Journal of Psychopharmacology
August 31, 2023
Pravesh Sharma, Quang Anh Nguyen, Erin Carpenter et al.
32 citations
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, shows modest evidence for treating depression and anxiety disorders, and early data suggest it may reduce harmful drinking in alcohol use disorder. When administered under supervision, side effects are mild and transient, and severe adverse events are uncommon. However, a recent clinical trial found increased suicidal ideations and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors in the psilocybin arm. Further investigation is needed to identify which patient subgroups benefit most and which are at risk for adverse outcomes.
Substance use & misuse
January 1, 2025
Jadyn Hartwig, Jared Kendrick, Ghonwa Ahmad et al.
3 citations
People who use the psychoactive mushroom Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) report more positive than negative effects, and the negative effects are typically mild and temporary. This conclusion comes from analyzing 998 main posts and 9,542 comments on the Reddit forum r/AmanitaMuscaria. Users described reasons for consumption, modes of use, and both beneficial and adverse outcomes. The findings suggest that medical providers may not easily learn about a patient's use of this mushroom unless severe side effects occur. Further research into the mushroom's pharmacology and deeper analysis of online discussions is recommended to inform safe practices.
Journal of Psychopharmacology
May 12, 2026
Pravesh Sharma, Jared Kendrick, Jennifer Schram et al.
A review of human studies on ibogaine and its metabolite noribogaine found only three randomized controlled trials. In one pilot study, a single 1800 mg dose of ibogaine reduced cocaine craving versus placebo over up to 24 weeks in 20 adults. Noribogaine doses of 3-60 mg were safe in 36 healthy volunteers. In 27 opioid-dependent patients, noribogaine 60-180 mg caused dose-dependent QTc prolongation with non-significant reductions in withdrawal symptoms. Adverse effects include neurologic, psychiatric, and cardiac events, and fatalities have occurred with comorbidities. Microdosing protocols lack standardized definitions and are supported only by preliminary observational data. The authors conclude that clinical use cannot be recommended without larger, well-controlled trials due to cardiotoxicity and a narrow therapeutic margin.
Behavioral Sciences
March 24, 2026
J. Richard Kendrick, Ghonwa Ahmad, Audrey Wood et al.
An analysis of 500 high-engagement threads (12,852 comments) from the r/TherapeuticKetamine subreddit found that people primarily use ketamine for mood-related concerns (53%). Positive effects, most often improved emotional well-being (65%), were reported alongside adverse effects that were predominantly psychological or mood-related (56%). 70% of reported doses exceeded 149 mg, indicating a trend toward higher doses. Intravenous administration (40%) and sublingual troches (23%) were the most common routes. Concurrent use of prescribed psychotropics, cannabis, and psychedelics was also reported. The findings suggest substantial heterogeneity in individual experiences and underscore the importance of clinical monitoring for addiction potential and drug interactions.