A fast-acting compound found in plants and in trace amounts in the body; injected or inhaled, the experience is over within about twenty minutes. Strongest evidence: rapid, sometimes months-long reduction in depression severity after one supervised dose. Serious harms concentrate in people with a personal or family history of psychosis or mania. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure (seated, rested) | 110–120 / 70–78 mmHg | Headroom for the pressor response |
| Resting heart rate | 50–70 bpm | Baseline for the acute tachycardia |
| Electrocardiogram, QTc interval | <440 ms (male), <450 ms (female) | Screens for arrhythmia risk |
| Comprehensive metabolic panel | ALT and AST 10–26 U/L; creatinine 0.7–1.1 mg/dL | Hepatic and renal clearance |
| Complete blood count | Haemoglobin 13.5–15.0 g/dL (male), 12.5–14.5 g/dL (female) | Anaemia or occult illness |
| Thyroid-stimulating hormone | 0.5–2.0 mIU/L | Mimics depression and anxiety |
| High-sensitivity C-reactive protein | <0.5 mg/L | Baseline inflammatory tone |
| Morning cortisol | 10–18 µg/dL at 8 a.m. | Session acutely raises cortisol |
| Fasting glucose and HbA1c | Glucose 75–86 mg/dL; HbA1c 4.8–5.2% | Metabolic health screen |
Cadence: Continuous vital signs during and for 60–90 minutes after the session; symptom and blood-pressure review at 24 hours, 1 week, and 4 weeks; laboratory review at 3 months, then every 6–12 months.