Effects of SERT Inhibition on the Subjective Response to Psilocybin in Healthy Subjects

Summary

Psilocybin is a classic serotonergic hallucinogen acting on the 5-HT2A receptor. It is used recreationally and in psychiatric research. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram are first-line treatments for depression. They inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT). This might cause a possible downregulation of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors, e.g. the 5-HT2A receptor. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of psilocybin after escitalopram and Placebo pretreatment. Subjective and physiological effects as well as effects on gene expression will be assessed.

Timeline

Start

2019-07-04

Primary completion

2020-11-26

Completion

2020-11-26

Publications

• Holze F, Becker AM, Kolaczynska KE, Duthaler U, Liechti ME. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Oral Psilocybin Administration in Healthy Participants. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2023 Apr;113(4):822-831. doi: 10.1002/cpt.2821. Epub 2022 Dec 31.
• Becker AM, Holze F, Grandinetti T, Klaiber A, Toedtli VE, Kolaczynska KE, Duthaler U, Varghese N, Eckert A, Grunblatt E, Liechti ME. Acute Effects of Psilocybin After Escitalopram or Placebo Pretreatment in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2022 Apr;111(4):886-895. doi: 10.1002/cpt.2487. Epub 2021 Nov 22.

Drugs

Indications

No indication recorded.