Content analysis of Reddit posts about coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psilocybin mushrooms.
Kimberly Sakai, Ellen Bradley, Joseph A. Zamaria, Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Dennis Parker Kelley, Alexander Fish, Valeria Martini, Michelle C Ferris, Emma Morton, Erin E. Michalak, Aoife O'Donovan, Joshua Woolley
Psychopharmacology August 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06585-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative content analysis of social media posts Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 443 |
| Population | Reddit users describing coadministration of psilocybin mushrooms and SSRIs |
| Interventions | Psilocybin mushrooms SSRIs |
| Topics | Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Drug-drug interactions Psychedelics magic mushrooms Antidepressants ssris Snris Hallucinogens Medication interactions Contraindications Moo |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key findings | 54% of posts reported reduced intensity of the acute psilocybin experience with SSRI coadministration, while 39% reported unchanged intensity; 8% reported negative effects. |
Abstract
Treatments with the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin are being investigated for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Because many patients with these disorders use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), understanding interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs is critical for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and scalability of psilocybin-based treatments. Current knowledge about these interactions is limited, as most clinical psilocybin research has prohibited concomittant SSRI use. We aimed to explore potential interactions between psilocybin and SSRIs by characterizing peoples' real-world experiences using psilocybin mushrooms and SSRIs together. We conducted a systematic search of Reddit for posts describing psilocybin mushroom and SSRI coadministration. We identified 443 eligible posts and applied qualitative content analysis to each. 8% of posts reported negative physical or psychological effects resulting from coadministration. These included 13 reports that may reflect serotonin toxicity, and 1 concerning for a psychotic/manic episode. 54% of posts described reduced intensity of the acute psilocybin experience, but 39% reported unchanged intensity with SSRI coadministration. Psilocybin's interactions with SSRIs are likely complex and may depend on multiple factors. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether psilocybin treatments are reliably safe and effective in the setting of SSRI use.