Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound detected in magic mushrooms, is often used for its ability to induce feelings of joy and hallucinations.
Alongside its mind-altering effects, research has examined psilocybin’s potential therapeutic benefits in treating chronic pain.
This discussion presents a case study focusing on potential benefits of microdosing mushrooms in managing chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- In comparison to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects when given in minor doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to help alleviate pain, among other conditions.
The Investigation
The research paper, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“, was executed by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego. Their study focused on three patients self-administering small quantities of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain.
Three Patients, Same Result – Chronic Pain Reduction
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37, Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain presenting below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Starting at 4 to 5/ 10, rising to 8/ 10 as the day progresses |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| OUTCOME: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, reduction in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient noted that while his standard medications only managed to lessen the pain, psilocybin effectively nullified it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Second Patient
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Typically between 5 to 7 out of 10, escalates during physical activity and pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Regular consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with breaks of 2 to 3 days over a year. The dosage is increased to 750 mg to 1 gram during periods of heightened pain |
| IMPACT: | Significant reduction in pain by 80% for 3-4 hours, gradually reverting to the initial level after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) persists for 6-8 hours, reverting to the initial level after 18 hours. |
| The patient notes a decrease in appetite without experiencing nausea. Disorientation or instability in walking is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Third Patient
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | 8 out of 10, increasing to 10 out of 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant alleviation of pain without any psychedelic effects. An increased level of flexibility and functionality was observed. Pain gradually returns to initial levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing enhances pain management. |
| The patient doesn’t report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood is generally stable. She maintains her regular SSRI dosage for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Unpacking Pain Management with Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals reinforce specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, culminating in chronic physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain regions associated with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported experiencing pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors could lead to central regulation of pain perception and
This concludes the discussion on synaptic adaptability.
Potential Side Effects: Psilocybin vs Conventional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (As per Research Findings) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEF MEDICATIONS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Diminished appetite | Abdominal discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraine headaches |
| Unsteady locomotion | Dependency risk |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Future Prospects for Psilocybin Research
The research team, having analyzed the experiences of three individuals, has identified several potential areas for further investigation, given their potential benefits.
- Small psilocybin doses might provide immediate and possibly sustained relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or dependency.
- Examine the impact of different treatment strategies when paired with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 reported an increased painkilling effect when physical therapy was combined with psilocybin.
- Even without psychotherapy, small psilocybin doses may alleviate pain, as evidenced in this case study. The scientists propose that the inclusion of therapeutic guidance may enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging findings in the patients, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size might not be representative of all individuals dealing with neuropathic pain.
- Individuals who are resistant to psilocybin were not included in the study.
- Assessments on the influence of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety were not conducted before and after treatment.
- Most data was self-reported by the participants.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential biases related to psilocybin could have influenced participant responses.
- The study did not examine the potential impact of the placebo effect.
- The study did not quantify the psilocybin concentration in each mushroom.
The Practice of Microdosing Mushrooms
In the study under discussion, participants #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin in powdered form, extracted from dried mushrooms. On the other hand, participant #3 combined it with chocolate. There are many products specifically designed for psilocybin microdosing, some of which are listed below.
Dried Mushroom Varieties
While the study did not specify the mushroom strain used, the following strain could serve as a good starting point for novices.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most frequently encountered magic mushroom strains.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Recognized for its user-friendliness, it has potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: The Cambodian cubensis mushroom strain, when used for microdosing, can potentially improve concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsule Options
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This blend includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, which are all scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This appealing mix 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 feature the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting clarity, enhancing creativity, and improving focus.
Psilocybin for Pain Relief
While the study of mushrooms’ pain-relieving properties is still in its infancy, promising anecdotal evidence and small-scale case studies are emerging.
Such instances underline the need for more extensive research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the field of chronic pain management, psilocybin is gaining acceptance. The success stories emerging from various case studies offer a ray of hope for those grappling with persistent pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin primarily activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two key outcomes:
- The creation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics foster links between brain regions that don’t typically communicate. This uncommon connectivity stems from psychedelics’ ability to lessen the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with a range of cognitive tasks, like daydreaming, introspection, and musing about the past and future.
What’s the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most researched benefit relates to mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company dedicated to mental health, disclosed the findings from their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms when compared to a placebo. Participants who got a higher dose of 25 milligrams exhibited a prolonged antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A research published in the Psychiatry Research Journal suggested that psilocybin is more efficacious than traditional antidepressant treatments.
How do you determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If you don’t achieve the wanted effects, you can incrementally increase your dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal dose.
People who have previously used psychotropic substances may need to elevate the dosage to 0.5 grams to attain the expected effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
There are several well-known methods that propose structured microdosing timetables for psychedelics. These methods vary mainly in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most frequently suggested methods recommend 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s inherent tolerance mechanisms. The three methods under discussion in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
