For people with cluster headache—a severe condition that often resists standard treatments—serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD can prevent attacks. In a case series of nine patients whose cluster headaches had not responded to conventional therapies, all patients improved with at least one treatment (psilocybin, LSD, or ketamine). Eight of the nine responded positively to the psychedelic indoleamines, several experiencing extended attack-free periods. These exploratory clinical data add to existing evidence that these substances are useful for cluster headache and support lowering legal and regulatory barriers to medical access.
A patient with SUNCT, a severe headache disorder causing intense, short-lived pain, found that ayahuasca—a psychoactive brew traditionally used by South American indigenous groups—completely stopped their attacks after other treatments had failed. Inhaled DMT, the main psychoactive ingredient in ayahuasca, and a strong dose of LSD also temporarily eliminated symptoms. This case suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may offer a new avenue for treating SUNCT and similar headache conditions.