This review (2023) highlights the potential therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs in treating episodic migraine. The only clinical trial conducted to date found that a single low dose of psilocybin reduced weekly migraine days and pain intensity for two weeks in episodic subjects, with additional findings suggesting potential benefits in cluster headaches.

Abstract of The Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of Episodic Migraine

“Purpose of Review This review presents the existing literature of and a framework for how psychedelic drugs might be applied as therapeutic agents in episodic migraine.

Recent Findings The therapeutic effects of psychedelics in headache disorders have been reported for decades and controlled investigations are now beginning. In the first and only clinical trial of a psychedelic drug in migraine, the single administration of low-dose psilocybin reduced weekly migraine days and pain intensity for the following 2 weeks in episodic subjects. These transitional effects, along with abortive effects in two subjects and additional findings in cluster headache, offer insight into the potential medicinal use of this and other psychedelic drugs in episodic migraine.

Summary The existing evidence supports the continued investigation of psilocybin and other psychedelics as transitional treatments in episodic migraine. Acute and preventive effects also exist, but the risks may outweigh benefits with these applications. Future research of psychedelics in episodic migraine should be tailored for this condition and not modeled after protocols used in other medical or psychiatric conditions.“

Author: Emmanuelle A. D. Schindler

Summary of The Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of Episodic Migraine

The evidence for the therapeutic effects of psychedelics in headache disorders includes input from historical, pharmacological, experiential, and investigational sources. The term psychedelics refers to classic psychedelics, which include psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, mescaline, and others.

This review discusses the existing literature on the therapeutic effects of psychedelics in migraine, and presents data specific to episodic migraine. It also discusses the potential for the therapeutic application of psychedelics in cluster headaches.

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