Studying classic psychedelics for the management of headache disorders: Considerations for Veterans

Headache disorders, such as migraine and cluster headache, are common conditions that are accompanied by significant disability and poor quality of life. Military members and Veterans are at increased risk of developing headache disorders, particularly in the context of traumatic brain injury. Although there are several treatment options for headache management, poor efficacy, tolerability, or access limit their success, and there is always a need to identify new treatments in headache medicine. The therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs for headache disorders have been reported for decades. Unlike conventional treatment options, psychedelics are reported to have lasting (weeks, months) therapeutic effects after limited dosing (single or few doses). Controlled trials of psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide are emerging. Recently published studies of psilocybin in migraine and cluster headache are reviewed in this article. Although anecdotal evidence is generally supported, more research is required before the safety and efficacy of psychedelic drugs for headache disorders can be verified. Veterans have been active in emerging research with psychedelics, although safety and cultural concerns may preclude some in this population from participating.