RecruitingPhase 1Phase 2NCT06898606

Psilocybe Cubensis Mushrooms With or Without Fluoxetine for Refractory Depression


Sponsor

Federal University of Latin American Integration

Enrollment

24 participants

Start Date

Sep 5, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

This Phase 2a pilot, exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial will estimate whether concurrent fluoxetine alters the antidepressant effect, acute psychedelic experience, or safety of a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy session in adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD). Eligible participants (ages 25-64) have DSM-5-TR MDD, moderate-severe, MADRS ≥20, and partial response in the current episode (≥1 adequate antidepressant trial of 6-12 weeks with \<50% symptom reduction). All participants receive one dosing session with 3g of standardized Psilocybe mushrooms - with batch assay (e.g., LC-MS) to determine the amount of psilocybin and psilocin present in the sample - with manualized preparation and integration. Participants are randomized 1:1 to fluoxetine 20 mg/day or matching placebo for 4 weeks, started 2 weeks before the psychedelic session and continued 2 weeks after. Masking is quadruple (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor). The primary outcome is change in MADRS from Baseline to Week 4, assessed by a remote, blinded rater. Key secondary outcomes include response (≥50% MADRS reduction) and remission (MADRS ≤10) at Week 4, and durability at Week 6. Exploratory outcomes assess the psychedelic experience (5D-ASC, SOCQ), psychological flexibility (AAQ-10), and safety/tolerability (UKU and adverse events). Findings will be interpreted as estimates with 95% confidence intervals to inform the design of a subsequent confirmatory trial.


Eligibility

Min Age: 25 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether psilocybin — the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms — with or without the antidepressant fluoxetine can help people with moderate-to-severe depression that has not responded well to standard antidepressant treatments. Participants will receive a supervised psilocybin session alongside psychological support. Researchers want to find out if psilocybin-assisted therapy is safe and more effective than existing options for treatment-resistant depression. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 25 and 64 years old - You have been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder (confirmed by clinical interview) - Your depression has not responded adequately to at least one antidepressant trial in the current episode - Your depression score on a standard scale (MADRS) is 20 or above - You are able to commit to all study visits, including preparation, dosing sessions, and follow-ups **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, or a first-degree family member with psychosis or bipolar disorder - You have active suicidal ideation with a plan or recent attempt - You are currently taking medications that interact dangerously with psilocybin (such as lithium or MAOIs) - You have significant heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure - You are pregnant or breastfeeding Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DRUGPsilocybin and Psilocyn

Oral dose administered via Psilocybe mushrooms material batch-assayed by LC-MS to standardize psilocybin and psilocyn content.

DRUGPlacebo

Matching capsules, once daily for 4 weeks (-14 to +14 days).

BEHAVIORALPsychotherapy-assisted session

Same manualized procedures as Arm 1.

DRUGFluoxetine

20 mg/day for 4 weeks (-14 to +14 days relative to dosing day).


Locations(1)

Federal University of Latin American Integration

Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil

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NCT06898606


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