Psilocybin Therapy for Chronic Lower Back Pain
(POP Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study evaluates whether psilocybin therapy helps patients cope with chronic low back pain more effectively. Patients may be recruited at Stanford and University of California San Francisco (UCSF), study procedures will occur at UCSF. Each participant will receive a dose of psilocybin with possibly one or more other drugs. Participants will undergo two preparation sessions, a dosing session, three integration sessions to discuss their psilocybin experience, and several follow up sessions.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you do not regularly use medications that might interact with psilocybin, such as dopamine agonists, MAO inhibitors, antipsychotics, and stimulants. If you are on these medications, you may need to stop taking them to participate.
How is psilocybin therapy different from other treatments for chronic lower back pain?
Research Team
Joshua Woolley
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 25-70 with chronic low back pain, who are comfortable in English and can attend sessions at UCSF. They should have tried at least two other treatments without success. It's not for those with pain due to cancer, fractures, infections, or if the pain extends below the knee with neurological signs.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Preparation
Participants undergo two preparation sessions before the dosing session
Dosing
Participants receive a single dose of Psilocybin in combination with other drugs
Integration
Participants attend three integration sessions to discuss their psilocybin experience
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Psilocybin Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Joshua Woolley, MD, PhD
Lead Sponsor
Joshua Woolley, MD/PhD
Lead Sponsor