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.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
May 8, 2017
Kelan Thomas, Benjamin Malcolm, Dan Lastra
77 citations
A review of seven clinical trials found that psilocybin-assisted therapy reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use, with large effect sizes for improved depression and anxiety. Reductions in alcohol or tobacco use and increased abstinence rates in addiction were less clear due to open-label designs without statistical analysis. The therapy appears promising, but more robust trials are needed for FDA approval.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
November 26, 2020
Heba Diab, Benjamin Malcolm
1 citation
A 39-year-old man with past polysubstance use disorder and depression developed tinnitus after inhaling DMT, though he was also microdosing LSD weekly. The ringing caused distress and anxiety, leading him to seek help from an audiologist, primary care doctor, and psychopharmacologist. Tinnitus lasted several months, but its intensity and his ability to cope improved over time. Taking psilocybin mushrooms worsened the tinnitus on two occasions, after which he stopped using psychedelics. While psychedelics are known to cause acute auditory changes, this is the first probable case linking DMT to persistent tinnitus. The report reviews possible mechanisms connecting psychedelics and tinnitus.