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.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on serotonin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallucinogenic drugs attenuate the subjective response to alcohol in humans Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and/or psilocybin users | 2000 | Retrospective structured interview study | n = 22 |
| Chronic administration of serotonergic antidepressants attenuates the subjective effects of LSD in humans. Volunteer subjects recruited via Internet announcements or other sources who... | 1996 | Qualitative study | n = 32 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Psilocybin in alcohol use disorder and comorbid depressive symptoms: Results from a feasibility randomized clinical trial Addiction July 24, 2025
- Role of endogenous serotonin in psychedelic-like effects of psilocybin in mice The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology May 25, 2025
- Concomitant use of antidepressants and classic psychedelics: A scoping review Journal of Psychopharmacology September 12, 2025
- Exploratory Insights into 5-MeO-DMT Experiences on Reddit: A Thematic Analysis Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 7, 2026
- Naturally Derived Psilocybin for Therapeutic Use: A Six-Criterion Framework for Evidence, Safety, and Benefit–Risk Considerations in Policy and Clinical Development Biomolecules July 3, 2026
and 4 more in the library
Cites 72
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
and 67 more in the library