Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, is commonly used for recreation due to its ability to induce euphoria and hallucinations.
Not only does it have mind-altering effects, but research has also looked into the potential benefits of the compound for chronic pain management.
This article explores a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms in providing relief from chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms might provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- Psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects than traditional pain medications, especially when used in small doses.
- Psilocybin works with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to alleviate pain, among other conditions.
The Study
Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego, carried out the study titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. Their research was centered on three patients who used small doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain occurring below a spinal cord injury site. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Started at 4 to 5/10, escalating 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, reduction in muscle spasms, and increased bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient noted that while his usual medications only managed to reduce the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, bringing his average pain level down 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: | Usually fluctuates between 5 to 7 out of 10, but surges during physical activity and pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 500 mg daily for 7 to 10 days with rest periods (2 to 3 days) throughout a year. Dosage elevates to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| IMPACT: | 80% decrease in pain for 3-4 hours, slowly reverting to original levels after 12 hours. Complete pain alleviation (90%-100%) spans 6-8 hours, reverting to original levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject records a decline in appetite without experiencing nausea. Disorientation or difficulty in walking is observed when the dosage is amplified (750 to 1000mg). | |
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, amplifying to 10 out of 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg in the form of a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant alleviation from pain without any psychoactive effects. Notable enhancement in flexibility and functionality. Pain slowly reverts to original levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosage enhances control over pain. |
| The subject does not report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her emotional state remains predominantly stable. She maintains her regular dosage of her SSRI for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Deciphering Pain Management with Psilocybin
Continuous physical and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the chronic sensation of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics such as psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially reconfiguring the brain regions associated with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported enduring pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and
The adaptability of synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Research-based) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Discomfort in the abdomen |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Impaired gait | Dependence |
| No change in mood | Drowsiness |
Future Psilocybin Research Possibilities
The research team has identified potential areas for further investigation, based on the experiences of three individuals, due to their potential benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly long-lasting neuropathic pain relief, without inducing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Explore the outcomes of different treatment approaches in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported an improved analgesic effect when psilocybin was used with physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, small psilocybin doses might alleviate pain, as demonstrated by this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging outcomes observed in the patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size might not accurately represent all individuals experiencing neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
- There were no assessments conducted before and after the treatment to measure the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential biases related to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not quantify the amount of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Microdosing Using Mushrooms
During this research, Patients #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin, which was powdered and extracted from dried mushrooms, while Patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are several products specifically created for psilocybin microdosing, and we’ve gathered a list of some of them below.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
Although the study didn’t mention the specific strain used, the following strain is suitable for those new to this field.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent strains of hallucinogenic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Recognized for its user-friendliness, it could offer cognitive advantages.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms could improve focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which have been scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing mix offers three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin along with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules feature the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting clear thinking, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.
Pain Relief through Psilocybin
While research into the analgesic properties of mushrooms is still in its infancy, anecdotal evidence and small-scale case studies point to promising results.
Such instances underscore the necessity for more extensive research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Microdosing psilocybin has been gaining recognition as an effective method for chronic pain management.
Before the wide acceptance of psilocybin as a pain relief agent, the promising results from the case study have given hope to those suffering from perpetual pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin principally activates a serotonin receptor called “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two major outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics foster connections among less frequently interacting brain areas. This unique connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is connected to several cognitive functions, including daydreaming, self-reflection, and pondering about the past and future.
What is the best-known benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, unveiled the findings of their thorough phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their research indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A research paper published in the Psychiatry Research Journal found that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments.
How can one determine the appropriate dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If the desired effects are not achieved, you can incrementally increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal level.
People with a history of consuming psychotropic substances may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What precautions should be taken before ingesting mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
A variety of well-documented protocols recommend structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The primary difference in these protocols is the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly suggested protocols recommend 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols discussed in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
