Therapeutic use of psilocybin: Practical considerations for dosing and administration
Jagpaul Kaur Deol, Caroline A. Maccallum, Lindsay A. Lo, Carly A. Pistawka
Frontiers in Psychiatry December 1, 2022 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1040217 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Dosing Health professionals Health care Adverse effect Intensive care medicine Psychotherapist Hallucinogen Pharmacology |
| Citations | 95 |
| Key findings | The article provides an overview of practical considerations for psilocybin therapy, including pharmacology, dosing, administration, monitoring, and safety, to help health care professionals counsel patients. |
Abstract
The interest in psilocybin as a therapeutic approach has grown exponentially in recent years. Despite increasing access, there remains a lack of practical guidance on the topic for health care professionals. This is particularly concerning given the medical complexity and vulnerable nature of patients for whom psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy may be considered. This article aims to provide health care professionals with an overview of practical considerations for psilocybin therapy, rooted in a patient safety focus. Within this piece we will review basic psilocybin pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, indications, practical therapeutic strategies (e.g., dosing, administration, monitoring) and safety considerations (e.g., contraindications, adverse events, and drug interactions). With this information, our goal is to increase the knowledge and comfort of health care professionals to discuss and counsel their patients on psilocybin therapy, ultimately improving patient care and safety.
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 89
- Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of human studies European Neuropsychopharmacology August 7, 2023
- Psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity and induces rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects in mice Journal of Psychopharmacology April 28, 2024
- Psychedelics for treatment resistant depression: are they game changers? Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy November 10, 2023
- When the Trial Ends: The Case for Post-Trial Provisions in Clinical Psychedelic Research Neuroethics November 6, 2023
- The Tolerability and Safety of Psilocybin in Psychiatric and Substance-Dependence Conditions: A Systematic Review Annals of Pharmacotherapy October 30, 2023
and 84 more in the library
Cites 55
- 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
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
and 50 more in the library