LSD Treatment for Cluster Headaches

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) as Treatment for Cluster Headache

Recruiting Phase 2 Interventional Study
Cluster Headache
No Placebo Group Every participant receives an active treatment — no one gets a placebo. Prior Safety Data This treatment has already been tested in at least one earlier human trial.
Ready to participate?

Review the details below, then apply to join this clinical trial.

At a Glance
Age
25 – 75
Sex
Any
Trial phase
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Purpose
Treatment
Participants needed
30 (estimated)
Sponsor
University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · Other
Who this trial is looking for

This trial is looking for adults between 25 to 75 years old who suffer from cluster headaches. Participants will take either LSD or a placebo in a controlled setting and will need to record their headache experiences during the trial.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Must not be taking Serotonergic antiemetics
Rules you out Severe cardiovascular diseaseBipolar disorderSubstance use disorder

You may be able to join if

  • I am between 25 and 75 years old.
  • I have chronic or episodic cluster headaches.
  • My cluster headache attacks respond to oxygen.
  • I understand the study procedures and risks.
  • I will follow the study procedures and sign the consent form.
  • I am willing to stop taking certain medications before and after treatment.
  • I can refrain from using psychoactive drugs and caffeine before treatment.
  • I will not drive or operate machines after taking LSD.

You may not be able to join if

  • I have other types of headaches like migraines.
  • I am pregnant, nursing, or not using effective birth control.
  • I have a primary psychotic disorder or a close relative with one.
  • I have bipolar disorder.
  • I have a current substance use disorder.
  • I have severe cardiovascular disease or untreated high blood pressure.
  • I weigh less than 45 kg.
  • I participate in another clinical trial currently or have within the last 30 days.

Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria. The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can confirm whether you qualify.

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About This Trial
Background: After no official research in humans in the last 40 years, research and therapeutic uses of the serotonergic psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are now re-recognized and include its use in brain research, alcoholism, anxiety associated with terminal illness, and treatment of headache disorders. Specifically, LSD has been reported to abort attacks, to decrease frequency and in…
Trial Locations
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Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 25 and ≤ 75 years * Chronic cluster headache (according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria) OR * Episodic cluster headache (according to the IHS criteria) with recurrent predictable episodes lasting approximately 2 months and expected ongoing cluster pe…
Contacts

Matthias Liechti, Prof.

0041 61 328 68 68

matthias.liechti@usb.ch

CONTACT

Yasmin Schmid, Dr. med.

0041 61 328 68 66

yasmin.schmid@usb.ch

CONTACT