The ‘entourage effect’ — what we don’t know about how cannabis works
Cannabis products promise custom experiences based on compound profiles, but the science behind these claims remains limited. While ideas like the “entourage effect” are popular, research on how cannabis compounds interact in humans is still in its early stages.
Antidepressant withdrawal may be more persistent than doctors realize
A systematic review finds that some people experience withdrawal symptoms for months or even years after stopping antidepressants. The study highlights the lack of reliable evidence on how common or severe these symptoms are—and how best to treat them.
High caffeine intake linked to greater psychological distress in people with depression
A new study finds that individuals with a history of depression who consume high amounts of caffeine tend to report greater psychological distress. Genetic differences also appear to influence how much caffeine people drink and how sensitive they are.
Only a specific dose of psilocybin induces lasting antidepressant-like effects, study suggests
A recent study found that a single moderate dose of psilocybin produced lasting antidepressant-like effects in rats, while higher doses led to unwanted side effects. The findings highlight the importance of optimal dosing.
New research shows decaf coffee can mimic caffeine’s effects in habitual drinkers
Drinking coffee might wake you up even without the caffeine. Researchers found that habitual coffee drinkers responded similarly to both regular and decaf coffee, pointing to the influence of expectation and ritual on alertness and brain activity.
Cannabidiol shows promise for treating Alzheimer’s in mice by targeting brain hyperactivity
In a study using an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, researchers found that cannabidiol reduced memory loss and brain abnormalities. The compound worked by enhancing the function of glycine receptors, which help regulate neuronal activity in the brain's memory center.
Psilocybin and escitalopram produce antidepressant effects via distinct brain mechanisms, study suggests
A new study using brain scans found that psilocybin and escitalopram reduce depression symptoms through different neural mechanisms. While escitalopram dampened emotional brain activity, psilocybin preserved or slightly increased it, suggesting distinct pathways to recovery.
Withdrawal symptoms are common after stopping antidepressants
Researchers analyzed data from 35 studies and found that over 40% of antidepressant users experienced withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, irritability, and mood disturbances. The findings suggest the need for better tapering strategies and patient education.
Common blood pressure drug shows promise for treating ADHD symptoms
Amlodipine, typically used for hypertension, may have brain-based effects that make it a candidate for ADHD treatment, according to new research.
Psychedelic’s anti-anxiety effects can be separated from hallucinations by targeting specific brain circuits
A mouse study published in Science shows that stimulating a specific set of brain cells activated by a psychedelic drug can reduce anxiety without triggering hallucination-like behavior, pointing to new possibilities for targeted mental health treatments.
New study sheds light on which post-psychedelic difficulties last longest and what helps people cope
While many praise psychedelics for their therapeutic power, new research reveals that some users face long-lasting psychological challenges. This study explores the most common difficulties and the coping strategies people turn to for support and recovery.
Young adults who drink heavily report more romantic highs and lows
A new study of heavy-drinking young adults found that drinking more on a given day was linked to both regretted and positive romantic or sexual experiences. For women, using cannabis alongside alcohol appeared to reduce the likelihood of regret.
Amphetamine scrambles the brain’s sense of time by degrading prefrontal neuron coordination
Researchers have found that amphetamine alters how the brain processes time, increasing variability in the activity of neurons that encode temporal information. The study provides insight into how the drug affects executive function and decision-making at the neural level.
Inhaled DMT produces rapid and lasting antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression
Vaporized DMT produced fast and lasting improvements in depression symptoms and suicidal ideation, according to a new phase 2a trial, highlighting its potential as a scalable, non-invasive alternative to conventional and long-acting psychedelic treatments for severe depression.
Single dose of 5-MeO-DMT alters gene expression in brain and reduces anxiety-like behavior in stressed mice
New findings reveal that 5-MeO-DMT, a fast-acting psychedelic, can change brain gene activity and reduce anxiety-related behavior in stressed mice, offering promising insights into its lasting effects and potential use in treating anxiety disorders.
