In male mice, chronic treatment with the SSRI fluoxetine (Prozac) reduced the head-twitch response—a behavioral sign of 5-HT2A receptor activation—caused by the psychedelic DOI, while acute fluoxetine had no effect on DOI. The reduced response reversed after a 14-day discontinuation of fluoxetine. Acute fluoxetine also weakened the efficacy (but not potency) of psilocybin, indicating that SSRI-psychedelic interactions may differ depending on the specific psychedelic compound. These results suggest that a history of SSRI use can alter sensitivity to psychedelics in a compound-specific manner, with implications for psychedelic-assisted therapy in people taking SSRIs.
Most Louisiana psychiatrists surveyed are open to psilocybin's medical use if backed by regulation. 82% reported some knowledge of psilocybin; 86% believed it should be researched for medicinal value; 71% would prescribe it if proven beneficial for a patient's illness. 57% thought it should be a first-line treatment for certain conditions, while 73% believed it should be used only after other treatments failed. The 10.5% response rate limits generalizability. The findings suggest a need for educational programs on psychedelics to inform clinical decisions.