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Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
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Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
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Psychoactive drugs impact brain function, influencing perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. These substances are grouped based on their effects and the mechanisms by which they act.
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Beating pain with psychedelics: Matter over mind?

Igor Elman1, Amanda Pustilnik2, David Borsook3

  • 1Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge MA, United States.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|December 19, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Psychedelics show promise for treating chronic pain by addressing neuroinflammation and impaired brain connectivity. Further research is needed to explore their therapeutic potential for pain management and comorbid psychiatric conditions.

Keywords:
AnalgesicsBrainConnectivityDendritesDendritic plasticityImmunomodulationInflammationKetamineNeurotransmittersOpioidsPsilocybinSynaptosomesfMRI

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Chronic neuropathic pain affects millions, with many patients unresponsive to conventional treatments like opioids.
  • Emerging clinical evidence suggests psychedelics may offer novel therapeutic avenues for chronic pain conditions.
  • Understanding the neuroscience-based mechanisms of psychedelic analgesia is crucial for developing new treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a theoretical framework for the neuroscience-based mechanisms of psychedelic analgesic effects.
  • To review existing evidence on psychedelics for pain alleviation, neuro-restoration, and anti-inflammatory actions.
  • To discuss safety, legal, and ethical considerations of psychedelic pharmacotherapy for pain.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PubMed-indexed journals using keywords: pain, analgesia, inflammatory, brain connectivity, ketamine, psilocybin, functional imaging, and dendrites.
  • Synthesis of scientific and clinical evidence related to psychedelics and pain.

Main Results:

  • Psychedelics may alleviate physical and emotional pain through neuro-restorative effects on brain connectivity and dendritic plasticity.
  • Potential anti-neuroinflammatory and pro-immunomodulatory actions of psychedelics are relevant to neuropathic pain pathogenesis.
  • Psychedelics offer insights into pain syndromes and comorbid psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.

Conclusions:

  • Psychedelics represent a promising therapeutic class for chronic pain, potentially addressing unmet needs where conventional analgesics fail.
  • Their neurobiological effects on connectivity and inflammation warrant further investigation for innovative pain management strategies.
  • Future research should focus on elucidating mechanisms and ensuring safe, ethical integration into clinical practice.