Risks and adverse events associated with the use of psychedelics

Before psychedelic-assisted therapy can be integrated into mainstream medicine, a thorough understanding of its risks and adverse effects is critical. Current clinical trials have left knowledge gaps, and a comprehensive analysis of human receptor pharmacology is needed to guide safe dosing and identify drug-drug interactions with common antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Post-approval pharmacovigilance will be essential for patient safety, and future trials must include more ethnically diverse populations. This innovation in psychiatry requires careful, stepwise safety and risk-benefit evaluations to maximize patient benefit.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Improved understanding of the potential risks and adverse effects of psychedelics is essential before psychedelic-assisted therapy is adopted into mainstream medicine. In spite of numerous recent clinical trials, gaps in knowledge remain. A comprehensive analysis of human receptor pharmacology is required to inform clinical dosing strategies and improve the understanding of drug-drug interactions, specifically relating to psychedelic medicines with currently available antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Pharmacovigilance will be essential post-regulatory approval to ensure patient safety and tolerability, and future clinical trials must include a more ethnically diverse population. This is one of the most important and exciting innovations in psychiatry for over half a century. In order to maximize the potential for patient benefit, it is essential that we proceed carefully and conduct all essential safety and risk-benefit evaluations at each stage.