Serotonergic Psychedelics: A Comparative Review of Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Binding Profile
Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging February 1, 2024 Friederike Holze, Nirmal Singh, Matthias E. Liechti et al. 50 citations
Psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and mescaline, all serotonin 2A receptor agonists, are under investigation as potential treatments. This review summarizes current clinical research on these five compounds, covering mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety. Evidence for therapeutic indications remains scarce except for psilocybin for depression. No differences in psychedelic effects were noted beyond effect duration, and it is unclear whether different receptor profiles contribute to therapeutic potential. More research is needed to differentiate these compounds for various therapeutic uses.