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- Psychedelic Journal Watch
Psychedelic Journal Watch
Keeping health professionals abreast of the latest research in psychedelic medicine
I. Bretisilocin: A Novel Synthetic Psychedelic Drug
Bretisilocin, a novel psychedelic drug under development by Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals for depression, shows similar effects to other classic psychedelics, according to the Journal of Psychopharmacology.
In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 48 healthy participants, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics were assessed
Bretisilocin demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with mild transient side-effects, and no significant changes to blood pressure, heart rate, or electrocardiogram readings. Drug effects were similar to other classic psychedelics.
According to the authors, “the duration of cardiovascular and subjective effects was shorter than psilocybin but longer than DMT, demonstrating a potentially more practical temporal profile for use in a supervised clinical setting compared to longer-acting 5-HT2A receptor agonists.”
II. The Challenges of Being a Psychedelic Provider
Providers caring for patients under the influence of psychedelics have difficulty managing dysphoria and disappointment, according to the Journal of Psychopharmacology.
In this survey analysis, 40 medical professionals who oversaw a total of 1656 psychedelic sessions were asked about challenges they faced during treatment sessions.
The most challenging experiences reported by providers were: extreme dysphoria, disappointment in the treatment, and re-engagement with traumatic experiences. 70% of providers said that individuals with PTSD or prior trauma should have additional psychological support.
According to the authors, “psychedelic providers encounter a variety of challenges over the course of psychedelic treatments. These potentialities should be considered during the development of psychological support protocols for clinical trials and any future clinical guidelines.”
III. Naltrexone for Ketamine Use Disorder (KUD)
Naltrexone shows potential for treating Ketamine Use Disorder, according to the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
In this case report and literature review, efficacy of naltrexone for the treatment of KUD was assessed.
In this case report, a 25-year-old women with daily ketamine use and intense cravings was able to achieve abstinence from ketamine with naltrexone 50mg daily. These findings were consistent with 2 prior case reports.
According to the authors, “studies have shown that naltrexone reduces the antidepressant effects of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression, indicating an overlap between the opioid system and ketamine’s NMDA receptor activity. Larger, double-blind studies are needed to evaluate naltrexone’s efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing for KUDs.”
LSD is a derivative of ergotamine, an alkaloid found in the fungus Claviceps purpurea (ergot), which commonly infects rye.
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