A systematic review to assess the use of psilocybin in the treatment of headaches

Introduction Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound whose effects have been seen in studies for treatment of depression, anxiety and pain management. Given its structural similarities to 5-hydroxytryptamine, monoamine controlling brain modulation input, preliminary sought test serotonergic interactions psilocybin with headaches. Objectives Explore efficacy as individuals headaches, including migraines, essential cluster headaches unclassified head pains. Methods Studies were found from six major databases, inclusion criteria consisting participants any type headache using treatment. Each study was independently screened by two reviewers at stages, inconsistencies reviewed third, senior reviewer. Results The systematic review evaluated eight articles. Benefits macrodosing explored one which reported higher levels relief comparison microdosing conventional medications. Top benefits included convenience, perceived safety reduced side when compared hallucinogenic doses psilocybin. Participants across five improvements their characterized changes frequency, intensity, duration remission period. Reported clinically significant the statistically three papers. With intervention, decrease attack indicated duration. greatest benefit taken during period, average length that period between extending 91% participants. One focused on dosages relation efficacy, indicating there more amongst macrodosers, difference 12.3% experiencing reduction 3 days after dosage microdosers. 18% who experienced also hallucinations result ingested Others showed temporary increase symptoms - 5.3% 14.1% macrodosing. observed an arterial pressure ingestion. Conclusions Six papers captured through self-reports. While first controlled use detailed this study, remains illegal many countries, presenting need further regulated research. Disclosure Interest None Declared