Frontiers in Psychiatry
March 14, 2023
Jonathan Brett, Elizabeth Knock, Paul Liknaitzky et al.
16 citations
Methamphetamine use disorder is a chronic condition with high relapse rates and limited effective treatments. Contingency management and psychotherapy show modest efficacy, while pharmacological options have little to no benefit. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is emerging as a promising approach for substance use disorders, though no studies have yet examined it for methamphetamine use disorder. This review presents the rationale for using psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to treat methamphetamine use disorder and describes practical considerations from early experience designing and implementing four clinical trials on this approach.
Neurology International
May 18, 2022
Amber N. Edinoff, Juliana M. Fort, Christina Singh et al.
15 citations
Given the risks of long-term opioid use, nonopioid analgesics are being evaluated for chronic pain. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) modulate pain signals and have been studied for chronic pain. Psilocybin, which acts on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and has a tryptamine structure similar to triptans, shows promise for migraines and potentially chronic pain. However, studies of these plant-based medications have small sample sizes, which may overlook demographic or genetic differences, and it remains unclear whether their reported effects apply to the general population or are statistically significant. Further research is needed.
Health Psychology Research
October 6, 2022
Amber N. Edinoff, Natalie W. Wu, Bryce Bonin et al.
11 citations
The opioid epidemic persists despite declining prescription opioid dispensing, with increased use of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl. Established long-term pharmacotherapies for opioid addiction include naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone, while naloxone rapidly reverses overdose. Given the epidemic's severity, this narrative review explores alternative medications: ketamine, which shows promise for treating addiction to opioids, alcohol, and cocaine; cannabinoids, with dronabinol reducing withdrawal symptoms at high doses but causing adverse effects like sedation and tachycardia; and noribogaine, a weak MOR antagonist and potent KOR agonist with potential anti-addictive effects. More research is needed to assess these medications' viability for opioid use disorder and withdrawal.
Neurology International
March 28, 2023
Amber N. Edinoff, Saveen Sall, Colby B. Koontz et al.
5 citations
Ketamine, derived from phencyclidine and used to treat conditions like treatment-resistant depression, impairs driving-related abilities. A study comparing ketamine with a similar drug, rapasitnel, found that ketamine caused more sleepiness and reduced self-reported motivation and confidence in driving. Effects vary depending on acute versus persistent use and anesthetic versus subanesthetic doses, complicating clinical decisions. This review describes ketamine's clinical uses and the risks of driving under its influence, aiming to guide patient counseling and protect public safety.
Psychedelic Medicine
December 19, 2025
Amanda Husein, Madalynn Traylor, M. Frances Vest et al.
Most Louisiana psychiatrists surveyed are open to psilocybin's medical use if backed by regulation. 82% reported some knowledge of psilocybin; 86% believed it should be researched for medicinal value; 71% would prescribe it if proven beneficial for a patient's illness. 57% thought it should be a first-line treatment for certain conditions, while 73% believed it should be used only after other treatments failed. The 10.5% response rate limits generalizability. The findings suggest a need for educational programs on psychedelics to inform clinical decisions.