Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is known to induce experiences of euphoria and hallucinations when used recreationally.
In addition to its mind-altering effects, research has been conducted into the compound’s possible benefits for relieving chronic pain.
This article showcases a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms to alleviate chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may potentially provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- In contrast to traditional pain medications, microdosing psilocybin generally lacks side effects when taken in small quantities.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can help manage 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 named “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. Their research was centered around three patients who self-administered small doses of psilocybin to manage symptoms of chronic pain.
Three Different Patients, One Common Result – Reduction of Chronic Pain
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain occurring below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Initially 4 to 5 out of 10, increasing to 8 out of 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 efficiency. There was no sign 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/ SEX: | 69-year-old Female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Usually fluctuates from 5 to 7 out of 10, but can increase with physical activities and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with breaks (2 to 3 days) throughout a year. Dosage ascends to 750 mg to 1 gram during periods of intense pain |
| OUTCOME: | Pain decreases by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly reverting to initial levels after 12 hours. Full pain alleviation (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, returning to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject encounters a reduction in appetite without feelings of nausea. Instances of disorientation or unsteady walking are observed when the dosage is amplified (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ SEX: | 40-year-old Female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 out of 10, but can rise to 10 out of 10 during physical activities |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| OUTCOME: | Significant easing of pain without any psychoactive effects. Observed improvement in flexibility and functionality. Pain gradually reverts to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Regular dosing enhances control over pain. |
| The subject does not experience any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains mostly consistent. She continues her usual dosage of her SSRI for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
A Closer Look at Pain Management with Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, leading to the chronic perception of physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially reprogramming the brain areas associated with neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported sustained pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and
Potential for synaptic adaptability.
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 Areas for Future Psilocybin Research
The research team has identified promising areas for further study based on the experiences of three individuals.
- Small psilocybin doses might provide immediate and perhaps lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical addiction or tolerance.
- Examine the outcomes of different treatment approaches combined with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 noticed an improved pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was administrated alongside physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, small psilocybin doses may alleviate pain, as demonstrated in this case study. Combining therapeutic guidance might enhance or extend the treatment’s effects.
Study Limitations
While the results from the patients are encouraging, it’s important to acknowledge the study’s recognized limitations.
- The limited sample size may not accurately reflect the experiences of all neuropathic pain sufferers.
- No subjects were included who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to evaluate psilocybin’s effect on psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
- Subjects self-reported the majority of the information.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential biases related to psilocybin may have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the possible influence of the placebo effect.
- The study didn’t measure the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Practicing Microdosing with Mushrooms
In this investigation, both patient #1 and #2 consumed a small dose of psilocybin derived from dried mushrooms in powder form, whereas patient #3 combined it with chocolate. We have gathered a selection of products specifically designed for psilocybin microdosing, featured below.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
Although the study did not disclose the specific strain employed, the one listed below is a recommended starting point for novices.
- Golden Teacher: A popular and frequently encountered strain of hallucinogenic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for its user-friendly nature. It may yield cognitive enhancements.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may boost focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This composition includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, ingredients known to help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing blend provides three dosage alternatives: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules incorporate the Golden Teacher strain, reputed to enhance clear thinking, creative amplification, and focused attention.
Pain Relief through Psilocybin
Although the study of mushrooms’ analgesic properties is still nascent, stories from users and small-scale studies offer encouraging signs.
Such instances underscore the importance of more rigorous research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the field of chronic pain management, psilocybin offers promising alternatives.
Before psilocybin became widely accepted for pain relief, the hopeful narratives from case studies provided much-needed optimism for those living with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of psilocybin microdosing?
Psilocybin primarily activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two main outcomes:
- Stimulation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF) production
- Ramped-up “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that usually don’t interact much. This unique connectivity stems from psychedelics’ ability to dampen the “Default Mode Network” (DMN) activity, which is associated with various cognitive functions such as daydreaming, introspection, and pondering about the past and future.
What’s the most notable benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most recognized benefit, however, lies in its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, unveiled the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their research indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who were administered a higher dose of 25 milligrams exhibited a long-lasting 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 obtained, you can gradually increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal level.
People with prior experience using psychotropic drugs may need to boost the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should you do before taking mushrooms?
- Set aside some time to understand the reasons for microdosing on a specific day.
- Take a moment to self-reflect and connect with your current emotional or mental state. Identify those feelings or mindsets that you believe will be beneficial for you that day.
- Once your goals are clear, take note of them. Casting your ambitions as affirmations can greatly strengthen your continuous growth.
- Direct your intention towards the experience you want to achieve, rather than what you want to evade.
- Take it on an empty stomach, ideally an hour before your first meal of the day.
What’s the suggested frequency for microdosing mushrooms?
There are several widely recognized protocols that offer structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols mainly differ in the number of “off” days they entail, which are the days when you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly suggested protocols advise incorporating 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This is in line with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
