Serotonergic Psychedelics - a Comparative review Comparing the Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics and Binding Profile of Serotonergic Psychedelics.

Psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and 5-MeO-DMT all of which are serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor agonists are being investigated as potential treatments. This review aims to summarize the current clinical research on these four compounds and mescaline to guide future research. Their mechanism/s of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety were reviewed. While evidence for therapeutic indications, with the exception of psilocybin for depression, is still relatively scarce, we noted no differences in psychedelic effects beyond effect duration. It remains therefore unclear whether different receptor profiles contribute to the therapeutic potential of these compounds. More research is needed to differentiate these compounds in order to inform which compounds might be best for different therapeutic uses.