A systematic review of the pharmacokinetics of classical serotonergic psychedelic compounds in healthy adult subjects.
Elliot Hampsey, Kirsty Martin, Michail Kalfas, Louis Benson, Sirid Wihlborg, Luke A. Jelen, Allan H. Young, James Rucker
Journal of Psychopharmacology May 29, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/02698811261453938 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | Healthy adult volunteers |
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Keywords | Classical psychedelics Pharmacokinetics Systematic review |
| Key findings | LSD and psilocybin show dose-proportional Cmax values, and DMT's oral and intravenous formulations differ in pharmacokinetic profiles that may be clinically significant. |
Abstract
Despite renewed investigations into classical psychedelic compounds, their pharmacokinetic profiles remain incompletely understood. This systematic review collated data from healthy adult volunteers on the pharmacokinetic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), mescaline, and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MEO-DMT). We identified 32 eligible trials. LSD was the most studied compound, followed by DMT, split between intravenous (IV) and oral formulations. Psilocybin was also frequently studied. Mescaline was reported in two trials, with IV LSD, IV psilocybin, inhalation 5-MEO-DMT, and intranasal 5-MEO-DMT reported in single studies. Key findings include dose proportional Cmax values for LSD and psilocybin, alongside differences between oral and IV formulations of DMT that may be clinically significant. This systematic review highlights key variations in absorption, distribution, and elimination between the studied compounds that may have important implications in both clinical and research settings.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on serotonin, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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and 38 more in the library