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Lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin for the management of patients with persistent pain: a potential role?

Authors :
Whelan A
Johnson MI
Source :
Pain management [Pain Manag] 2018 May; Vol. 8 (3), pp. 217-229. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 May 03.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Recently, there has been interest in lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin for depression, anxiety and fear of death in terminal illness. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential use of LSD and psilocybin for patients with persistent pain. LSD and psilocybin are 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists and may interact with nociceptive and antinociceptive processing. Tentative evidence from a systematic review suggests that LSD (7 studies, 323 participants) and psilocybin (3 studies, 92 participants) may be beneficial for depression and anxiety associated with distress in life-threatening diseases. LSD and psilocybin are generally safe if administered by a healthcare professional, although further investigations are needed to assess their utility for patients with persistent pain, especially associated with terminal illness.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1758-1877
Volume :
8
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Pain management
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
29722608
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2217/pmt-2017-0068