gniewko Więckiewicz, Robert Pudlo et al.
9 citations
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD shows promise in clinical trials, with the FDA granting breakthrough therapy designation based on earlier results. The treatment combines MDMA's pharmacological effects—enhancing fear extinction, increasing oxytocin and trust, and reducing amygdala reactivity—with specific psychotherapeutic methods. If ongoing phase 3 trials meet efficacy criteria, FDA approval could come as early as 2022. The article reviews mechanisms of action, therapeutic rationale, and potential dangers of this approach, which revisits a previously banned psychoactive substance to address the limited effectiveness of current PTSD treatments.
Psychiatria polska
October 31, 2022
Gniewko Więckiewicz, Dariusz Danel, Magdalena Piegza et al.
2 citations
MDMA is commonly used worldwide, but little is known about recreational users' demographics and health. A survey of 304 Polish adults who use MDMA found the drug is widespread among young adults across genders and places of residence. Users take MDMA in pill or crystal form, rarely test drugs from dealers, and most feel MDMA has positively affected their lives. MDMA is seldom used alone; users rate their health higher than those using other psychoactive substances.