From the Guidelines
Psilocybin has not been definitively linked to creatine kinase (CK) elevation in clinical research. While psilocybin can cause physiological effects such as increased heart rate, blood pressure changes, and pupil dilation, there is no substantial evidence showing it directly causes elevated CK levels in most users. CK elevation typically occurs with muscle damage, strenuous exercise, certain medications, or medical conditions affecting muscle tissue. However, indirect factors associated with psilocybin use might potentially contribute to CK elevation in some cases. For example, prolonged muscle tension, seizures (which are rare but possible with very high doses), or physical exertion during a psychedelic experience could theoretically cause muscle breakdown leading to elevated CK. If someone experiences unusual muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine after psilocybin use, they should seek medical attention as these could indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving muscle breakdown. The relationship between psilocybin and muscle enzymes remains an understudied area, and individual physiological responses to psychedelics can vary significantly, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1.
Key Considerations
- CK elevation is typically associated with muscle damage or certain medical conditions, not directly with psilocybin use.
- Indirect factors related to psilocybin use, like prolonged muscle tension or seizures, could potentially lead to CK elevation.
- The current evidence base, including studies like 1 and 1, does not support a direct link between psilocybin and CK elevation.
- Monitoring for unusual muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine after psilocybin use is crucial due to the potential risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Clinical Implications
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for indirect effects of psilocybin on muscle enzymes, although the direct link is not established.
- Patients experiencing unusual symptoms after psilocybin use should be evaluated for potential muscle damage or other conditions that could lead to CK elevation, as suggested by the guidelines and studies such as 1 and 1.
- The management of psilocybin-related adverse effects should prioritize the monitoring of physiological responses and the early detection of potential complications, in line with recommendations from studies like 1 and 1.
From the Research
Psilocybin and CK Elevation
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that psilocybin causes CK elevation.
- Studies 2, 3, 4, 5 focus on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, its abuse potential, and its effects on mental disorders, but do not mention CK elevation as a potential side effect.
- However, study 6 discusses the reduction of muscle damage through the decrease of creatine kinase (CK) due to curcumin supplementation, but this is unrelated to psilocybin.
- The provided studies do not investigate the relationship between psilocybin and CK elevation, and therefore, there is no evidence to support or refute the claim that psilocybin can cause CK elevation 2, 3, 4, 5.