Long-lasting analgesic effect of the psychedelic drug changa: A case report
This case study (n=1) describes the analgesic effects of repeated changa (unspecified amount of DMT) treatment administered to a 57-year-old male doctor who was suffering for 10 years from chronic fatigue and persistent pain due to fibromyalgia.
Authors
- Gonzalo Ona
Published
Abstract
Background and aims: Pain is the most prevalent symptom of a health condition, and it is inappropriately treated in many cases. Here, we present a case report in which we observe a long-lasting analgesic effect produced by changa, a psychedelic drug that contains the psychoactive N,N-dimethyltryptamine and ground seeds of Peganum harmala, which are rich in β-carbolines.
Methods
We describe the case and offer a brief review of supportive findings.
Results
A long-lasting analgesic effect after the use of changa was reported. Possible analgesic mechanisms are discussed. We suggest that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors could be involved.
Conclusion
These findings offer preliminary evidence of the analgesic effect of changa, but due to its complex pharmacological actions, involving many neurotransmitter systems, further research is needed in order to establish the specific mechanisms at work.
Research Summary of 'Long-lasting analgesic effect of the psychedelic drug changa: A case report'
Introduction
Pain remains a major clinical challenge worldwide, with substantial unmet need for effective, appropriately delivered treatments and concurrent problems such as opioid overuse. The authors situate their report against this background and note that alternative or adjunctive therapies are being explored. Changa is introduced as a smoked psychedelic blend containing freebase N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) together with β-carboline–rich plant material (here, ground Peganum harmala seeds). Its pharmacology and experiential profile are broadly similar to ayahuasca but with much shorter acute duration when smoked (about 15–30 minutes versus 3–5 hours for ayahuasca). The study presents a single-patient case report intended to document an apparent long-lasting analgesic effect after changa use and to consider possible pharmacological and non‑pharmacological mechanisms underlying that effect.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
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- Compound
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- APA Citation
Ona, G., & Troncoso, S. (2019). Long-lasting analgesic effect of the psychedelic drug changa: A case report. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 3(1), 7-13. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2019.001
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Cited By (2)
Papers in Blossom that reference this study
Lima, G., Soares, C., Teixeira, M. et al. · Scientific Reports (2025)
Ona, G., Bouso, J. C. · Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews (2020)
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