The light at the end of the tunnel

Vaporized 5-MeO-DMT produced strong psychedelic effects linked to feelings of profoundness and meaningfulness. In two clinical studies, healthy volunteers and patients with treatment-resistant depression received the drug. Higher doses that elicited more profound experiences were associated with greater reductions in depressive symptoms, and the drug was well tolerated and safe.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The research described in this thesis focused on the psychedelic and psychoactive effects of the psychedelic drug Mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT), as well as its safety and therapeutic efficacy. A prominent feature of 5-MeO-DMT is its ability to elicit a psychedelic state, which has been linked to feelings of profoundness and meaningfulness. This state, sometimes referred to as a mystical or peak experience, has been linked to therapeutic effects in patients with anxiety or depression. Two clinical studies were conducted, in which a vaporized 5-MeO-DMT formulation was first delivered to healthy volunteers and, in the second study, to patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), in order to assess safety and efficacy. Results indicated that higher doses, eliciting stronger and more profound effects, were related to better clinical efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms, while still being well tolerated and safe.