NCT05068791 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Psilocybin-facilitated Treatment for Chronic Pain
What this study is about
The primary purpose of this study is to preliminarily estimate the effectiveness of psilocybin-facilitated treatment for fibromyalgia. Investigators will assess the impact of psilocybin-facilitated treatment on pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia symptoms, in addition to the level of functioning and quality of life. Investigators will also evaluate potential mediators of treatment (e.g.
View original scientific description
The primary purpose of this study is to preliminarily estimate the efficacy of psilocybin-facilitated treatment for fibromyalgia. Investigators will assess the impact of psilocybin-facilitated treatment on pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia symptoms, in addition to the level of functioning and quality of life. Investigators will also evaluate potential mediators of treatment (e.g., treatment expectations, pain characteristics, personality, beliefs/cognitions, emotions). Investigators hypothesize psilocybin treatment will significantly reduce symptom severity in fibromyalgia patients.
Interventions
DRUG
Psilocybin
0.36 mg/kg will be administered orally to participants
DRUG
Dextromethorphan
2.6 mg/kg of active placebo will be administered orally to participants
Primary outcome measures
Change in daily self-reported pain severity
Time frame: through study completion, up to 13 weeks
Daily pain severity will be measured using a visual analog scale rated from 0 ('no pain at all') to 100 ('severe pain')
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Female age 25-65;
- Widespread musculoskeletal pain for ≥12 months;
- Symptoms meeting the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2016 revisions to the 2010/2011 Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria;
- Participant completes daily report during baseline period (at least 80% completion rate);
- Able to attend UAB for all scheduled appointments;
- Ability to read/write in English;
- No prior hallucinogen use or it will have been at least 3 years since last use of a hallucinogen;
- Availability of a friend or family member into whose care the participant can be released (a key responsibility includes driving participants home) following their drug administration session;
- A current average daily pain score of at least 5 on a 0-10 scale;
- Discontinuation of
Exclusion criteria
- ary medication occurring at least two weeks and for at least 5 half-lives, whichever is longer, prior to drug administration day. Exclusion Criteria:
- Use of opioid medications in the last 60 days;
- Regular use of any anti-inflammatory medication (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen);
- Use of blood thinning medication;
- Use of tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, SSRIs, MAOIs, St. John's Wort, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), haloperidol, or other antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, or medications with serotonin activity;
- Daily consumption of grapefruit juice;
- Febrile illness or use of antibiotics in the 4 weeks before study commencement;
- Planned surgery or procedures during the study period, or operated on in the 4 weeks prior to study commencement;
- Planning to move from the Birmingham area in the next 6 months;
- Planned vaccination during the study period, or vaccinated in the 4 weeks before study commencement;
- Current participation in another treatment trial;
- Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within 6 months, or currently breastfeeding;
- Significant psychological comorbidity that in the discretion of the investigator compromises study integrity (i.e., presence of a current, clinically significant, untreated or unstable psychiatric condition) and/or a baseline HADS depression subscale score of ≥16;
- Current or past history of any psychotic disorders;
- Current or past history of bipolar I or II disorder;
- First or second-degree relatives with any psychotic disorders, or bipolar I or II disorders;
- Current suicidal or homicidal ideation (assessed using Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale at each visit);
- Diagnosed rheumatologic or auto-immune condition;
- Blood or clotting disorder;
- Current hypertension (exceeding 140 systolic or 90 diastolic at resting); resting heart rate\>90
- Acute infection (oral temperature \>100°F);
- High-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) ≥ 10mg/L;
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) \> 60 mm/hr;
- Positive rheumatoid factor;
- Positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA);
- Levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone or free thyroxine outside UAB Hospital Labs reference values;
- Use of UGT1A9, UGT1A10 and aldehyde or alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme inhibitors;
- Dependent on any psychoactive drugs other than nicotine and caffeine;
- Use of the antiviral drug efavirenz;
- Use of PDE-5-Inhibitors, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators;
- Severe anemia;
- Phenylketonuria, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes, liver disease, and mucus with cough or slowed breathing
- Use of any medication containing dextromethorphan (e.g., cough suppressants);
- Pain due to other conditions or diseases that would complicate study participation or pain reporting.
- Use of strong or moderate inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6)
- Poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 based on genotype
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations