Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms, is frequently used for recreational purposes to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations.
Beyond the capacity to alter perception, research has been conducted on the potential of this compound to provide relief for chronic pain.
The focus of this article is a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms as a method to alleviate chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Pain relief, both immediate and sustained, may potentially be achieved through microdosing mushrooms.
- When compared to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing usually shows fewer side effects if administered in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which may contribute to pain alleviation among other benefits.
The Study
The research, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“, was led by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team at the Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego. The study was centered around three patients who used small doses of psilocybin to manage their persistent pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Reduction
Patient # 1
| AGE/ SEX: | 37, Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain occurring below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| LEVEL OF PAIN: | Initially ranged from 4 to 5/10, later increasing to 8/10 |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| OUTCOME: | Discontinued use of prescribed pain medication, decreased muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed. |
| The patient reported that, unlike his regular medications that only managed to dull the pain, psilocybin was effective in entirely suppressing it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Second Patient
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Typically rated between 5 and 7 out of 10, but increases during activity and pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 500 mg daily for 7 to 10 days followed by a rest period of 2 to 3 days, repeated over one year. Dosage increases to 750 mg up to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| IMPACT: | Pain reduced by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, returning to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The patient observes a decrease in appetite without experiencing nausea. Instability in walking or disorientation is noticed when the dosage is elevated (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Third Patient
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | 8 out of 10, increasing to a full 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg in the form of a mushroom chocolate bar, every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Improvement in flexibility and functionality noted. Pain slowly returns to initial levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing enhances control over pain. |
| The patient does not report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains mostly stable. She maintains her regular SSRI dosage for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Exploring Pain Management with Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the chronic experience of physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting brain areas linked with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported enduring pain relief lasting for several weeks. This suggests that after directly stimulating the 5-HT2A receptors, a central regulation of pain perception can take place leading to sustained relief.
synaptic adaptability.Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Traditional Pain Killers
| PSILOCYBIN (According to Research) | TRADITIONAL PAIN KILLERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Diminished appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Bewilderment | Headaches |
| Unsteady gait | Addiction |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Areas for Future Psilocybin Research
The research team, following the analysis of three individuals’ experiences, identified potential areas for further investigation due to their promising benefits.
- Small psilocybin doses might provide immediate and possibly long-lasting neuropathic pain relief, without inducing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Explore the outcomes of different treatment approaches when combined with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported an amplified pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was used together with physical therapy.
- Even in the absence of psychotherapy, small psilocybin doses may alleviate pain, as this case study demonstrates. The researchers propose that the incorporation of therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging results seen in the patients, it’s important to recognize the study’s limitations.
- The small number of participants may not accurately represent all individuals with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include any subjects unresponsive to psilocybin.
- The study did not conduct evaluations before and after treatment to assess the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential bias towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not consider the effect of placebo.
- The study did not measure the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Utilizing Mushrooms for Microdosing
In the referenced study, the first two subjects consumed a microdose of psilocybin, derived from dried mushrooms in powdered form, whereas the third subject combined it with chocolate. There’s a wide range of products available for psilocybin microdosing, some of which are listed below.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
While the study didn’t disclose the specific strain used, the following one is often recommended for beginners.
- Golden Teacher: This strain is one of the most frequently encountered types of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can potentially boost focus, social awareness, and mood.
Capsules for Microdosing
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all known for their anxiety and stress-reducing effects.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This captivating blend offers three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules contain the Golden Teacher strain, acclaimed for promoting mental clarity, enhanced creativity, and increased focus.
Relieving Pain with Psilocybin
While the pain-relieving attributes of mushrooms are still being studied, anecdotal reports and minor case studies are encouraging.
These instances underscore the necessity for more comprehensive research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of psilocybin microdosing?
Psilocybin mainly activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two significant results:
- Stimulation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF) creation
- Enhancement of “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics promote links between brain regions that typically don’t interact much. This special connectivity is a side effect of psychedelics’ ability to lower the “Default Mode Network” (DMN) activity, which involves several cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and dwelling on the past and future.
What is the primary benefit of mushroom microdosing?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. The most recognized benefit is its influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company specializing in mental health, disclosed the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single psilocybin dose led to a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a 25-milligram higher dose showed a prolonged antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study in the Psychiatry Research Journal suggested that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments.
How should you determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If you do not achieve the expected effects, you can incrementally raise your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal dose.
People with a history of psychotropic drug use may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to get the desired effects.
What preparation is needed before taking mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the suggested frequency for microdosing mushrooms?
There are several well-recognized protocols that propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols primarily differ in the number of “off” days they recommend, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most prevalent protocols recommend 1-3 rest days between microdoses to align with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under discussion in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
