Psilocybin as an antidepressant strategy - a review of safety aspects

Introduction Psilocybin is considered a classical psychedelic and increasingly attracting scientific media attention as an alternative approach to the treatment of various mental disorders. Apart from its efficacy, important question tolerability safety psilocybin in general controlled environment. Accurate knowledge drug aspects might be essential for applicability clinical practice adherence. Objectives This paper aims provide overview psilocybin. Methods A narrative review was conducted. The literature search conducted using bibliographic database MEDLINE. Results papers published recent years showed no serious side effects under study conditions. Common reported ADRs were headache, gastrointestinal complaints such nausea, diarrhoea vomiting, tachycardia arterial hypertension. lethal dose many times higher than therapeutic overdose deaths have not been identified. An often mentioned problem occurrence hallucinogenic persisting perception disorder (HPPD) which, however, did occur studies examined most likely context recreational use. results on must regarded preliminary; conducted, risk populations predominantly excluded, which is, relevant everyday practice. delusional experiences so-called “bad trips” also risk, it can associated with risky behaviours. However, these would observed more area Conclusions use rigorously designs appears safe without effects. At same time, should noted that preliminary questions remain open. Many risks are uncontrolled we see certain substance high expectations “fame” that, appropriate regulations, boundaries between sensible abusive could become blurred permeable. Disclosure Interest None Declared