Psilocybin: The New Holy Grai­l for the Rapid Relief of Major ­Depression?

Topics: Depression | Ketamine | Mood | Pharmacotherapy | Psilocybin | Rapid-acting

Review of: Davis AK et al, JAMA ­Psychiatry 2020:e203285 Intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine (Spravato) offer hope in the search for a rapidly acting antidepressant. However, concerns regarding addiction, safety, and effect durability have prompted searches for alternative rapid-acting treatments. Psilocybin is a hallucinogen originally d

Psilocybin vs Escitalopram for Depression

Topics: Antidepressant Augmentation | Antidepressants | Depression | Depressive Disorder | Novel Medications | Psilocybin | Treatment-Resistant Depression

REVIEW OF: Carhart-Harris R et al, New Engl J Med 2021;384(15):1402–1411 STUDY TYPE: Randomized controlled trial Psilocybin is, among other things, a serotonin 2A agonist responsible for the psychedelic properties of magic mushrooms. Back in 1960, Sandoz (now Novartis) began marketing psilocybin to enhance the effects of psychotherapy, but produ