Curious about the risks of psychedelics? You’re in the right place. This webpage has a variety of resources that walk you through how to assess readiness, spot risks, make informed choices, and stay safer before, during, and after.
Serotonin
This infographic explains how serotonin moves in the body and how it is impacted by prescription medication and psychedelics. Understanding the mechanisms of action of substances can help predict drug interactions and adverse effects.
Antidepressant specificity of serotonin transporter suggested by three LeuT-SSRI structures
Citation: Zhou Z, Zhen J, Karpowich NK, Law CJ, Reith ME, Wang DN. Antidepressant specificity of serotonin transporter suggested by three LeuT-SSRI structures. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2009;16(6):652-657. doi:10.1038/nsmb.1602
Citation: Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin. [Updated 2023 Jul 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
The expanded biology of serotonin
Citation: Berger M, Gray JA, Roth BL. The expanded biology of serotonin. Annu Rev Med. 2009;60:355-366. doi:10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Citation: Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
The therapeutic role of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in depression
Citation: Celada P, Puig M, Amargós-Bosch M, Adell A, Artigas F. The therapeutic role of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in depression. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2004;29(4):252-265.
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: a pharmacological comparison
Citation: Sansone RA, Sansone LA. Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: a pharmacological comparison. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(3-4):37-42.
Citation: Moraczewski J, Awosika AO, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)
Citation: Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics
Citation: Banushi B, Polito V. A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics. Biology (Basel). 2023;12(11):1380. Published 2023 Oct 28. doi:10.3390/biology12111380
Serotonin Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Management, and Potential Future Directions
Citation: Scotton WJ, Hill LJ, Williams AC, Barnes NM. Serotonin Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Management, and Potential Future Directions. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2019;12:1178646919873925. Published 2019 Sep 9. doi:10.1177/1178646919873925
Physical Effects
Understanding the physical effects of psychedelics isn’t just smart – it’s essential. Knowledge helps us navigate experiences safely, protect our health, and make informed choices about our minds and bodies.
Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science
Citation: Schlag AK, Aday J, Salam I, Neill JC, Nutt DJ. Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science. J Psychopharmacol. 2022;36(3):258-272. doi:10.1177/02698811211069100
Psychedelic Drug Effects, Side Effects, and Dangers
Citation: American Addiction Centers. Psychedelic Drug Effects, Side Effects, and Dangers. Updated Oct 25, 2024. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/psychedelics
Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs
Citation: National Institute on Drug Abuse. Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs. Published April 2023. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs#affect-the-mind-and-body
Citation: Cleveland Clinic. Hallucinogens. Updated April 18, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6734-hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-and-pcp
Mindful Consumption and Benefit Maximization
The strategies of mindful consumption and benefit maximization are used across many forms of consumerism, including substance use. The infographic has some questions that can help guide decisions and goals surrounding psychedelic use.
Citation: Bear D, Hosker-Field A, Westall K, D’Alessio H, Cresswell M. Harm reduction isn’t enough: Introducing the concept of Mindful Consumption and Benefit Maximization (MCBM). Int J Drug Policy. 2025;138:104514. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104514
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a condition where people experience lasting visual distortions after using hallucinogens—like seeing halos, trails, or patterns that aren’t really there. It’s a real neurological condition, not just a “flashback.”
Citation: Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Pettorruso M, et al. Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder: Etiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Perspectives. Brain Sci. 2018;8(3):47. Published 2018 Mar 16.
Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
Have you heard of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act? In 2017, Canada passed a law that protects individuals who seek emergency services during an overdose. For example, the law protects the individual against basic possession charges. This includes any drug under the Controlled Substances Act—including psychedelics. It all comes back to the fundamentals of harm reduction and keeping each other safe.
Drug interactions
A systematic review was posted in 2024 summarizing studies evaluating drug interactions with psychedelic substances. We are sharing the drug interactions with LSD and psilocybin. Please note the clinical trials often used a one-time pre-dose of the drug 30-60 minutes before taking the psychedelic. In real practice, many people would have been taking these drugs on a long-term basis, which would mean higher amounts of drug in their body at the time of the interaction with the psychedelic substance.
Drug-drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review
Citation: Halman A, Kong G, Sarris J, Perkins D. Drug-drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review. J Psychopharmacol. 2024;38(1):3-18. doi:10.1177/02698811231211219
Drug interactions
A systematic review was posted in 2024 summarizing studies evaluating drug interactions with psychedelic substances. We are sharing the drug interactions with LSD and psilocybin. Please note the clinical trials often used a one-time pre-dose of the drug 30-60 minutes before taking the psychedelic. In real practice, many people would have been taking these drugs on a long-term basis, which would mean higher amounts of drug in their body at the time of the interaction with the psychedelic substance.
Drug-drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review
Citation: Halman A, Kong G, Sarris J, Perkins D. Drug-drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review. J Psychopharmacol. 2024;38(1):3-18. doi:10.1177/02698811231211219
End of life
This infographic shares two important clinical trials looking at psilocybin for cancer patients at the end of life. These studies demonstrated life-changing and lasting effects and redefine end-of-life care.
Psychedelics for psychological and existential distress in palliative and cancer care
Citation: Rosenbaum D, Boyle AB, Rosenblum AM, Ziai S, Chasen MR, Med MP. Psychedelics for psychological and existential distress in palliative and cancer care. Curr Oncol. 2019;26(4):225-226. doi:10.3747/co.26.5009
Citation: Griffiths RR, Johnson MW, Carducci MA, et al. Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1181-1197. doi:10.1177/0269881116675513
Citation: Ross S, Bossis A, Guss J, et al. Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016;30(12):1165-1180. doi:10.1177/0269881116675512
Integration
Psychedelic healing doesn’t end when the session does — integration is where safety meets transformation. Without support and reflection, powerful insights can become overwhelming instead of empowering. Integration grounds the experience, turning breakthrough into lasting growth.
Psychedelic integration: An analysis of the concept and its practice
Citation: Bathje GJ, Majeski E, Kudowor M. Psychedelic integration: An analysis of the concept and its practice. Front Psychol. 2022;13:824077. Published 2022 Aug 4. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.824077
Psychedelics and Music
Music has been used in the setting of psychedelic psychotherapy and there are a few playlists that have been studied. Here is a summary of how music impacts the person’s experience.
The Use of Music in Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy
Citation: Helen L. Bonny, Walter N. Pahnke, The Use of Music in Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy, Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 9, Issue 2, Summer 1972, Pages 64–87,https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/9.2.64.
The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy
Citation: Kaelen M, Giribaldi B, Raine J, et al. The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy [published correction appears in Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018 May;235(5):1623. doi: 10.1007/s00213-018-4886-8.]. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018;235(2):505-519. doi:10.1007/s00213-017-4820-5.
Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 2
Citation: Kaelin, M. (n.d.). Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 2. Spotify. Stockholm Available at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6q0rnAIIxokcRlu6vRJPNX?si=6ed1a84816144904
Insights from four decades of psychotherapy research with imagery, music, and entheogens.
Citation: Richards, W. A. (2003). Insights from four decades of psychotherapy research with imagery, music, and entheogens. J. Assoc. Music Imagery 9, 27–39.
Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences
Citation: Richards, W. A. (2015). Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences New York: Columbia University Press.
Set and Setting: A Randomized Study of Different Musical Genres in Supporting Psychedelic Therapy
Citation: Strickland JC, Garcia-Romeu A, Johnson MW. Set and Setting: A Randomized Study of Different Musical Genres in Supporting Psychedelic Therapy [published correction appears in ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2021 May 21;4(3):1248. doi: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00119.]. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2020;4(2):472-478. Published 2020 Dec 29. doi:10.1021/acsptsci.0c00187.
Johns Hopkins psilocybin playlist: Overtone-based music.
Citation: Strickland, J. C. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins psilocybin playlist: Overtone-based music. Available at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40OOW1CBqejT3j0r56FDTS?si=481b6d13ecf04c0b
Chacruna 2- a playlist for psilocybin-Kelan Thomas
Citation: Thomas, K. (n.d.). Chacruna 2- a playlist for psilocybin-Kelan Thomas. Available at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7yNhMh9EPndPBjle9Gx4Gx?si=b3b316cd0c7c413b
Music programming for psilocybin-assisted therapy: Guided Imagery and Music-informed perspectives.
Citation: Messell C, Summer L, Bonde LO, Beck BD, Stenbæk DS. Music programming for psilocybin-assisted therapy: Guided Imagery and Music-informed perspectives. Front Psychol. 2022;13:873455. Published 2022 Nov 17. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.873455.
Citation: Shapiro, M. Inside a psilocybin playlist. John Hopkins University Magazine. Published November 2020.