British Journal of Pharmacology
November 29, 2024
Tate Askey, Reena Lasrado, Maria Maiarù et al.
13 citations
Psychedelic drugs are being considered for clinical use, particularly as anti-nociceptive treatments for chronic pain and co-morbid depression. This review examines preclinical animal models used to study psilocybin's potential as an anti-nociceptive agent. Initial studies in animal models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain are summarized, highlighting areas needing further research. Potential mechanisms include activation of 5-HT2A receptors in serotonergic pathways at spinal and central levels, and neuroplastic actions that improve functional connectivity in brain regions involved in chronic pain. Current clinical aspects and the translational potential of psilocybin from animal models to chronic pain patients are reviewed. Psilocybin is discussed as an ideal anti-nociceptive agent with broad effects against chronic pain and its inflammatory or emotional components.
Research Square
September 19, 2024
Maria Maiarù, Tatum Askey, Daniel Allen-Ross et al.
2 citations
A single dose of psilocybin produced a sustained reduction in pain sensitivity in a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain. Additionally, this single dose dramatically increased the pain-relieving effect of gabapentin, a common neuropathic pain medication. These findings suggest that psilocybin may induce lasting changes in neural network processing that enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Communications Biology
April 24, 2026
Tatum Askey, Daniel Allen-Ross, Daniil Luzyanin et al.
A single dose of psilocybin produces a sustained anti-nociceptive effect in chronic neuropathic pain models in male and female mice, mediated primarily by 5-HT2A receptors. Psilocybin significantly potentiates the analgesic efficacy of gabapentin, a standard-of-care treatment, representing the first preclinical evidence that a psychedelic can serve as a pain-network primer for existing analgesics. This finding suggests a novel therapeutic strategy, particularly for the 30-50% of neuropathic pain patients who fail gabapentin monotherapy. The data demonstrate that a single psilocybin injection produces sustained month-long changes that enhance gabapentin efficacy in a preclinical model.
April 1, 2026
Susan Wonnacott, Gary J. Stephens, T. Sharp
Growing interest in psychedelic and related drugs as potential therapies for a wide range of difficult-to-treat conditions, including those beyond neuropsychiatric disorders, has motivated a themed collection of reviews and original articles. The collection covers the mechanistic basis of how these drugs act, the current status of preclinical research and progress in clinical trials, and insight into regulatory processes that determine clinical approval. This editorial introduces these aspects, provides an overview of current controversies and challenges in the field, and highlights the exciting potential these drugs offer.
September 17, 2025
Tatum Askey, Daniel Allen-Ross, Daniil Luzyanin et al.
preprint
A single dose of psilocybin produced a sustained anti-nociceptive effect in a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain, in both male and female mice. This effect was mediated by 5-HT2A receptors, though other mechanisms may also contribute. Psilocybin also significantly increased the anti-nociceptive potential of gabapentin, a common neuropathic pain treatment, suggesting longer-lasting changes in network processing. These findings provide the first preclinical evidence that psilocybin could be a valuable approach for treating chronic pain from nerve injury and serve as a new therapeutic addition for pain management.
British Journal of Pharmacology
July 1, 2026
Susan Wonnacott, Gary J. Stephens, Trevor Sharp
This editorial introduces a themed journal issue on psychedelic and related drugs as potential therapies for a wide range of difficult-to-treat conditions beyond neuropsychiatric disorders. The collection includes reviews and original articles covering the mechanistic basis of how these drugs act, the current status of preclinical research, progress in clinical trials, and insight into regulatory processes for clinical approval. The editorial provides an overview of current controversies and challenges in the field while highlighting the exciting potential these drugs offer.