What is the weekly toxicity threshold for psilocybin?

From the Guidelines

The weekly toxicity threshold for psilocybin cannot be definitively established due to the limited evidence on its safety and efficacy, and its use is generally not recommended outside of approved clinical trials. In clinical research settings, psilocybin is typically administered in single sessions spaced weeks or months apart, not multiple times within a week, as frequent use can lead to tolerance and increase the risk of adverse effects 1. The potential risks associated with psilocybin use include psychological distress, anxiety, panic reactions, and in rare cases, persistent perceptual changes.

Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of psilocybin include:

• The risk for psychotic events and harmful behaviors in patients who do not receive appropriate guidance throughout the treatment process 1
• The potential for dependence on psilocybin 1
• The limited evidence related to psilocybin safety and efficacy, which led to a recommendation against its use in the 2022 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense clinical practice guideline 1
• The importance of medical supervision and participation in legal clinical trials for those interested in psilocybin for therapeutic purposes 1

Given the limited evidence and potential risks associated with psilocybin use, the only recommended approach for therapeutic purposes is through participation in legal clinical trials under medical supervision. Self-medication with psilocybin carries significant legal and health risks, and individuals struggling with mental health issues should consult with a healthcare provider about evidence-based treatment options that are both legal and proven effective 1.

From the Research

Weekly Toxicity Threshold for Psilocybin

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question. The provided studies discuss the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for various conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, and its safety profile, but do not mention a weekly toxicity threshold for psilocybin 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Key Findings

• Psilocybin has shown promise in treating treatment-resistant depression, with significant reductions in depressive symptoms observed in clinical trials 2, 3, 5.
• The safety profile of psilocybin is generally considered to be good, with no significant adverse clinical events or verifiable recorded deaths reported 4, 6.
• Psilocybin has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and substance use disorders 3, 6.

Study Limitations

• The studies provided have limitations, such as small sample sizes and lack of active comparators, which may impact the interpretation of the results 3, 5.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety profile of psilocybin 4, 6.