Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance present in magic mushrooms, often consumed recreationally to induce euphoria and hallucinations.
Aside from its mind-altering properties, the compound’s potential ability to provide chronic pain relief has been studied.
This article examines a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms in addressing chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may potentially provide both immediate and long-lasting pain relief.
- When compared to traditional pain medications, microdosing psilocybin generally has fewer side effects when taken in small quantities.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to alleviate pain, among other conditions.
The Study
The research titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was carried out by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his colleagues from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego. They concentrated their study on three patients who self-medicated with small doses of psilocybin to control their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Reduction of Chronic Pain
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain appearing below the area of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Initially 4 to 5/ 10, rising to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| RESULT: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient reported that while his regular medications only managed to dull the pain, psilocybin effectively silenced it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Typically between 5 and 7 out of 10, but increases with physical activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily dose of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with 2 to 3 days of rest periods throughout a year. During pain flare-ups, the dosage is increased to 750 mg to 1 gram |
| IMPACT: | Pain reduction by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to original levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts for 6-8 hours, returning to original levels after 18 hours. |
| The patient notices a decrease in appetite without the presence of nausea. When the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg), disorientation or instability while walking is experienced. | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | 8 out of 10, escalating to a full 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant pain relief without any mind-altering effects. A noted increase in flexibility and functionality. Pain gradually returns to initial levels over a span of 2-4 weeks. Repeating the dosage has shown to improve pain management. |
| The patient reports no significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains mostly stable. She continues her standard dosage of her SSRI for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Deciphering Pain Management with Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in chronic pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain areas linked with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported experiencing pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that after direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors, there could be a central regulation of pain perception and synaptic adaptability.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Traditional Painkillers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAINKILLERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Gastrointestinal distress |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Impaired gait | Dependency |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Directions for Future Psilocybin Research
The research team, based on the experiences of three individuals, has identified potential areas for further investigation due to their potential benefits.
- Small dosages of psilocybin may provide immediate and possibly enduring relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Examine the impacts of different treatment methodologies when paired with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 experienced increased pain relief when psilocybin was used in conjunction with physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, low doses of psilocybin could offer pain relief as indicated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance might potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
In spite of the encouraging findings in the patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size might not fully represent the broader population of individuals living with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include any participants who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to gauge the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential biases associated with psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not consider the possible influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not measure the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Experimenting Microdoses with Mushrooms
In this experiment, the first two patients consumed microdoses of powdered psilocybin derived from dehydrated mushrooms. However, the third patient chose to blend it with chocolate. There are numerous products intended for psilocybin microdosing, and below is a list of some of them.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
Although the study didn’t mention the specific strain used, the strain below is recommended as a good starting point for novices.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most common strains of magic mushrooms and is widely used.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its friendly nature and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may enhance concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This formulation combines Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all known to help alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This appealing blend provides three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules include the Golden Teacher strain, reputed for fostering clarity, heightened creativity, and improved focus.
Mitigating Pain with Psilocybin
While explorations on the pain-alleviating effects of mushrooms are still at a preliminary stage, anecdotal reports and compact case studies are offering promising results.
Such instances underscore the urgency for more comprehensive research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
What are the potential risks?
While psilocybin is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects such as nausea, increased heart rate, and hallucinations. It is important to approach microdosing with caution, and under the guidance of a medical professional.
How long does it take to feel the effects?
Typically, the effects of psilocybin become noticeable approximately 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, reaching their peak in about 90 minutes.
Are there any legal implications?
While the legal status of psilocybin varies by country and state, it is generally considered a controlled substance. Always check your local laws before obtaining or using psilocybin.
especially in managing persistent pain.Before the widespread acknowledgment of psilocybin as a pain relief agent, the hopeful narratives from the case study bring optimism to those enduring chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin mainly stimulates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two significant outcomes:
- Production of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics promote links between brain regions that typically do not interact much. This unique connectivity is a consequence of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is connected to various cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, disclosed the findings of their comprehensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in substantial reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a sustained antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal reported that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments.
How do you determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on day one. If the desired effects are not reached, you can gradually increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal level.
Individuals with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should you do before taking mushrooms?
What are the potential risks?
Although psilocybin is generally regarded as safe, it can cause side effects such as nausea, increased heart rate, and hallucinations. It’s vital to approach microdosing with prudence and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
How long does it take to feel the effects?
Usually, the effects of psilocybin emerge around 30 to 60 minutes after consumption, peaking at about 90 minutes.
Are there any legal implications?
While the legality of psilocybin varies from country to country and state to state, it’s generally viewed as a controlled substance. Always verify your local laws before acquiring or using psilocybin.
class=”wp-block-list”>What’s the suggested frequency of microdosing mushrooms?
There are several well-grounded protocols advocating structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The main variation in these protocols is the number of “off” days they incorporate, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most advocated protocols advise following 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s inherent tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols being discussed here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
