Reduced frequency & intensity of migraine attacks after single dose of psilocybin

Psilocybin – the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms – shows promise for the transitional treatment of episodic migraines in early clinical trials, according to a review from Yale School of Medicine’s Emmanuelle Schindler, M.D., Ph.D. 

In the first and only clinical trial of a psychedelic for migraine, Dr. Schindler and colleagues found a roughly 50% reduction in weekly migraine days, as well as significantly reduced attack intensity, for two weeks following administration of a single, low (non-psychedelic) dose of psilocybin. No serious or adverse events were reported.

Dr. Schindler notes that psychedelics also have acute and preventive effects – but the risks may outweigh the benefits for these applications. The transitional use of psychedelics – involving a short-term intervention with lasting therapeutic effects – warrant further study and may have important clinical applications.