A randomised placebo-controlled study of the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide microdosing (15 μg) on pain perception in healthy volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preliminary research indicates that psychedelics may hold promise as analgesic agents. This study investigated the potential analgesic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) microdosing on pain tolerance and subjective pain perception in healthy participants.

Methods

Utilizing a randomised, placebo-controlled design, participants received 15 μg of LSD or placebo over four administrations. Pain tolerance was assessed using the Cold Pressor Task (CPT), along with subjective ratings of painfulness, unpleasantness, and stress.

Results

No analgesic effects of LSD were found on any of these measures in the whole sample. LSD increased blood pressure and subjective ratings of drug experience on administration days. Blood pressure was positively correlated to p

SUBMITTER: Cavarra M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12411475 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature