Psychopharmacology
March 7, 2022
Aryan Sarparast, Kelan Thomas, Benjamin Malcolm et al.
85 citations
As MDMA and psilocybin progress through FDA drug development, this systematic review compiles existing research on psychiatric drug-drug interactions with these substances. It identifies which medications may alter the effects or safety of MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapy, providing a resource for clinicians and researchers. The review suggests that certain psychiatric drugs, such as SSRIs and other serotonergic agents, can diminish or alter the subjective and physiological responses to MDMA and psilocybin, while others may increase risks. The authors indicate that careful medication management is necessary during psychedelic-assisted therapy to optimize outcomes and minimize adverse events.
June 4, 2026
Jason B Luoma, M. Kati Lear, Brian Pilecki et al.
preprint
MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) produced a large reduction in social anxiety symptoms compared to a waitlist condition in adults with social anxiety disorder. In a randomized open-label trial of 20 participants, those receiving MDMA-AT showed an average decrease of 43.3 points on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale after 16 weeks, while the waitlist group did not. Improvements also occurred in functioning, shame, acceptance, belongingness, self-concealment, and self-compassion. Adverse events were mild to moderate and temporary; no serious adverse events occurred. These preliminary findings suggest MDMA-AT is safe and feasible for social anxiety disorder and warrant further research.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
September 17, 2024
Adam W. Levin, Aryan Sarparast, Paul B Nagib et al.
Among a sample of 180 American psychiatrists (mean age 48.4, 65.5% male, 24.1% trainees), about one-third (32.8%) reported personal use of and social connection to psychedelics. Psychiatrists with such personal connection tended to be younger and have fewer years of practice. Those with personal and social connection were more likely to disagree that using illegal drugs is morally wrong, that users should go to prison, are weak-minded, have no future, are poorly educated, are dishonest, or make them angry. Personal and social proximity to psychedelics is associated with less stigma toward drug use and people who use drugs.
Current Psychiatry
February 1, 2023
Aryan Sarparast
A letter comments on a review article about the safety of psychedelics for treating psychiatric disorders, noting that psilocybin has been decriminalized in some areas and legalized for therapeutic use in states like Oregon. The letter does not present new findings or data but offers a remark on the existing publication.