Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is often used recreationally for its euphoria-inducing and hallucinogenic effects.
In addition to altering perception, psilocybin has also been studied for its potential benefits in relieving chronic pain.
This article delves into a case study exploring the potential of microdosing mushrooms as a treatment for chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could provide both immediate and sustained relief from pain.
- Compared to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing usually has fewer side effects when used in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, potentially easing pain and 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, conducted a study titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. The study focused on three patients who self-dosed with psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Patient #1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37, Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain occurring below a spinal cord injury site. |
| INITIAL PAIN LEVEL: | 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for under 6 months |
| RESULT: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement regularity. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient indicated that while standard medications only managed to dull his pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/ GENDER: | Female, 69 |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Generally falls between 5 to 7 out of 10, but escalates with physical activity and during pain exacerbations |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Regular consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with intermittent rest periods (2 to 3 days) over a year. Dosage augments to 750 mg to 1 gram during episodes of escalated pain |
| EFFECT: | 80% pain reduction for 3-4 hours, progressively reverting to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) persists for 6-8 hours, then gradually reverts to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The patient notes a diminished appetite without the presence of nausea. Instability or confusion in walking is observed when the dosage is augmented (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ GENDER: | Female, 40 |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic discomfort |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 out of 10, escalating to 10 out of 10 during physical exertion |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant alleviation of pain without any psychoactive effects. Recognized enhancement in flexibility and functionality. Pain gradually reverts to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing enhances pain management. |
| The patient does not report any visible physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains mostly stable. She maintains her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment duration. | |
Deciphering Pain Management with Psilocybin
Continuous somatic 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 like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain regions associated with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported enduring pain relief for weeks. This suggests that after directly stimulating the 5-HT2A receptors, there can be a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability.
Potential Side Effects: Comparing Psilocybin and Traditional Painkillers
| PSILOCYBIN (Informed by Research) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Diminished appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Unsteady gait | Dependency |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Possible Future Research Directions for Psilocybin
After analyzing the experiences of three individuals, the research team has identified several promising areas that could benefit from further investigation.
- Small doses of psilocybin could potentially provide immediate and possibly long-term relief from neuropathic pain, without inducing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Examine the outcomes of various treatment approaches combined with psilocybin. As an example, patient #3 reported enhanced pain relief when psilocybin was administered alongside physical therapy.
- Even in the absence of psychotherapy, small psilocybin doses might offer pain relief, as this case study indicated. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance might enhance or extend the treatment effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging findings in the patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the study’s recognized limitations.
- The small sample size may not be representative of all individuals living with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include any subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to determine the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential bias towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the effects of a placebo.
- The study did not measure the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.
The Practice of Microdosing Mushrooms
This study showcases patients #1 and #2 consuming a small dose of powdered psilocybin sourced from dried mushrooms, while patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There is an array of products designed for psilocybin microdosing, a few of which we have listed below.
Dried Mushrooms
Although the strain used in the study wasn’t specified, the following strain is recommended for those trying it for the first time.
- Golden Teacher: This is a widely known and frequently encountered strain of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendly nature and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can boost concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction combines Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all reputed to help alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing blend gives you three dosage options: 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, revered for promoting clear thinking, increased creativity, and enhanced focus.
Psilocybin for Pain Relief
While the research into mushrooms’ pain-relieving qualities is still in the preliminary phase, encouraging signs are emerging from anecdotal reports and compact-scale case studies.
These instances underscore the importance of more extensive research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Psilocybin has shown promise, particularly for the management of chronic pain.
Despite the fact that psilocybin’s pain-relieving properties have yet to gain widespread acceptance, the promising testimonies from case studies offer a beacon of hope for those living with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What effects does microdosing psilocybin produce?
Psilocybin predominantly activates a specific serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two key outcomes:
- It stimulates the production of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- It boosts “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics facilitate interactions between brain regions that usually don’t communicate. This unique interconnectivity results from the ability of psychedelics to suppress the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions such as daydreaming, introspection, and reflections on the past and future.
What is the most notable benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing might enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its influence on mental health.
In November 2022, the mental health company COMPASS Pathways shared the findings of their comprehensive phase 2b trial. This randomized, double-blind study suggested that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams displayed a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal indicated that psilocybin outperforms 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 effects are not as expected, increase the dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your sweet spot.
People with prior experience of using psychotropic substances might need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What preparations should be made before taking mushrooms?
How frequently should one consume microdoses of mushrooms?
Several well-accepted protocols exist that provide structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The primary difference between these protocols is the number of “off” days they include, which are the days when you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly suggested protocols advocate for 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.
