title: The administration of psilocybin to healthy, hallucinogen-experienced volunteers in a mock-functional magnetic resonance imaging environment: a preliminary investigation of tolerability.
abstract: This study sought to assess the tolerability of intravenously administered psilocybin in healthy, hallucinogen-experienced volunteers in a mock-magnetic resonance imaging environment as a preliminary stage to a controlled investigation using functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the effects of psilocybin on cerebral blood flow and activity. The present pilot study demonstrated that up to 2 mg of psilocybin delivered as a slow intravenous injection produces short-lived but typical drug effects that are psychologically and physiologically well tolerated. With appropriate care, this study supports the viability of functional magnetic resonance imaging work with psilocybin.
authors.affiliation: Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK. R.carhart-harris@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Robin L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Carhart-Harris
authors.forename: Tim M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sessa
authors.forename: Robin J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Tyacke
authors.forename: Ann S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Rich
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Feilding
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nutt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011562:Psilocybin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D006213:Hallucinogens; D011562:Psilocybin