Therapeutic potential of hallucinogens in headaches: a theoretical review

hallucinogens and headaches

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/espsiescpsi.v14i1.13657

Keywords:

hallucinogens, migraine, cluster headache, psilocybin, LSD, ketamine

Abstract

Hallucinogens include a heterogeneous group of substances that cause changes in sensory perception, thought, and consciousness. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of various hallucinogenic drugs. We present a literature review of the use of hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, and ketamine) in the treatment and prevention of headaches. Thus, we conducted a search (with no time limit) of the Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Pubmed
databases, in addition to a manual search in the references of the articles. Results confirm the efficacy of LSD, especially in prophylaxis, ketamine could be useful to abort acute attacks, and psilocybin has been shown to be effective in both aspects. Available studies have been conducted mainly in patients with migraine and cluster headaches, among other types of headache disorders. Several methodological limitations are noted that may make it difficult to generalize the results. The need for future research in this emerging topic is suggested.

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Published

2021-06-15

How to Cite

Collantes, L., & Navarro, J. F. (2021). Therapeutic potential of hallucinogens in headaches: a theoretical review: hallucinogens and headaches. Escritos De Psicología - Psychological Writings, 14(1), 30–44. https://doi.org/10.24310/espsiescpsi.v14i1.13657

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Section

Theoretical and Review Articles