Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Discontinuation for Psilocybin Treatment and Contributions to Alcohol Addiction Relapse
Mark A. Frye, Balwinder Singh, Scott Breitinger, Tyler Oesterle
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry August 25, 2024 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.24cr15378 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA man with alcohol use disorder (AUD) maintained sobriety while taking an SSRI and naltrexone, but stopped the SSRI to take part in a psilocybin ceremony, after which he relapsed to alcohol use. The case examines factors that likely contributed to the relapse, including the discontinuation of the SSRI, the context of the psilocybin experience, and the absence of structured follow-up care.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A man with alcohol use disorder |
| Topics | Addiction Anxiety Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Discontinuation Serotonin uptake inhibitors Serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Discontinuing an SSRI to participate in a psilocybin ceremony may contribute to relapse in a person with AUD who had been stable on medication. |
Abstract
A man with AUD achieves sobriety on treatment with an SSRI and naltrexone, but then stops taking the SSRI to participate in a psilocybin “ceremony.” What factors contributed to his subsequent relapse to alcohol use?