Alternative Options for Complex, Recurrent Pain States Using Cannabinoids, Psilocybin, and Ketamine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Evidence
Amber N. Edinoff, Juliana M. Fort, Christina Singh, Sarah Wagner, Jessica R. Rodriguez, Catherine A Johnson, Elyse M. Cornett, Kevin S. Murnane, Adam M. Kaye, Alan D. Kaye
Neurology International May 18, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint14020035 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with chronic pain states |
| Interventions | THC CBD psilocybin |
| Topics | Cannabis CBD Ketamine Psilocybin Esketamine |
| Keywords | Chronic pain Population Hallucinogen Intensive care medicine |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key findings | THC, CBD, and psilocybin show potential for chronic pain treatment, but existing studies are small and their findings may not generalize to the broader population. |
Abstract
With emerging information about the potential for morbidity and reduced life expectancy with long-term use of opioids, it is logical to evaluate nonopioid analgesic treatments to manage pain states. Combinations of drugs can provide additive and/or synergistic effects that can benefit the management of pain states. In this regard, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) modulate nociceptive signals and have been studied for chronic pain treatment. Psilocybin, commonly known as “magic mushrooms”, works at the serotonin receptor, 5-HT2A. Psilocybin has been found in current studies to help with migraines since it has a tryptamine structure and works similarly to triptans. Psilocybin also has the potential for use in chronic pain treatment. However, the studies that have looked at alternative plant-based medications such as THC, CBD, and psilocybin have been small in terms of their sample size and may not consider the demographic or genetic differences in the population because of their small sample sizes. At present, it is unclear whether the effects reported in these studies translate to the general population or even are significant. In summary, additional studies are warranted to evaluate chronic pain management with alternative and combinations of medications in the treatment of chronic pain.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Current Neuropharmacology January 5, 2024
- Potential analgesic effects of psychedelics on select chronic pain conditions: A survey study European Journal of Pain August 20, 2023
- Psilocybin in Palliative Care: An Update. Current geriatrics reports 2023
- Ketamine Evolving Clinical Roles and Potential Effects with Cognitive, Motor and Driving Ability Neurology International March 28, 2023
- LSD and psilocybin for chronic nociplastic pain: A narrative review of the literature supporting the use of classic psychedelic agents in chronic pain. South African Medical Journal November 6, 2023
and 2 more in the library
Cites 9
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Mechanisms of Ketamine Action as an Antidepressant Molecular Psychiatry March 13, 2018
- Psychedelic Effects of Ketamine in Healthy Volunteers Anesthesiology 1998
- Psilocybin acutely alters the functional connectivity of the claustrum with brain networks that support perception, memory, and attention. Neuroimage September 1, 2020
- Psilocybin dose-dependently causes delayed, transient headaches in healthy volunteers. Drug and Alcohol Dependence June 1, 2012
and 4 more in the library