Psychedelics

Renewed focus on the potential this drug can provide patients is upon us as we continue to strive for greater and better care and treatment for patients throughout US health systems.

This month, we have a special crossover episode between Pharmacy Focus: Oncology Edition and the Psychedelic Pharmacy podcast.

Providing this treatment for patients with cancer may be a smoother transition for oncology professionals than they might expect.

The study will assess the use of the drug to treat impaired social motivation, or asociality, which is a difficult-to-treat symptom of schizophrenia that can cause significant functional impairment.

Psilocybin and other psychedelics hold promise in treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse and addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, headaches, and chronic pain disorders.

Rick Strassman, MD, a clinical researcher, author, and expert in psychedelic medicines, sat down to discuss pharmacists' role in adverse event management.

As psychedelic medicine comes further into cancer care, pharmacists will be an important part of the interdisciplinary team in screening and evaluating patients for suitability for psychedelic medicine.

Pharmacists must be involved in managing adverse effects and drug-drug interactions as psychedelic medicines collide with traditional psychiatric treatments.

The Aquilino Cancer Center established the Bill Richards Center for Healing inside the same building, so patients with cancer can receive psychedelic-assisted therapy in the same location as their cancer care.

This action is of considerable significance as it supports the regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products as medicine under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

This is the largest known study to consider medical and recreational cannabis policies with US psychosis-related health care claims.

Lead compounds may lower the risk of abuse and other adverse effects compared with other drugs currently being evaluated for mental health disorders, such as MDMA.

Genetic variations in the 5-hydroxytryptamine serotonin receptor uniquely impacted the receptor’s response to psychedelic drugs, including LSD and psilocin, possibly explaining why patients have varied success with psychedelic treatment for psychiatric conditions.

Trials assessing psychedelic medicine were conducted in the United States for several decades before they were criminalized in 1968, with government and military funding provided for research in the field.