Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is commonly used recreationally for inducing feelings of euphoria and hallucinations.
Aside from its mind-altering properties, the potential benefits of this compound for chronic pain management have been the subject of significant research.
This piece presents a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms in managing chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may provide immediate and long-term pain relief.
- Compared to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing often has fewer side effects when taken in small dosages.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can help alleviate pain, amongst 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 the study “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. This research was primarily focused on three patients who used small doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Common Result – Chronic Pain Reduction
Patient #1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37, Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain occurring below a spinal cord injury site. |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Begins at 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, decreased muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient reported that unlike his regular medications, which only managed to dull the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/GENDER: | Female, 69 years old |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically varies from 5 to 7 on a scale of 10, but increases with physical activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with rest intervals (2 to 3 days) over the course of a year. Dosage amplifies to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| EFFECT: | Pain decreases by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly reverting to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, returning to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject displays reduced appetite without feelings of nausea. An imbalance in walking or disorientation is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject #3
| AGE/GENDER: | Female, 40 years old |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 on a scale of 10, increasing to a full 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a chocolate bar containing mushrooms, taken every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant pain relief without experiencing any psychoactive effects. Notable improvement in flexibility and overall functioning. Pain slowly reverts to initial levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated ingestion helps maintain control over pain. |
| The subject does not register any noticeable physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains predominantly steady. She maintains her regular dosage of her SSRI to manage her depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Comprehending Pain Management through Psilocybin
Continuous somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the persistent experience of pain, both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics such as psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting brain areas linked with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported enduring pain relief lasting for weeks. This suggests that after directly stimulating the 5-HT2A receptors, there can be a central regulation of pain perception and synaptic adaptability.
Potential Side Effects: Comparing Psilocybin and Conventional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Research) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Impaired gait | Addiction risk |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Future Research Possibilities for Psilocybin
The research team, after analyzing the experiences of three individuals, identified certain areas of study that need further exploration due to their potential benefits.
- Low doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and potentially lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without inducing physical tolerance or dependency.
- Examine the effects of combining various treatment approaches with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 reported improved pain relief when psilocybin was used in conjunction with physical therapy.
- Small doses of psilocybin may offer pain relief, even in the absence of psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance might enhance or prolong the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging outcomes observed in the patients, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size may not provide a comprehensive representation of all individuals experiencing neuropathic pain.
- The study didn’t include subjects who didn’t respond to psilocybin treatment.
- There were no assessments made before and after treatment to evaluate the influence of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was based on self-reporting by the subjects.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential biases towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study didn’t investigate the role of the placebo effect.
- The study didn’t establish the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.
The Practice of Microdosing Mushrooms
In this particular research, patients #1 and #2 consumed a small quantity of powdered psilocybin derived from dried mushrooms, while patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are many products available specifically for psilocybin microdosing, and a selection of them are listed below.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
While the study does not detail the specific strain utilized, the following strain is recommended for those new to the experience.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most commonly found and recognizable strains of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may boost focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsule Options
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This formulation includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, which are all scientifically recognized for their anxiety and stress relieving properties.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing mix provides three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules contain the Golden Teacher strain, lauded for fostering clarity, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.
Using Psilocybin for Pain Relief
While studies on the analgesic properties of mushrooms are still in the preliminary stages, promising anecdotal accounts and minor case studies are generating optimism.
These instances underscore the need for more extensive research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the field of chronic pain management, the widespread acceptance of psilocybin as a pain relief option is still in the early stages. However, promising case study reports give those who endure chronic pain a glimmer of hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of psilocybin microdosing?
Psilocybin mainly stimulates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two primary outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically don’t interact as much. This distinctive connective pattern is a result of psychedelics’ ability to diminish the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is involved in several cognitive processes, such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and pondering about the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of mushroom microdosing?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, mental health company COMPASS Pathways disclosed the findings of their rigorous phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their data indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher 25-milligram dose showed a sustained antidepressant response at their twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in 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 desired effects are not achieved, you can slowly increase your dose by 0.05 grams on each subsequent microdosing day until you find your ideal dosage.
People with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to get the desired effects.
What should be done before taking mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>How often should one consume microdoses of mushrooms?
Various well-established protocols propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols mainly vary in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly suggested protocols recommend 1-3 days of break between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance processes. The three protocols discussed in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
