210 million people affected worldwide 1
Fibromyalgia leaves both a physical and mental toll. Patients experience pain, insomnia, waking up without feeling rested, and more symptoms. As it is hard to diagnose, many go untreated or misdiagnosed.
Current Treatments 1 2
Current treatments are palliative, only serving to mask or improve symptoms but don't treat the underlying issues. As fibromyalgia affects the nervous system, one specific cause or cure can't be prescribed. Pain relievers and antidepressants may help ease the pain and fatigue associated with it.
Psychedelic research currently is in Phase IIa
Three clinical trials have started in 2024 to investigate the effect of psilocybin on fibromyalgia. At Imperial College London, the first brain measures will be taken to explore how two doses of psilocybin influence measures. In the United States, two more trials investigate what psilocybin can do for fibromyalgia. A trial at the University of Alabama will be the first double-blind study. The first commercial study will be done by Tryp Therapeutics.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body. Next to pain, other symptoms include fatigue, cramps, depression, and insomnia. Two percent of adults in the US currently suffer from fibromyalgia. It is one of the conditions for which psychedelics are now being investigated.
In the area of pain, not much is known about how psychedelics work and for whom. Several survey studies generally show positive attitudes towards psychedelics. Specifically for fibromyalgia, Nicolas Glynos and colleagues found that 37% of those who had used psychedelics reported benefits.
Julia Bornemann and colleagues at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London are furthest along in studying psychedelics for fibromyalgia. In preparation for an ongoing trial, they interviewed people who had used psychedelics to manage pain. Two processes stood out, Positive Reframing and Somatic Presence. The former describes a journey from pain catastrophising towards acceptance and empowerment. The latter is a renewed mindfulness of physical experiences and physical catharsis.
Three clinical trials have started this year to investigate the effect of psilocybin on fibromyalgia. At Imperial College London, the first brain measures will be taken to explore how two doses of psilocybin influence measures. In the United States, two more trials investigate what psilocybin can do for fibromyalgia. A trial at the University of Alabama will be the first double-blind study. The first commercial study will be done by Tryp Therapeutics.
All trials hope to be concluded by the end of 2024 and will treat 70 participants.
This topic page is linked to our papers but doesn’t yet have a full explanation.
Fibromyalgia is part of our Pain topic.
Highlighted Institutes
These are the institutes, from companies to universities, who are working on Fibromyalgia.
Tryp Therapeutics
Tryp Therapeutics is a clinical stage drug development company developing psilocybin products for various diseases/disorders including fibromyalgia.
Highlighted People
These are some of the best-known people, from researchers to entrepreneurs, working on Fibromyalgia.
Linked Research Papers about Fibromyalgia
Long-lasting analgesic effect of the psychedelic drug changa: A case report
Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use of Psychedelics among Individuals with Fibromyalgia
Self-Medication for Chronic Pain Using Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Future Research
Chronic pain and psychedelics: a review and proposed mechanism of action