New research indicates that the fungi psilocybin may have potential as an alternative treatment to prescription drugs in treating depression. Early results indicate that side-effects are also comparable to those experienced by patients on conventional antidepressants.

Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, is emerging as a promising alternative treatment for individuals with medication-resistant depression and anxiety.

Previous studies have suggested that this psychedelic fungi may have beneficial effects for people with certain mental health issues but a key question remains: Is psilocybin a safe alternative to prescription medications?

A recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia suggests that it might be.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study found that when administered as a therapeutic single dose, psilocybin demonstrated side-effects similar to those of traditional antidepressants. These included headache, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and high blood pressure.

However, participants generally tolerated these side effects well, and they typically subsided within 24 to 48 hours.

“The side-effects are what we would anticipate from traditional antidepressants, as those medications operate similarly to psilocybin by targeting serotonin receptors,” said Joshua Caballero, an author of the study and associate professor at UGA’s College of Pharmacy.

“It’s quite encouraging because the studies we examined included only one or two doses per patient, and we’re finding that the positive effects of psilocybin could persist for months in treating depression.”

Long-term side-effects remain uncertain

Under US federal law psilocybin is designated a Schedule 1 Drug due to its hallucinogenic effects, which are often associated with a high potential for abuse.

However, psilocybin mushrooms and other hallucinogens have been employed for centuries by indigenous cultures in religious and spiritual rituals. Researchers began exploring their potential for treating substance use disorders and mental health conditions as early as the 1950s, according to the National Institutes of Health. Since 2019, several states have taken steps to decriminalize the psychedelic substance, facilitating more research into its possible therapeutic benefits.

Until this recent study, most investigations into psilocybin had primarily concentrated on its efficacy.

“At some point, I think psilocybin will become a valid treatment option, and when that happens, we need to understand the side effects and potential long-term complications,” Caballero said.

“I advise caution for those who see it as a miracle cure and decide to consume large amounts of mushrooms. Without proper monitoring, you can’t determine the concentration of psilocybin in those mushrooms, which could lead to a bad trip or other negative effects.”

Professional supervision essential for safe consumption

The meta-analysis included several studies with a total of 528 participants. These studies were carried out under the close supervision of trained therapists and healthcare professionals who supported patients throughout the process. Caballero emphasized the necessity of professional oversight when handling potentially risky substances.

He adds: “There is still a lot we don’t know about the possible long-term side effects and the less common, more severe effects of psilocybin use.”

Currently the FDA issue antidepressants with a black box warning regarding the potential increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide in young adults. To date, most psilocybin research has been conducted on middle-aged individuals so it is still unclear whether psilocybin might have a similar impact on a younger generation.

Authors of the paper hope it will raise awareness of the five common acute side-effects and potentially uncover other possible effects. If magic mushrooms can be safely used in a controlled setting then there is massive potential for it to be transformative for many patients who need it in future.