Psilocybin Administration With 5-HT1a Blockade
Johns Hopkins University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of 5-HT1A receptor blockade on the acute subjective effects of psilocybin, as measured through subjective survey measures and acute electroencephalography (EEG). Further, the investigators will assess the effects of psilocybin on post-acute sleep and dreaming through the use of sleep EEG and sleep and dream diaries.
Description
This double-blind, randomized, cross-over study (N = 18) will administer a moderate dose of psilocybin trihydrate (18 mg, equivalent to 15 mg psilocybin anhydrate), with pindolol (30 mg), or placebo to assess the effects of 5-HT1A receptor blockade on the acute subjective effects and the acute neurophysiological effects of psilocybin through the use of self-report measures and acute EEG. Participants will also complete sleep and dream diaries 10 days prior to and 10 days following each drug administration session as well as wear an at-home sleep EEG device for 5 days prior to and 5 days follow…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion criteria: * 21 - 60 years old * Must give written or electronic informed consent * Must have at least a high-school level of education or equivalent (e.g. GED) and are fluent in English * Must be healthy and psychologically stable as determined by screening for medical and psychiatric problems via a personal interview, a medical questionnaire, a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and routine medical blood and urinalysis laboratory tests * Must agree not to take any as needed (PRN) medications on the mornings of drug sessions * Must agree not to take sildenafil (Viagra…
Interventions
- DrugPindolol
Pindolol is a 5-HT1A antagonist drug that will be used as a pharmacological probe for the mechanism of acute subjective effects in the altered state of consciousness induced by psilocybin.
- DrugPlacebo
Microcrystalline cellulose capsules, identical in appearance to the active treatment, containing no pharmacologically active ingredients, will be administered as an inert placebo comparator.
- DrugPsilocybin
Psilocybin is a tryptamine psychedelic with 5-HT2A agonist activity. The psilocybin-induced altered state of consciousness is characterized by changes in sensory perception, cognition, and induction of mystical-type experiences. These subjective effects will be assessed in each dosing session.
Location
- Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness ResearchBaltimore, Maryland