Episode 12

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Published on:

30th May 2023

#12: Mind-Altering Medicines: Unleashing the Therapeutic Potential of Serotonin and Psychedelics with Ben Malcom

Mind-Altering Medicines: Unleashing the Therapeutic Potential of Serotonin and Psychedelics with Ben Malcom

In this thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Pills, host Josh Rimany welcomes Dr. Ben Malcolm, a pharmacist specializing in education and consulting, to discuss the therapeutic potential of serotonin and psychedelics in mental health treatment. Dr. Malcolm shares his insights on the evolving landscape of mental health, exploring the use of psychedelics as promising tools for addressing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. They delve into his work on creating safe, effective guides for tapering off antidepressants, highlighting the importance of approaching new research with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Listeners will gain access to a free resource provided by Dr. Malcolm to stay updated on the latest developments in pharmacy research. He also emphasizes the expanding opportunities for pharmacists beyond traditional roles, touching on areas like psychedelic medicine and personalized consulting services. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone interested in alternative approaches to mental health, this episode provides valuable perspectives on the growing potential of psychedelics and the importance of comprehensive, responsible care in mental health treatment.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • 00:00:00 - Introduction of Doctor Ben Malcolm and his career in pharmacy
  • 00:02:40 - Introduction to Psychedelic Therapies and the role of pharmacists
  • 00:05:26 - My journey to specializing in psychedelics
  • 00:11:04 - Psychedelic therapies update and definition
  • 00:13:10 - Update on psychedelic-assisted therapy and clinical trials
  • 00:18:10 - Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: The non-directive approach
  • 00:22:36 - Serotonergic medications and drug interactions with psychedelics
  • 00:23:40 - Serotonin-based medications and psychedelic therapies
  • 00:30:42 - Uncertainty surrounding the use of SSRIs and sobin effect reduction
  • 00:32:49 - Psychedelic therapy: Should it be the first line of treatment?
  • 00:35:53 - Understanding ketamine's mechanism of action and treatment protocol
  • 00:42:34 - Free antidepressant and psychedelic drug interaction guide available through email list

Links & Resources:

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