Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Major Depression

An interesting study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week. The lead author, Robin Carhart-Harris, is one of the leading psychedelic researchers in the world. In this study, they compared the effects of psilocybin (the active compound found in magic mushrooms) and escitalopram, a traditional SSRI commonly used for depression or anxiety. Study participants either took daily escitalopram, or underwent two full-dose psilocybin sessions three weeks apart.

In the graphic below, you’ll see that both groups had reductions in symptoms of depression. The psilocybin group improved a little more, but the difference was not significant.

These results need to be interpreted cautiously. There are some limitations to the study design and they only had 59 patients (confirmatory studies would have thousands). But as the FDA is looking to approve psilocybin for depression, studies like these deserve to be examined closely.

In any case, we’re excited that the scientific endeavor is playing out for these innovative treatments. Satori is collaborating with Rocky Vista University for some exciting studies on ketamine (another psychedelic medicine) and we’re looking forward to involving you as the projects progress. Thanks for being on the ground floor of these developments!

Wholesome Co now offers home cannabis delivery to Washington County… $100-off coupon code

While Southern Utah waits for a cannabis pharmacy to open, Wholesome Co has begun offering home delivery to Washington and Iron Counties. Several of our patients have used them and, according to some patients, the quality of the product is superior to Nevada’s. Satori patients can use the code SATFIRST for $100 off their first order. This link expires May 1. They also have some 4/20 deals going on, so check them out soon.

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