Magic Mushrooms for Cluster (but not what you expect)
The use of “magic mushrooms” for cluster headache is nothing new, but with changing regulations in many countries, research is ramping up.
One example comes from a Canadian a biopharmaceutical company founded in 2010, Lobe Sciences. They are hoping to create a cluster headache specific medication using psilocybin.
Psilocybin is the compound found in some kinds of fungi which leads to “mind-altering” effects, such as hallucinations and panic attacks. But it can be isolated and used in medicine – and the researchers at Lobe Sciences believe that it can have a medicinal benefit in “sub-hallucinogenic levels”. This means, hopefully, minimal side effects and no need for constant doctor supervision.
Again, this has been used in the past for both migraine and cluster, but due to lack of research results are unclear, as are the recommended doses.
Lobe Sciences is doing specific research to see if very specific doses of psilocybin can fight cluster. This year two new drugs will begin trials – currently with the creative names L-130 and L-131. They are also investigating uses for other conditions, such as anxiety.
New compounds used in medications hold great promise, but a lack of research makes it difficult to know what will work best in a specific case. It’s worth watching these trials from Lobe Sciences and other companies to get a better idea of what really works and what doesn’t.
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