Adverse Effects and Safety of Antidepressants and Psychedelics for Depression in Cancer: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Psychoactives March 4, 2025 Renan Massanobu Maekawa, L. T. L. Guerra, José Carlos Bouso et al.
Depression is common in cancer patients but hard to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with those of cancer and its treatments. Treating depression is also complicated by confusion between side effects of antidepressants, cancer therapies, and the disease itself. This systematic review of 21 randomized controlled trials found that serious adverse events from antidepressants were reported in only two studies, suggesting an acceptable safety profile. Most other side effects were mild to moderate and generally well-tolerated. However, small sample sizes highlight the need for larger, placebo-controlled trials to better assess the safety of antidepressants and psychedelics in this population.