The administration of psilocybin to healthy, hallucinogen-experienced volunteers in a mock-functional magnetic resonance imaging environment: a preliminary investigation of tolerability.
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.
Carhart-Harris
Robin L
RL
Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK. R.carhart-harris@imperial.ac.uk
Williams
Tim M
TM
Sessa
Ben
B
Tyacke
Robin J
RJ
Rich
Ann S
AS
Feilding
Amanda
A
Nutt
David J
DJ
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*
D006213:Hallucinogens; D011562:Psilocybin