Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, is commonly used recreationally to induce a state of euphoria and hallucinations.
Research has also investigated the compound’s potential benefits for alleviating chronic pain, beyond its mind-altering capabilities.
This article delves into a case study that explores the potential of microdosing mushrooms for chronic pain relief.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- When compared to standard pain medications, microdosing psilocybin typically has fewer side effects when given in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can help alleviate pain, among other conditions.
Review of the Study
The study, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“, led by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego, focused on three patients who self-administered small doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One 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 ranged from 4 to 5/ 10, intensifying to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 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 that merely subdued the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study Examination: Patient #2
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69 years old female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Experiencing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Pain intensity usually fluctuates between 5 and 7 on a scale of 10, worsens with activity, and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 500 mg daily for a period of 7 to 10 days with 2 to 3 days of rest periods over a year. During pain flare-ups, dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram |
| IMPACT: | Pain reduced by 80% for a duration of 3-4 hours, gradually returns to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts for 6-8 hours, returning to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| Patient experiences reduced appetite without any nausea. Disorientation or instability in walking is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study Examination: Patient # 3
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40 years old female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Afflicted with Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Pain level is 8 on a scale of 10, increasing to 10 during physical exertion |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Notable increase in flexibility and functionality. Pain gradually returns to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing improves pain management. |
| The patient does not report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. She maintains a largely stable mood. She continues her regular SSRI dosage for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Comprehending Pain Management with Psilocybin
Chronic pain, whether somatic or visceral, reinforces certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, leading to both physical and emotional pain experience. Psychedelics like psilocybin target the 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain areas linked to neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported enduring pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that the direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to 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 | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Unsteady gait | Dependency |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Future Investigations into Psilocybin
The research team has identified certain potential benefits that merit further study, based on the experiences of three individuals.
- Small doses of psilocybin could provide instant and possibly enduring relief from neuropathic pain, without resulting in physical tolerance or dependency.
- Explore the outcomes of various treatment strategies in combination with psilocybin. For instance, patient #3 reported an enhanced pain relieving effect when physical therapy was used alongside psilocybin.
- Small doses of psilocybin may provide pain relief even without psychotherapy, as indicated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic effects.
Constraints of the Study
Despite the encouraging outcomes observed in the patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The small sample size may not effectively represent the entire population suffering from neuropathic pain.
- The study lacked participants who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after the treatment to evaluate the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential bias related to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not measure the amount of psilocybin in each mushroom.
The Art of Microdosing Mushrooms
In the study discussed here, Patients #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin in powdered form obtained from dried mushrooms. However, Patient #3 opted to blend it with chocolate. There are numerous products tailored for psilocybin microdosing, and we’ve assembled a few examples below.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
Although the exact strain used in the study wasn’t mentioned, the strain suggested below is a suitable starting point for novices.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent and commonly found magic mushroom strains.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can improve focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsule Options
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction comprises Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which have scientifically been shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This appealing blend offers three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin along with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules incorporate the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting mental clarity, boosted creativity, and increased focus.
The Potential of Psilocybin for Pain Relief
Although the research on mushrooms’ pain-alleviating properties is still in preliminary stages, reports from personal experiences and small-scale case studies are offering promising insights.
Such instances underscore the necessity for more in-depth research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Microdosing mushrooms are increasingly being recognized for their potential benefits in managing chronic pain. The promising anecdotes from case studies inspire optimism in those grappling with persistent pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What effects does psilocybin microdosing produce?
Primarily, psilocybin stimulates a type of serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, culminating in two key effects:
- It causes the production of the “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF).
- It boosts the transmission of “Glutamate”.
Besides, psychedelics foster connections among brain regions that don’t typically interact. This unique connectivity is an aftermath of the ability of psychedelics to dampen the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with several cognitive functions such as daydreaming, introspection, and contemplation of the past and future.
What is the most noted benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may help enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most widely recognized benefit, however, pertains to mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, disclosed the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, which was a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation found that a single dose of psilocybin led to significant reductions in symptoms of depression compared to a placebo. At the twelve-week follow-up, participants who received a higher 25-milligram dose demonstrated a sustained antidepressant response.
According to a study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal, 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 desired effects are not achieved, you can progressively increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until reaching your ideal level.
People with a history of psychotropic drug use may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to attain the desired effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
Several well-founded protocols recommend structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The main difference between these protocols is the number of “off” days included, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most popular protocols advise incorporating 1-3 days of rest between microdoses, aligning with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
