Study of Psilocybin Effects With 5-HT1A Blocker Pindolol in Healthy Adults Aged 21 to 60

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of blocking 5-HT1A receptors on the immediate subjective and brain activity responses to psilocybin in healthy volunteers aged 21 to 60. This early phase 1, double-blind, randomized, crossover study aims to understand how psilocybin changes perception and consciousness and its impact on sleep and dreaming after use. The study is sponsored by Johns Hopkins University and involves careful measurement of these effects through surveys and brain wave recordings. Participants will receive moderate doses of psilocybin trihydrate 18 mg combined either with pindolol, a 5-HT1A antagonist drug, or a placebo. Each participant undergoes both treatment conditions in a random order to compare effects. Around each drug administration session, participants will keep sleep and dream diaries for 10 days before and after, and wear an at-home sleep EEG device for 5 days before and after each session to monitor sleep patterns. During the study, participants will complete self-report measures and have their brain activity recorded using acute EEG during dosing sessions. Researchers will assess mystical experiences and changes in brain wave alpha power approximately over a 10-day period following dosing. The study includes screening for medical and psychiatric health, and participants must abstain from certain medications and substances before dosing. The total participation time varies based on the dosing schedule and diary monitoring periods.

Psilocybin Administration With 5-HT1a Blockade