Acute Cardiovascular Effects of Psilocybin: A Pooled Analysis of 14 Studies with Safety Recommendations
Sandeep M. Nayak, Nathan D. Sepeda, Matthew Nielsen Dick, Praachi Tiwari, Zarmeen Zahid, Ceyda Sayalı, Brandon M. Weiss, David B. Yaden, Albert Garcia‐romeu, Brian S. Barnett, Frederick S. Barrett
medRxiv Preprint Server April 28, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.64898/2026.04.28.26351625 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Population | Participants from 14 psilocybin studies |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Key findings | Comprehensive cardiovascular safety data for psilocybin are limited, and the common exclusion criterion of blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg lacks robust empirical support. |
Abstract
Background Psilocybin has increasingly been studied as a therapeutic for psychiatric and neurologic conditions, yet comprehensive cardiovascular safety data are limited. Current trials often exclude individuals with blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg, criteria established conservatively without robust empirical support.
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
Cites 18
- 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
- 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
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
and 13 more in the library