Are psychedelics the answer to chronic pain: A review of current literature
Pain Practice January 4, 2023 Tim Willegers, Anke Reuser, Cornelis Kramers et al. 38 citations
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin may help manage chronic pain by activating the serotonin-2A receptor, disrupting maladaptive brain connections and enabling healthy reconnections via neuroplastic effects, though the process is not fully understood and evidence is limited and low quality. In cancer-related pain, decades-old findings and recent studies show promising analgesic and safety benefits for psychological distress. People with migraine or cluster headache who self-medicate report acute and preventive relief, and randomized trials for cluster headache are underway. Psychedelics have a favorable safety profile and lack the addictive potential of opioids, making further research important given the opioid epidemic.