Pharmaceuticals
September 28, 2021
René Zeiss, Maximilian Gahr, Heiko Graf
17 citations
Psilocybin shows promise as an antidepressant for major depressive disorder, with studies reporting high treatment effect sizes. However, the exact mechanism by which it alleviates depression and the role of the psychedelic experience itself remain unclear. No severe adverse events were observed in the reviewed studies, but results are considered preliminary due to limitations. Several safety and utility questions require further research.
Frontiers in psychiatry
January 1, 2024
René Zeiss, Melissa Schweizer, Bernhard Connemann et al.
3 citations
Two cases of rhabdomyolysis, a destruction of muscle tissue with elevated creatine kinase levels, occurred after administration of nasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. A 33-year-old male patient developed muscle pain and fatigue after the fourth dose, with creatine kinase levels above 22,000 U/L. A 22-year-old male patient exhibited muscle weakness and elevated creatine kinase levels (8,032 U/L) after the tenth dose. In both cases, creatine kinase levels returned to normal after discontinuation of esketamine and supportive care. The temporal connection suggests a possible causal relationship. No prior literature on esketamine-induced rhabdomyolysis following nasal administration was found.
European Psychiatry
March 1, 2023
René Zeiss
Psilocybin, a classical psychedelic, is being studied as an alternative treatment for mental disorders. A narrative review of recent studies found no serious side effects under controlled conditions. Common adverse drug reactions include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. The lethal dose is many times higher than the therapeutic dose, with no overdose deaths identified. Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder did not occur in the studies reviewed and is more associated with recreational use. Results are preliminary because risk populations were mostly excluded. Risks like delusional experiences and bad trips are more likely in uncontrolled recreational use. The authors caution that high expectations and fame surrounding psilocybin could blur the line between therapeutic and abusive use.