Psychedelic Psychopharmacology

An in-depth look at the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, and neuroscience of psychedelics. Readings include publications in the academic literature. The articles will provide an overview of psychedelic effects investigated by a variety of scientific methods (pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, neuroscience) for several types of psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, ayahuasca, MDMA, ketamine). Teachings are appropriate for healthcare professionals as well as the general public. Healthcare professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in ways beneficial to clients or patients.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the group, the participant will be able to:

• Describe pharmacokinetic properties of psilocybin to predict potential drug interactions and adverse effects.

• Describe pharmacokinetic properties of ayahuasca to predict potential drug interactions and adverse effects.

• Describe pharmacokinetic properties of MDMA to predict potential drug interactions and adverse effects.

• Describe pharmacokinetic properties of ketamine to predict potential drug interactions and adverse effects.

• Explain how the pharmacodynamics of psilocybin affects clinical and serological biomarkers.

• Explain how the pharmacodynamics of ayahuasca affects clinical and serological biomarkers.

• Explain how the pharmacodynamics of MDMA affects clinical and serological biomarkers.

• Explain how the pharmacodynamics of ketamine affects clinical and serological biomarkers.

• Discuss the effects of psilocybin on neural network function.

• Discuss the effects of ayahuasca on neural network function.

• Discuss the effects of MDMA on neural network function.

• Discuss the effects of ketamine on neural network function.