Q. A doctor prescribed high-dose verapamil daily to prevent horrible cluster headaches. I’ve been taking it for the last eight years with great success but some undesirable side effects. Another option would be very welcome.

Several years ago, one of my sisters sent me an article you wrote suggesting that psilocybin might reduce cluster headaches. Is there any more research about this use? Any information will be helpful.

A. Cluster headaches consist of intense, usually one-sided pain that is excruciating. Worse, they repeat in cycles. As a result, anticipation of pain starting up again poisons even the time between headache episodes. Verapamil is used off-label as a preventive measure, but it takes two or three weeks to kick in (Headache, September 2025).

Danish researchers conducted a small study (11 volunteers) to test whether psilocybin could improve sleep in people with chronic cluster headache (Journal of Psychopharmacology, May 29, 2026). Such individuals don’t sleep well. They slept better after taking psilocybin once a week for three weeks, but we don’t know whether psilocybin actually improved their cluster headaches.

A separate review of the research concluded that low doses might be helpful: “While available studies on psychedelics suggest potential benefit in cluster headache and migraine, access remains complex due to legal considerations, and additional studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and to ensure safety before they can be recommended for use.” (Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, Aug. 9, 2025).

Q. I am concerned about lead in psyllium products. How much is present, and how much can be tolerated?

A. Psyllium is a fiber product derived from the plant Plantago. People often take it to promote regularity (think Metamucil) or to lower cholesterol. You have identified one important drawback, however. Many psyllium supplements contain some lead, a toxic heavy metal. No known level is safe, although the Food and Drug Administration recommends limiting intake to 8.8 micrograms/day for women of childbearing age.

When ConsumerLab.com analyzed psyllium products, four out of nine had excess lead.

They found that Organic India Psyllium Whole Husk Fiber had very little lead. To review the rest of the results, you need a subscription.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.