Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is commonly used for recreational purposes due to its ability to induce euphoria and hallucinations.
Research has been conducted on its potential for providing relief from chronic pain, in addition to its mind-altering properties.
This piece delves into a case study investigating the role of microdosing mushrooms in managing chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide immediate and sustained pain relief.
- Psilocybin microdosing is generally free of side effects when used in small quantities, compared to traditional pain medications.
- Psilocybin interfaces with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, alleviating pain and other conditions.
The Study
Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine at the University of California, San Diego conducted a study titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. Their research focused on three patients who self-administered small doses of psilocybin to manage their symptoms of chronic pain.
Three Cases, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Case # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain presenting below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Initially 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 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. |
| The patient noted that, unlike his regular medications which only numbed the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, lowering his average pain intensity 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 fluctuates between a 5 and 7 on a scale of 10, but can increase with physical activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Consistent consumption of 500 mg daily for a week to ten days, followed by a break of 2-3 days, over the course of a year. The dosage can increase to 750 mg or 1 gram during periods of acute pain. |
| IMPACT: | Decrease in pain by 80% lasting 3-4 hours, with pain returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, with pain returning to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject has reported reduced appetite without experiencing nausea. She also reports disorientation and unsteady gait when dosage increases (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Consistently at 8 on a scale of 10, but can peak at 10 during strenuous activities |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom-infused chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant reduction in pain without any psychoactive effects. Increased flexibility and functionality noted. Pain gradually returns to initial levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Successive doses improve pain management. |
| The subject did not report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Mood remained largely stable. The patient continuously took her regular SSRI dosage for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment. | |
Exploring Pain Management with Psilocybin
Chronic pain, both physical and emotional, can be reinforced by ongoing somatic and visceral pain signals due to peripheral and central sensitization. Psychedelics like psilocybin can potentially reset brain areas associated with neuropathic conditions through the activation of 5-HT2A receptors.
One patient reported experiencing pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that a direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability of synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Vs. Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Discomfort in the abdomen |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Impaired gait | Potential for addiction |
| No changes in mood | Drowsiness |
Potential Future Investigations into Psilocybin
The researchers, having analyzed the experiences of three participants, have highlighted certain potential benefits that require further investigation.
- Small doses of psilocybin could provide immediate, possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without leading to physical tolerance or dependency.
- Explore the outcomes of different treatment approaches when combined with psilocybin. For instance, the third participant reported enhanced pain relief when psilocybin was taken in conjunction with physical therapy.
- Small doses of psilocybin may provide pain relief even without psychotherapy, as indicated by this case study. The investigators suggest that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic effects.
Constraints of the Research
Despite the optimistic outcomes observed in the participants, it’s essential to acknowledge the acknowledged constraints of the research.
- The small number of participants may not fully represent all individuals dealing with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include any participants who showed no response to psilocybin.
- No assessments were carried out before and after the treatment to gauge the effect of psilocybin on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was based on self-reporting by the participants.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential bias towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not examine the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not measure the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Microdosing Psilocybin from Mushrooms
During this research, patients #1 and #2 consumed a small dose of psilocybin, which was derived from dried mushrooms and ground into a fine powder. Patient #3, however, chose to combine it with chocolate. There are a multitude of products available for psilocybin microdosing and we have gathered a shortlist of such products below for your perusal.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
The specific strain of mushroom used in the study was not disclosed, but the following strain can serve as an excellent starting point for novices.
- Golden Teacher: This strain of magic mushrooms is widely recognized and commonly found.
- Amazonian Cubensis: It’s known for its user-friendly nature and can provide cognitive enhancements.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may 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 demonstrated to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This alluring blend provides three dosage alternatives: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin along with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules include the Golden Teacher strain, reputed for promoting clear thinking, amplified creativity, and increased concentration.
Pain Relief with Psilocybin
While the investigation into the analgesic properties of mushrooms is still in the preliminary stages, anecdotal accounts and small-scale case studies are yielding promising results.
Such instances underscore the need for more extensive study into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin primarily influences a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two key effects:
- Production of the “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Boosted “Glutamate” transmission
Besides, psychedelics foster links between brain regions that usually don’t interact. This unique connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to diminish the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is linked to various cognitive functions like daydreaming, introspection, and pondering over the past and future.
What is the most notable benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most extensively researched benefit lies in its influence 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 suggested that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced 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.
The Psychiatry Research Journal published a study suggesting that psilocybin outperforms traditional antidepressant treatments.
How should you determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on day one. If you don’t experience the desired effects, you can slowly increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your preferred level.
Individuals with a history of psychotropic drug use may need to up the dosage to 0.5 grams to reach the desired effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the suggested frequency for microdosing mushrooms?
Several well-accepted protocols recommend structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols primarily differ in the number of “off” days they incorporate, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most frequently suggested protocols propose including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
