Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is often used recreationally to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations.
Aside from its mind-altering effects, recent research has explored the potential of psilocybin as a solution for chronic pain relief.
This article delves into a case study that examines the potential of microdosing mushrooms to alleviate chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may provide both immediate and long-lasting relief from pain.
- Psilocybin microdosing typically has fewer side effects than traditional pain medications when administered in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, potentially easing pain and other conditions.
The Study
The study, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“, was 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. The study focused on three patients who self-administered small doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain.
A Shared Result among Three Patients – 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 DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| OUTCOME: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, fewer muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. There were no signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient noted that while his typical medications merely subdued the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, lowering his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study Analysis: Subject #2
| AGE/ SEX: | Female, 69 years old |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically varies from 5 to 7 on a scale of 10, but can increase with movement and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | Regular consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with rest periods (2 to 3 days) over a year. Dose elevates to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| EFFECT: | 80% decrease in pain for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to original levels after 12 hours. Complete pain alleviation (90%-100%) persists for 6-8 hours, reverting to original levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject observes a reduced appetite without feelings of nausea. When the dose is increased (750 to 1000mg), disorientation or instability in walking is observed. | |
Case Study Analysis: Subject # 3
| AGE/ SEX: | Female, 40 years old |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 on a scale of 10, peaking to 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Improved flexibility and functionality noted. Pain slowly returns to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing enhances pain management. |
| The subject reports no noticeable physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains mostly stable. She continues her regular dose of her SSRI for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Comprehending Pain Management Through Psilocybin
Continuous signals of somatic and visceral pain strengthen specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, leading to the enduring experience of pain, both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics such as psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain areas linked with neuropathic conditions.
A patient experienced prolonged pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that by directly targeting the 5-HT2A receptors, central regulation of pain perception and synaptic adaptability.
Potential Side Effects: Psilocybin vs Conventional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Research) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Dependence |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Future Studies on Psilocybin
The research team, following the analyses of three case studies, has identified potential areas for further research that could provide therapeutic benefits.
- Subtle doses of psilocybin may provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or dependency.
- Examine the impact of varying treatment approaches when applied in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 observed an enhanced pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was coupled with physical therapy.
- Even in the absence of psychotherapy, small quantities of psilocybin might offer pain relief, as indicated by this case study. Incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially intensify or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging results observed in the patients, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in this study.
- The limited sample size may not fully represent the entire demographic of individuals with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not involve any subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
- There were no assessments conducted before and after treatment to evaluate the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was based on self-reporting by the subjects.
- The interviewer’s presence and any potential bias towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the possible influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not establish the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Practicing Microdosing with Psilocybin Mushrooms
In our study, patients #1 and #2 consumed a small dose of psilocybin, obtained from powdered dried mushrooms. Patient #3, however, combined it with chocolate. For those interested in psilocybin microdosing, we have collected a list of several suitable products.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
Even though the study didn’t reveal the specific strain used, the one listed below is a suitable choice for those new to this practice.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent and well-known strains of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is well-regarded for its user-friendly nature and potential cognition-enhancing effects.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may improve focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This combination includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all known to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This compelling blend offers three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin, coupled with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules include the Golden Teacher strain, which is known to stimulate clarity, enhanced creativity, and improved concentration.
Utilizing Psilocybin for Pain Relief
Although research on the analgesic properties of mushrooms is still in the preliminary stages, promising findings from anecdotal reports and small-scale studies are emerging.
These instances underscore the necessity for additional exploration into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Particularly in the realm of chronic pain management.
Before psilocybin’s widespread acceptance for pain relief, inspiring stories from a case study have sparked hope among those struggling with 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 key outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics foster links between brain regions that don’t usually communicate. This special connectivity is an outcome of psychedelics’ ability to lessen the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is linked to various cognitive functions like daydreaming, introspection, and dwelling on 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 is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, disclosed the findings of their in-depth phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant decreases in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study announced in the Psychiatry Research Journal indicated 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 slowly increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal level.
Those with a history of psychotropic drug use may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the expected effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
Several well-known protocols propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These strategies primarily vary in the number of “off” days they incorporate, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly suggested protocols advocate for 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s innate tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under discussion here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
