Effects of SERT Inhibition on the Subjective Response to LSD in Healthy Subjects (NCT05175430) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 1
Effects of SERT Inhibition on the Subjective Response to LSD in Healthy Subjects
Switzerland24 participantsStarted 2022-10-24
Plain-language summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic serotonergic psychedelic acting on the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. LSD is used recreationally and in psychiatric research. First studies suggest efficacy in psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. SSRIs like paroxetine are first-line treatments for depression and anxiety disorders. Paroxetine acts as a serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitor. However, the link between this mechanism and its positive effects on mood remains to be established. Several studies suggest a possible downregulation of postsynaptic serotonin (5-HT) receptors such as the 5-HT2A receptor. The aim of the study is to assess whether SERT inhibition reduces expression of the gene coding for the 5-HT2A receptor and the response to LSD.
Who can participate
Age range
25 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Understanding of the German language.
* Understanding the procedures and the risks that are associated with the study.
* Participants must be willing to adhere to the protocol and sign the consent form.
* Participants must be willing to refrain from taking illicit psychoactive substances during the study.
* Participants must be willing to abstain from xanthine-based liquids from the evenings prior to the study sessions and during the sessions.
* Participants must be willing not to drive a traffic vehicle or to operate machines within 48h after substance administration.
* Willing to use double-barrier birth control throughout study participation.
* Body mass index between 18-29 kg/m2.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Chronic or acute medical condition, including a history of seizures.
* Current or previous major psychiatric disorder (e.g. psychotic disorders, mania / hypomania, anxiety disorders).
* Psychotic disorder in first-degree relatives, not including psychotic disorders secondary to an apparent medical reason, e.g. brain injury, dementia, or lesions of the brain.
* Hypertension (SBP\>140/90 mmHg) or hypotension (SBP\<85 mmHg); QT-time\>450 ms (men) or \>470 ms (women).
* Use of hallucinogenic substances (not including cannabis) more than 20 times or any time within the previous two months.
* History of acute glaucoma.
* Pregnant or nursing women.
* Participation in another clinical trial (currently or within the last 30 days).
* Use of medications that ma…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
5 dimensions of altered state of consciousness (5D-ASC) total OAV score
Timeframe: Study sessions per participant will be separated by at least 43 days
2
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) good effect rating
Timeframe: Study sessions per participant will be separated by at least 43 days