The Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of Episodic Migraine.

A review of existing literature proposes a framework for using psychedelic drugs as therapeutic agents in episodic migraine. In the only clinical trial of a psychedelic drug for migraine, a single low dose of psilocybin reduced weekly migraine days and pain intensity for two weeks in episodic subjects. Transitional effects, along with abortive effects in two subjects and findings in cluster headache, suggest potential medicinal use. Evidence supports continued investigation of psilocybin and other psychedelics as transitional treatments, though acute and preventive applications may have risks that outweigh benefits. Future research should be tailored for migraine, not modeled after other conditions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This review presents the existing literature of and a framework for how psychedelic drugs might be applied as therapeutic agents in episodic migraine. The therapeutic effects of psychedelics in headache disorders have been reported for decades and controlled investigations are now beginning. In the first and only clinical trial of a psychedelic drug in migraine, the single administration of low-dose psilocybin reduced weekly migraine days and pain intensity for the following 2 weeks in episodic subjects. These transitional effects, along with abortive effects in two subjects and additional findings in cluster headache, offer insight into the potential medicinal use of this and other psychedelic drugs in episodic migraine. The existing evidence supports the continued investigation of psilocybin and other psychedelics as transitional treatments in episodic migraine. Acute and preventive effects also exist, but the risks may outweigh benefits with these applications. Future research of psychedelics in episodic migraine should be tailored for this condition and not modeled after protocols used in other medical or psychiatric conditions.