Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound contained in magic mushrooms, is often used recreationally for the feelings of euphoria and visual illusions it induces.
Aside from its mind-altering capabilities, there is ongoing research into the compound’s potential for providing relief from chronic pain.
This article delves into a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms for easing chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide both immediate and sustained relief from pain.
- In comparison to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing typically has fewer side effects when given in small doses.
- Psilocybin works in conjunction with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to alleviate pain, among 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, carried out a study named “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. It focused on three patients who self-dosed with small amounts of psilocybin to control their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Patient # 1
| AGE/ SEX: | 37 Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain occurring below a spinal cord injury site. |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Starts at 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 as the day progresses |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| RESULT: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decreased muscle spasms, improved bowel movement regularity. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient shared that unlike his regular medications that merely reduced the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, lowering his average pain score from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69-year-old female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Typically fluctuates between 5 and 7 out of 10, but can worsen with activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily dose of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with 2 to 3-day rest periods over the course of a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| IMPACT: | Pain is reduced by 80% for 3-4 hours, progressively returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Full pain relief (90%-100%) is achieved for 6-8 hours, but reverts to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject reports a reduction in appetite, but no nausea. Disorientation or loss of balance is reported when the dosage is increased to between 750 and 1000 mg. | |
Case Study: Subject #3
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Typically 8 out of 10, but can surge to 10 out of 10 during physical activities |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg sourced from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant relief from pain without any psychoactive effects. Noted enhancement in flexibility and functionality. Pain gradually reverts to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing better manages pain. |
| The subject doesn’t report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely consistent. She continues her regular SSRI dosage for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Comprehending Pain Management with Psilocybin
Constant somatic and visceral pain signals reinforce specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, leading to a chronic perception of pain, both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain regions associated with neuropathic conditions.
A patient’s report of long-lasting pain relief for several weeks suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and
Adaptability of synapses.
Possible Side Effects: A Comparison between Psilocybin and Traditional Pain Killers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAIN KILLERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Dependency |
| Unaltered mood | Drowsiness |
Potential Areas for Future Psilocybin Research
The research team, after analyzing the experiences of three participants, has identified certain research areas that deserve further investigation due to their potential benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin might provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain without leading to physical dependence or addiction.
- Explore the effects of different treatment approaches when combined with psilocybin. For instance, patient #3 experienced an increased pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was administered alongside physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, small doses of psilocybin may help alleviate pain, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Constraints of the Study
Despite the encouraging findings in the participants, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size may not be fully representative of all individuals afflicted with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not involve any participants who didn’t respond to psilocybin treatment.
- There were no assessments conducted before and after treatment to determine the effect of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential bias towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study failed to ascertain the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Microdosing Using Mushrooms
In our study, Patients #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin derived from dried mushrooms in powdered form, whereas patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There’s a wide range of products available for psilocybin microdosing, and we’ve gathered a few examples below.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
Although the study did not provide details about the mushroom strain used, the following strain is recommended for those new to the practice.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent and globally recognized strains of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for being beginner-friendly. It may offer cognitive enhancements.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may boost concentration, social awareness, and mood uplifting.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction comprises Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all known to decrease anxiety and stress scientifically.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This enticing blend provides three dosage possibilities: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin, coupled with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules feature the Golden Teacher strain, reputed for promoting clear thinking, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.
Pain Relief Using Psilocybin
While studies on psilocybin’s pain-relieving capabilities are still in the preliminary stages, anecdotal reports and small case studies offer promising signs.
Such instances underline the necessity for more in-depth 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 called “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two primary outcomes:
- Stimulation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF) production
- Enhancement of “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics promote connections between brain regions that typically interact less. This unique interlinking is a consequence of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the “Default Mode Network” (DMN) activity, which is connected to various cognitive functions such as daydreaming, introspection, and pondering about the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of mushroom microdosing?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most frequently researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health firm, disclosed findings from their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study suggested that a single psilocybin dose led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who got a higher 25-milligram dose showed a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal asserted that psilocybin is more efficacious 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 desired effects are not achieved, you can gradually raise your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal level.
People with previous experience of psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to obtain the desired effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
Before the widespread acceptance of psilocybin for pain relief, hopeful stories from case studies provide some comfort to individuals dealing with chronic pain, particularly in the field of long-term pain management. class=”wp-block-list”>What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
There exist several recognized protocols advising structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols 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 being discussed in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
