Pain and Perception: Exploring Psychedelics as Novel Therapeutic Agents in Chronic Pain Management.
Current pain and headache reports January 7, 2025 Natalie H Strand, Madeline Whitney, Brooks Johnson et al. 9 citations
Chronic pain affects about 1.5 billion people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Conventional treatments like opioids and NSAIDs often cause adverse effects and limited long-term relief. This review examines psychedelics—psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine—as alternative therapies. These substances modulate pain through serotonergic and glutamatergic systems and may promote neuroplasticity. The review covers their pharmacologic actions, effects on cancer pain, migraines, and neuropathic pain, and clinical implications, highlighting the need for further research to validate efficacy and optimize use.