Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is known for inducing euphoria and hallucinations when used recreationally.
In addition to its mind-altering properties, research has examined the potential benefits of psilocybin for alleviating chronic pain.
This piece discusses a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms for chronic pain relief.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide immediate and sustained pain relief.
- When compared to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing generally presents fewer side effects if administered in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can help alleviate pain among other conditions.
The Study
The study, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series,” was led by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team at the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego. The study 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 INTENSITY: | Initially rated at 4 to 5 out of 10, peaking at 8 out of 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| RESULT: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decreased muscle spasms, and improved bowel function. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed. |
| The patient noticed that while his prescribed medications only managed to dull the pain, psilocybin significantly reduced it, lowering his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Analysis: Subject #2
| AGE/SEX: | 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 increase during periods of activity or pain spikes |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | Daily consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with rest intervals (2 to 3 days) over the course of a year. The dose rises to 750 mg to 1 gram during episodes of intense pain |
| EFFECT: | 80% decrease in pain lasting for 3-4 hours, gradually reverting to the original levels after 12 hours. Complete relief from pain (90%-100%) persists for 6-8 hours, reverting to the original levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject shows a reduced appetite without experiencing nausea. Disorientation or walking instability is observed when the dose is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Analysis: Subject # 3
| AGE/SEX: | Female, 40 years old |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic discomfort |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 on a scale of 10, increasing to 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant alleviation of pain without any mind-altering effects. An improvement in flexibility and functionality was noted. Pain gradually reverts to original levels over a 2-4 week period. Repeated administration enhances control over pain. |
| The subject does not experience any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood largely remains constant. She continues her usual SSRI dosage for managing depression throughout her psilocybin treatment period. | |
Grasping Pain Management via Psilocybin
Unending somatic and visceral pain signals solidify certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, which results in the persistent experience of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics such as psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially reprogramming the brain areas associated with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported sustained pain relief for weeks. This suggests that after directly stimulating the 5-HT2A receptors, there might be a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability of synapses.
Potential Adverse Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Standard Painkillers
| PSILOCYBIN (Derived from Research) | STANDARD PAINKILLERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Addiction potential |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Possible Future Investigations into Psilocybin
After scrutinizing the experiences of three subjects, the research team has highlighted certain research directions that deserve additional consideration due to their potential benefits.
- Low doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly enduring relief from neuropathic pain, without resulting in physical dependency or tolerance.
- Exploring the impact of different treatment protocols in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 observed an increased pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was paired with physical therapy.
- Even in the absence of psychotherapy, small psilocybin doses may mitigate pain, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance might enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging results seen in the patients, it’s important to take into account the limitations acknowledged in the study.
- The limited sample size might not be representative of all individuals afflicted with neuropathic pain.
- There were no subjects included in the study who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to measure the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential biases related to psilocybin may have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not examine the possibility of a placebo effect.
- The study did not establish the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Experimenting with Microdosing Mushrooms
In this experiment, Patients #1 and #2 consumed a small quantity of powdered psilocybin, derived from dried mushrooms, while patient #3 blended it with chocolate. There are several products tailored for psilocybin microdosing, a few of which we have listed below.
Dried Mushrooms
While the study was not specific about the strain used, the following strain is recommended for beginners.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent and frequently encountered strains of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for its user-friendliness, it may also offer cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may improve focus, social sensitivity, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This formulation comprises Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all scientifically recognized for their ability to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This fascinating blend provides three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules house the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting clarity, boosted creativity, and improved focus.
Using Psilocybin to Manage Pain
While studies on the pain-alleviating properties of mushrooms are in their infancy, anecdotal reports and small-scale case studies are showing promise.
These instances underscore the importance of more comprehensive research into the possible advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Before psilocybin became widely accepted as a tool for pain relief, inspiring stories from the case study brought hope to those battling chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin mainly activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two primary outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics promote connections between brain regions that typically don’t interact as much. This distinct connectivity is an outcome of psychedelics’ ability to lessen the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is involved in various cognitive functions, including daydreaming, introspection, and contemplating the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most extensively researched benefit relates to its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, disclosed the findings of their thorough phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who were given a higher dosage of 25 milligrams showed a continued 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 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 reached, you can incrementally increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your optimal level.
Those with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should you do before taking mushrooms?
What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
There exist several well-regarded protocols recommending structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols primarily differ in terms of the number of “off” days involved, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most favored protocols suggest 1-3 rest days between microdoses, aligning with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under discussion here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
