Effects of DMT on pain in healthy individuals
Acute Analgesic Effects of DMT on Experimentally Induced Acute Nociceptive Pain, Hyperalgesia and Allodynia in Healthy Participants
This study is testing if DMT can help reduce pain in healthy people compared to ketamine and a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT06180759 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the acute analgesic effects of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) on experimentally induced pain in healthy participants. Using a validated electrical stimulation model, the research aims to assess how DMT compares to racemic ketamine and a placebo in terms of pain relief. Participants will receive intravenous infusions of DMT, ketamine, or placebo in a cross-over design to determine the efficacy of DMT on various pain qualities. The study seeks to fill the gap in rigorous clinical data regarding the analgesic properties of psychedelics.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 25 to 75 with a body mass index between 18-29 kg/m2.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic or acute medical conditions or major psychiatric disorders will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new insights into the use of psychedelics for pain management.
How similar studies have performed: While preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits of psychedelics for pain, this approach is novel and lacks extensive prior clinical trial data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age between 25 and 75 years old 2. Sufficient understanding of the German language 3. Understanding of procedures and risks associated with the study 4. Willing to adhere to the protocol and signing of the consent form 5. Willing to refrain from the consumption of illicit psychoactive substances during the study 6. Willing not to operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after the study session. 7. Willing to use effective birth control throughout study participation 8. Body mass index between 18-29 kg/m2 and body weight within 50 - 90kg Exclusion Criteria: 1. Chronic or acute medical condition 2. Current or previous major psychiatric disorder 3. Psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder in first-degree relatives 4. Hypertension (SBP\>140/90 mmHg) or hypotension (SBP\<85 mmHg) 5. Hallucinogenic and/or dissociative substance use (not including cannabis) more than 15 times or any time within the previous two months 6. Pregnancy or current breastfeeding 7. Participation in another clinical trial (currently or within the last 30 days) 8. Use of medication that may interfere with the effects of the study medication 9. Tobacco smoking (\>10 cigarettes/day) 10. Consumption of alcoholic beverages (\>20 drinks/week)
Where this trial is running
Basel
- Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital Basel — Basel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.