NCT06368492 The Impact of Psilocybin on Pain in Fibromyalgia Patients
| NCT ID | NCT06368492 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Maastricht University |
| Condition | Fibromyalgia |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 35 participants |
| Start Date | 2024-05-03 |
| Primary Completion | 2025-12 |
Eligibility & Interventions
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 35 participants in total. It began in 2024-05-03 with a primary completion date of 2025-12.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Rationale: Recent evidence shows that Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), even when administered in low, non-hallucinogenic doses, can produce analgesic effects and improve pain tolerance in a sample of healthy volunteers. Such results complement what was already observed with other serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin: survey studies and case series indicate that its use may lead to improvements in chronic pain conditions such as migraines, cluster headaches and phantom limb pain even at low, non-psychedelic doses. These effects have however not yet been investigated and confirmed in clinical populations under controlled experimental conditions. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain, hyperalgesia, anxiety, disturbed sleep patterns, impaired cognitive functioning and comorbid mood disorders. Most suggested therapies are only associated with small improvements in pain ratings and quality of life. Currently, there is no data concerning the effectiveness of serotonergic psychedelics in improving pain ratings in fibromyalgia patients. Objective: The present study will explore the effects that the administration of a placebo and 2 low psilocybin doses (5 mg or 10 mg) will have on pain perception in a group of fibromyalgia patients. Study design: The present study uses a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design. All participants will receive a placebo and 2 doses of psilocybin (5 mg or 10 mg) and will undergo the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) and the Pain Pressure Threshold Task (PPT) o test its analgesic effects.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Normal weight, body mass index (weight/height2) between 18 and 28 kg/m2 * Fulfilment of the American College of Rheumatology criteria for FM diagnosis (43) * A minimum Numeric Rating Scale (numeric rating scale) pain score of 5 out of 10 * Proficient knowledge of the Dutch or English language * Written Informed Consent * Understanding the procedures and the risks associated with the study * No regular use of psychotropic medication such as opiates, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, sleep aids, benzodiazepines. Non pharmacological regimens will be allowed along 1 rescue therapy such as acetaminophen ≤4,000 mg/day, ibuprofen ≤1,200 mg/day, naproxen ≤660 mg/day, or ketoprofen ≤75 mg/day. Use of paracetamol (PCM) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) will be allowed and monitored. * Willingness to refrain from taking psychoactive substances during the study. * Willingness to drink only alcohol-free liquids and no coffee, black or green tea, or energy drinks after midnight of the evening before the study session, as well as during the study days * Willingness not to drive a traffic vehicle or to operate machines within 24 h after substance administration Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any other painful condition such as inflammatory rheumatic diseases, migraines or headaches and of other chronic or acute medical conditions * Presence or history of any other psychiatric condition such as primary major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders or substance use disorder as determined by the medical questionnaire, drug questionnaire and medical examination * Previous experience of serious side effects to psychedelic drugs (anxiety or panic attacks) * Tobacco smoking (\>20 per day) * Excessive drinking (\>20 alcoholic consumptions per week) * Psychotic disorder in first-degree relatives * Pregnancy or lactation * Hypertension (diastolic \> 90 mmHg; systolic \> 140 mmHg) * History of cardiac dysfunctions (arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease…) * For women: no use of a reliable contraceptive
Contact & Investigator
Johannes G. Ramaekers, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Maastricht University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06368492 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Fibromyalgia. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06368492 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06368492 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at fpn-pim_p137@maastrichtuniversity.nl for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06368492 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Maastricht, Netherlands, Leiden, Netherlands.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06368492 clinical trial?
NCT06368492 is sponsored by Maastricht University. The principal investigator is Johannes G. Ramaekers, PhD at Maastricht University. The trial plans to enroll 35 participants.
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