Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is known for inducing euphoria and hallucinations when used recreationally.
In addition to its mind-altering effects, psilocybin’s potential for relieving chronic pain has been investigated.
This article examines a case study on how microdosing mushrooms could potentially alleviate chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may provide both immediate and sustained relief from pain.
- Psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects than traditional pain medications when used in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, helping alleviate pain and other conditions.
The Investigation
Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego, conducted a study titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. The research focused on three patients who self-administered small doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Case Studies, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Case Study # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain occurring below a spinal cord injury site. |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Initially 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| OUTCOME: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed. |
| The patient reported that psilocybin effectively eliminated the pain, rather than just dulling it as his regular medications did, reducing his average pain level from 5 to | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/ SEX: | Female, 69 |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically varies from 5 to 7 on a scale of 10, however, it increases with activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Regular consumption of 500 mg for a period of 7 to 10 days with rest periods (2 to 3 days) over a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| EFFECT: | 80% decrease in pain lasting for 3-4 hours, gradually returning to original levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, reverting to original levels after 18 hours. |
| The patient undergoes a reduction in appetite without experiencing nausea. When the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg), disorientation or instability in walking is observed. | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ SEX: | Female, 40 |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Ranges from 8 to 10 on a scale of 10, reaching the peak during physical exertion |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom-infused chocolate bar every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant relief from pain without any psychoactive consequences. Increased flexibility and functionality observed. Pain slowly reverts to original levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing results in better control over pain. |
| The patient does not report any noticeable physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely stable. She continues her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Deciphering Pain Management with Psilocybin
Continuous signals of somatic and visceral pain reinforce specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, causing a chronic perception of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics such as psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain regions associated with neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported experiencing pain relief lasting for several weeks. This suggests that by stimulating the 5-HT2A receptors directly, there could be a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability of synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin vs. Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Research-Based) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Gastrointestinal discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Addiction |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Prospective Research on Psilocybin
The research team identified potential research areas based on the experiences of three individuals that could offer beneficial insights.
- Small psilocybin doses could provide immediate and possibly lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without triggering physical tolerance or dependence.
- Examine the impact of various treatment approaches in conjunction with psilocybin. For instance, patient #3 reported an enhanced pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was used with physical therapy.
- Small psilocybin doses may yield pain relief even without psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. Researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging outcomes in the patients, the study’s identified limitations must be taken into account.
- The small sample size may not provide a comprehensive representation of all neuropathic pain sufferers.
- The study did not involve any participants who did not respond to psilocybin.
- Pre- and post-treatment evaluations to assess psilocybin’s impact on psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety were not conducted.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The presence of the interviewer and possible bias towards psilocybin could have influenced participant responses.
- The study did not consider the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not measure the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
The Practice of Microdosing Mushrooms
In the study under consideration, patient #1 and #2 consumed a tiny dose of psilocybin in powder form, which comes from dried mushrooms. On the other hand, patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There is an array of products available for psilocybin microdosing, and we have assembled a selection of them below.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
Although the specific strain used in the study was not identified, the following strain is an excellent choice for those new to the practice.
- Golden Teacher: This is a strain of magic mushrooms that is both common and widespread.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for its user-friendly nature and potential cognitive enhancements.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can boost concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction contains 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 captivating blend offers three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin mixed with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules feature the Golden Teacher strain, known for promoting clear thinking, increased creativity, and enhanced focus.
Psilocybin for Pain Relief
While the understanding of mushrooms’ analgesic properties is still developing, anecdotal accounts and small-scale case studies are offering promising results.
Such instances underscore the necessity for additional research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
The use of psilocybin is becoming increasingly popular for chronic pain relief.
Even before psilocybin gained widespread acceptance for pain relief, promising case study outcomes provided hope to those living with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of psilocybin microdosing?
Psilocybin primarily activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two main outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics promote connections between brain regions that don’t often interact. This unique connectivity stems from psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is linked to various cognitive functions such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and contemplating the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of mushroom microdosing?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, the mental health company, COMPASS Pathways, disclosed the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher 25 milligram dose showed a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal suggested 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 the first day. If the expected effects are not met, you can slowly increase your dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal level.
Those with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage up to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should you do before ingesting mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the advised frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
Several well-grounded protocols suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The main variation in these protocols is the number of “off” days included, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most advised protocols recommend including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols examined in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
