Effects of Psilocybin and Select Pharmaceutical Interactions
MacEwan University Student eJournal February 18, 2026 Jordan Mcdowell, Jada Middleton, Alanna Bluett et al.
Over 126,000 Canadians may be experiencing interactions between antidepressants like fluoxetine and psychedelics like psilocybin, a number expected to grow as psychedelic therapy and recreational use become more accepted. Fluoxetine appears to attenuate the mind-altering effects of psilocybin, likely due to modulation of serotonin receptor activity. Benzodiazepine use, including alprazolam, ranges from 5% to 10% nationwide, with higher usage among older adults. Little direct research exists on psilocybin-alprazolam interactions, but small interactive effects are indicated. Understanding these interactions may improve harm-reduction strategies and clinical decision-making.