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. 2021 Sep;54(5):240-245.
doi: 10.1055/a-1524-2794. Epub 2021 Aug 4.

Classic Psychedelic Coadministration with Lithium, but Not Lamotrigine, is Associated with Seizures: An Analysis of Online Psychedelic Experience Reports

Sandeep M Nayak  1 , Natalie Gukasyan  1 , Frederick S Barrett  1 , Earth Erowid  2 , Fire Erowid  2 , Roland R Griffiths  1   3
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Classic Psychedelic Coadministration with Lithium, but Not Lamotrigine, is Associated with Seizures: An Analysis of Online Psychedelic Experience Reports

Sandeep M Nayak et al. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: Psychedelics show promise in treating unipolar depression, though patients with bipolar disorder have been excluded from recent psychedelic trials. There is limited information on the use of classic psychedelics (e. g., LSD or psilocybin) in individuals using mood stabilizers to treat bipolar disorder. This is important to know, as individuals with bipolar depression may attempt to treat themselves with psychedelics while on a mood stabilizer, particularly given enthusiastic media reports of the efficacy of psilocybin for depression.

Methods: This study analyzed reports of classic psychedelics administered with mood stabilizers from 3 websites (Erowid.org, Shroomery.org, and Reddit.com).

Results: Strikingly, 47% of 62 lithium plus psychedelic reports involved seizures, and an additional 18% resulted in bad trips while none of 34 lamotrigine reports did. Further, 39% of lithium reports involved medical attention. Most of the lamotrigine reports (65%) but few (8%) of the lithium reports were judged to not affect the psychedelic experience.

Discussion: Although further research is needed, we provisionally conclude that psychedelic use may pose a significant seizure risk for patients on lithium.

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Conflict of interest statement

RRG is on the board of directors of the Heffter Research Institute. SMN serves on a Data Safety and Monitoring Board for Maryland Oncology Hematology. EE and FE are employed by Erowid Center, the non-profit that operates Erowid.org, one of the data sources.

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