Psilocybin as a novel treatment for chronic pain
Tate Askey, Reena Lasrado, Maria Maiarù, Gary J. Stephens
British Journal of Pharmacology November 29, 2024 DOI: 10.1111/bph.17420 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Neuroplasticity Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Neuropathic pain Chronic pain Nociception Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin shows potential as an anti-nociceptive agent for chronic pain through serotonergic and neuroplastic mechanisms, but further research is needed. |
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic drugs are under active consideration for clinical use and have generated significant interest for their potential as anti‐nociceptive treatments for chronic pain, and for addressing conditions like depression, frequently co‐morbid with pain. This review primarily explores the utility of preclinical animal models in investigating the potential of psilocybin as an anti‐nociceptive agent. Initial studies involving psilocybin in animal models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain are summarised, alongside areas where further research is needed. The potential mechanisms of action, including targeting serotonergic pathways through the activation of 5‐HT 2A receptors at both spinal and central levels, as well as neuroplastic actions that improve functional connectivity in brain regions involved in chronic pain, are considered. Current clinical aspects and the translational potential of psilocybin from animal models to chronic pain patients are reviewed. Also discussed is psilocybin's profile as an ideal anti‐nociceptive agent, with a wide range of effects against chronic pain and its associated inflammatory or emotional components.
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 13
- Mushroom bioactives—polysaccharides to psilocybin: a viewpoint on the therapeutic use of mushrooms for consumers and patients for health and neuroplasticity Translational Food Sciences 2025
- Is there a place for psychedelics in sports practice? Acta Neuropsychiatrica 2025
- Psilocybin-containing mushroom-assisted psychotherapy is associated with sustained psychological and somatic improvements: two case studies from Jamaica Frontiers in Psychiatry July 29, 2026
- Psilocybin in Older Adults: Therapeutic Opportunities in Inflammation-Driven Disorders of Aging-From Depression to Neurodegeneration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences May 9, 2026
- Psilocybin ameliorates neuropathic pain-like behaviour in mice and facilitates gabapentin-mediated analgesia. Communications Biology April 24, 2026
and 8 more in the library
Cites 54
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
- Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo Neuron July 5, 2021
and 49 more in the library