Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, is frequently consumed recreationally for its euphoric and hallucinatory effects.
Aside from its mind-altering properties, research has been conducted into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating chronic pain.
This article discusses a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms in relieving chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms can potentially provide both immediate and long-lasting pain relief.
- When compared to traditional painkillers, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects when taken in small doses.
- Psilocybin communicates with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to alleviate pain, among other conditions.
The Study
The research, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“, was carried out by Dr. Matthew Lyes from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego. The team focused on three patients who were self-administering small doses of psilocybin to cope with their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Reduced Chronic Pain
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain occurring below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| INITIAL PAIN LEVEL: | Starts at 4 to 5/ 10, rises to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| RESULT: | Discontinued prescribed pain medication, decreased muscle spasms, and improved bowel movements. There were no signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient reported that while his regular medications merely subdued the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to | |
Case Study: Second Patient
| AGE/ GENDER: | Female, 69 years old |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically fluctuates between 5 and 7 on a scale of 10, but can escalate with activity and during periods of increased pain |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Regular consumption of 500 mg daily for 7 to 10 days with rest intervals (2 to 3 days) throughout the year. Dosage surges to 750 mg to 1 gram during periods of increased pain |
| EFFECT: | The pain diminishes by 80% for 3-4 hours, gradually returning to the original level after 12 hours. Complete pain alleviation (90%-100%) persists for 6-8 hours, reverting to the original level after 18 hours. |
| The patient undergoes a reduction in appetite without experiencing nausea. When dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg), disorientation or difficulty in walking is observed. | |
Case Study: Third Patient
| AGE/ GENDER: | Female, 40 years old |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 on a scale of 10, reaching a maximum of 10 during physical activities |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom-infused chocolate bar consumed every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant respite from pain without the presence of psychoactive effects. An enhancement in flexibility and functionality is observed. Pain gradually reverts to the initial level over a span of 2-4 weeks. Regular dosing improves pain management. |
| The patient does not experience any noticeable physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood predominantly remains stable. She maintains her regular dosage of her SSRI for managing depression throughout the period of psilocybin treatment. | |
Deciphering Pain Management with Psilocybin
Continuous physical and internal pain signals reinforce specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, leading to the chronic perception of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin trigger 5-HT2A receptors, which can potentially reset the brain areas linked with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported experiencing relief from pain for a prolonged duration of weeks. This suggests that the direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and
The plasticity of synapses.
Potential Side Effects of Psilocybin vs Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Research) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Unsteady gait | Addiction |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Areas for Future Psilocybin Research
The research group, after studying the experiences of three participants, identified certain research areas that merit further investigation due to their potential benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin may provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without leading to physical tolerance or dependence.
- Explore the impacts of different treatment approaches in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported a heightened pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was used in combination with physical therapy.
- Small doses of psilocybin may provide pain relief even without psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging results seen in the participants, it’s essential to note the limitations identified in the study.
- The small number of participants might not accurately reflect all individuals dealing with neuropathic pain.
- The study didn’t include any subjects who didn’t respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to gauge the impact of psilocybin on mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential bias towards psilocybin could have influenced participant responses.
- The study did not examine the effect of the placebo phenomenon.
- The study did not establish the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
In this research, patients #1 and #2 consumed a minuscule amount of psilocybin in powdered form, derived from desiccated mushrooms. In contrast, patient #3 combined it with chocolate. Numerous products are specifically created for psilocybin microdosing, a selection of which we’ve collated below.
Desiccated Mushrooms
Although the research didn’t detail the specific strain used, the following strain is an excellent choice for beginners.
- Golden Teacher: This strain is among the most prevalent and widely recognized magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can augment concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction consists of Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and psilocybin mushrooms, all of which have been scientifically validated to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This compelling blend presents three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules employ the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting clarity, increased creativity, and enhanced focus.
Mitigating Pain with Psilocybin
While studies on the pain-reducing properties of mushrooms are still nascent, anecdotal reports and small-scale case studies are generating optimism.
Such instances underscore the necessity for more in-depth research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the field of chronic pain management.
Before the widespread acceptance of psilocybin as a pain reliever, the promising results from case studies bring hope to those struggling with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin primarily stimulates 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
Moreover, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that don’t typically interact. This unique connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with a range of cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and contemplation of the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing might improve mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, released the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their research indicated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams had a maintained 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 can you determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If the desired effects are not reached, you can slowly increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal amount.
People with a history of using psychotropic substances may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should you do before taking mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the advised frequency for microdosing mushrooms?
There are multiple well-recognized methods that propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These methods primarily differ in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The highly suggested methods recommend including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three methods being discussed in this scenario are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
