Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound prevalent in magic mushrooms, is commonly used for its euphoric effects and its ability to induce hallucinations.
Beyond its mind-altering properties, research has delved into the compound’s potential for providing relief from chronic pain.
This piece offers a case study that explores the potential of microdosing mushrooms in mitigating chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could provide both immediate and enduring pain relief.
- In comparison to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects when used in small dosages.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can help alleviate 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 the study titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. The research focused on three patients who self-administered small amounts of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain.
Three Patients, One Common Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain occurring 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. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were noted. |
| The patient indicated that unlike his regular medications that merely subdued the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, lowering his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/SEX: | 69-year-old Female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically scoring between 5 and 7 out of 10, with spikes during physical activity and pain exacerbations |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | Regular consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days followed by breaks of 2 to 3 days, over a year. Dose increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain exacerbations |
| OUTCOME: | A decrease in pain by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly reverting to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) is maintained for 6-8 hours, returning to baseline after 18 hours. |
| The subject’s appetite decreases without experiencing nausea. Unsteady gait or disorientation is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject #3
| AGE/SEX: | 40-year-old Female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy coupled with neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Regularly 8 out of 10, peaking to 10 during strenuous activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 1000 mg from a psilocybin-infused chocolate bar every two months. |
| OUTCOME: | Significant pain reduction without any psychoactive effects. Improved flexibility and functionality were observed. The pain slowly returns to baseline over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeat doses appear to improve control over pain. |
| The subject reports no significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely consistent. She continues her regular SSRI dosage for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment. | |
Deciphering Pain Management via Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, culminating in a chronic physical and emotional experience of pain. Psychedelics such as psilocybin engage 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting brain areas linked to neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported enduring pain relief lasting weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors may induce a central regulation of pain perception, and
Adaptability of synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Unsteady gait | Addiction |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Future Studies on Psilocybin
The research team identified potential areas for future investigation based on findings from the experiences of three individuals.
- Smaller doses of psilocybin might provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without the risk of developing tolerance or dependence.
- Explore the impact of combining various treatment approaches with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 reported a more effective pain relief when psilocybin was administered with physical therapy.
- Small doses of psilocybin could alleviate pain even without psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. Adding therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging results observed in the patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the study.
- The limited sample size may not accurately represent the broader population of individuals with neuropathic pain.
- No subjects who were non-responsive to psilocybin were included in the study.
- There were no assessments before and after the treatment to measure the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data collected was self-reported by the subjects.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential bias towards psilocybin might have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not measure the amount of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Microdosing Mushrooms: An Overview
In this investigation, patients #1 and #2 consumed a small, powdered dose of psilocybin derived from dried mushrooms, while patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are numerous products available for psilocybin microdosing, and we’ve curated a list of a few notable ones below.
Dried Mushroom Varieties
Although the study did not mention the specific strain used, the following strain is recommended for those new to microdosing.
- Golden Teacher: This is a commonly seen and popular strain of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is user-friendly and can offer cognitive enhancements.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can improve concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Capsules for Microdosing
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This compound includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all scientifically validated to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This unique blend provides three dosage options: 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, renowned for fostering mental clarity, increased creativity, and enhanced focus.
Using Psilocybin to Ease Pain
While research on the pain-relieving potential of mushrooms is still in a nascent stage, preliminary case studies and anecdotal reports offer promising indications.
Such findings emphasize the need for more comprehensive studies to further explore the prospective benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
What potential side effects should be considered?
Users may experience nausea, increased heart rate, dry mouth, and changes in perception. Some may also have anxiety or panic reactions. It is critical to start with a low dosage and increase gradually to mitigate these risks.
Prolonged use can also lead to psychological dependency, although this is rare.
Is it legal to consume psilocybin?
Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, meaning it’s illegal in most countries. However, laws vary by location, so it’s important to research local regulations.
What is the duration of a psilocybin trip?
Typically, a psilocybin trip can last anywhere from three to six hours, depending on the dose. However, individual experiences may vary.
Note that these effects might be less noticeable with microdosing, which involves taking smaller amounts of psilocybin.