Combining psilocybin with vagus nerve stimulation for enhanced memory
Official title: Activating Neuroplasticity to ENHANCE the Perception Box Expanding Effects of Psilocybin
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT05866471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if combining a dose of psilocybin with a gentle nerve stimulation can help healthy adults with a slight drop in well-being improve their memory of insights gained during the experience.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 115 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05866471 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking, medically healthy adults with a modest reduction in emotional well-being.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant medical or psychiatric conditions, or those currently using medications that may interact with psilocybin, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of combining a single dose of psilocybin with non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on healthy adult volunteers experiencing a modest decrease in well-being. Participants will receive a 25 mg dose of psilocybin along with various combinations of active or sham taVNS over a period of seven days. The study aims to determine if taVNS can enhance the long-term benefits of psilocybin by improving memory retention of insights gained during the psychedelic experience. Psychological support will be provided throughout the process to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved therapeutic outcomes for individuals seeking to enhance their emotional well-being through psychedelic experiences.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of psilocybin and taVNS is a novel approach, previous studies have shown promising results with psilocybin in therapeutic settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking * Ability/willingness to complete all study activities * Modest reduction in emotional well-being * Medically healthy (does not meet criteria for an exclusionary medical condition) * Blood pressure and heart rate within established ranges at screening * Use of acceptable contraceptive methods (sexually active males and women of childbearing potential) Exclusion Criteria: * Clinically significant safety lab abnormalities (i.e., Complete Blood Count with Differential, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, and urinalysis) * Current or clinically significant psychiatric disorder that, in the investigator's judgment, would interfere with participation or increase risk * Current use of drugs or medications, prescribed or otherwise, that may interact with psilocybin * Use of investigational drugs, biologics, or devices within 30 days of enrollment * Use of psychedelic or related agents within three months of Dosing Day * Clinically significant electrocardiogram (ECG) * Vitals outside acceptable range * Pregnancy and currently breastfeeding * Unwillingness to go without tobacco products for 12 hours or more * Inability to undergo fMRI scanning * Recent ear trauma, hearing loss (if clinically significant), or deafness * Family history of a psychotic disorder in a first degree relative
Where it's running
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University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Charles Raison, MD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Program Manager
- Email: enhance@psychiatry.wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-265-4987
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Effects of Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Return to Consciousness After Surgery
This study tests whether noninvasive tcVNS can help people wake up faster after surgery and reduce delirium and depression in the recovery period.
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This trial will test whether 100 Hz respiratory-gated transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation can reduce apathy in people with Parkinson's disease.
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This will see if DMT helps adults with moderate-to-severe depression even when its psychedelic effects are masked by propofol sedation.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.