Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound commonly found in magic mushrooms, is often used recreationally for its euphoric effects and hallucinogenic properties.
In addition to its mind-altering capabilities, research has also explored the potential of this compound for relieving chronic pain.
This article discusses a case study that explores the possibility of microdosing mushrooms as a method to alleviate chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may offer both immediate and sustained relief from pain.
- Psilocybin microdosing often exhibits fewer side effects compared to traditional pain medications, particularly when administered in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which may contribute to pain relief, among other effects.
The Study
The research, titled “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 used small doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Reduction
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Pain caused by nerve damage under the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Began at 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| RESULT: | Stopped using prescribed pain medication, experienced a decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient reported that while his usual medications only managed to alleviate the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/GENDER: | 69-year-old Female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically fluctuates between 5 and 7 out of 10, but can intensify during physical activity or pain spikes |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | A daily dose of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days followed by rest periods (2 to 3 days) over a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain spikes |
| EFFECT: | 80% pain reduction for 3-4 hours, gradually returning to baseline after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, returning to baseline after 18 hours. |
| The subject notes a decrease in appetite without nausea. A loss of balance or disorientation is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/GENDER: | 40-year-old Female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 out of 10, escalating to 10 out of 10 during physical exertion |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Noted increase in flexibility and functionality. Pain gradually returns to baseline over 2-4 weeks. Recurrent dosing improves pain management. |
| The subject does not report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely stable. She continues her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Understanding Pain Management with Psilocybin
Chronic somatic and visceral pain signals reinforce certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, leading to the persistent perception of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain regions associated with neuropathic conditions.
A subject reported experiencing pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to central regulation of pain perception and adaptability of synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Impaired coordination | Addiction |
| No change in mood | Drowsiness |
Potential Future Investigations into Psilocybin
The research team, after studying the experiences of three subjects, has identified certain potential areas of study that may yield beneficial results.
- Administering small doses of psilocybin may provide immediate and possibly enduring relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Examine the combined effects of psilocybin with different treatment approaches. For example, subject # 3 reported an increased pain relief when psilocybin was paired with physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, low doses of psilocybin might offer pain relief, as indicated by this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic effects.
Constraints of the Research
Despite the encouraging findings in the subjects, it’s important to take into account the limitations acknowledged in the study.
- The limited sample size may not sufficiently represent the entire population suffering from neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include any individuals who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No pre and post-treatment evaluations were conducted to determine the influence of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential biases related to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not consider the potential impact of the placebo effect.
- The study did not ascertain the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Experimenting with Mushrooms in Microdoses
During this research, participant Patients #1 and #2 ingested a tiny dose of psilocybin from powdered mushrooms, while participant #3 combined it with chocolate. There’s a wide range of products available for psilocybin microdosing, and we’ve assembled a selection of them below for you to explore.
Desiccated Mushrooms
Although the research didn’t specify the variety of mushroom used, the following strain is an excellent choice for those starting their journey.
- Golden Teacher: A routinely encountered and widely spread strain of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for its user-friendly nature, it may also offer cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may improve focus, social awareness, and mood.
Capsules for Microdosing
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction contains Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which have been scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This appealing blend provides three dosage levels: 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, celebrated for promoting clarity, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.
Psilocybin for Pain Relief
While studies on the analgesic properties of mushrooms are still in preliminary stages, anecdotal accounts and compact case studies are offering promising insights.
Such instances underscore the necessity for more comprehensive research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Specifically, psilocybin has shown considerable potential in the arena of managing chronic pain.
Before psilocybin became widely accepted for its pain alleviating qualities, the promising narratives emerging from case studies brought hope to those grappling with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Primarily, psilocybin activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex. This results in two significant outcomes:
- Stimulation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF) production
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics foster links between brain regions that usually interact less. This distinctive connectivity is an outcome of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is involved in various cognitive functions such as daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on the past and future.
What is the most notable benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. The most extensively researched benefit is its influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, disclosed the findings of their exhaustive phase 2b trial, which was a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigations indicated that a single dosage of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms in comparison to a placebo. Recipients who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams exhibited a consistent antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study featured in the Psychiatry Research Journal stated 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 the desired effects are not attained, you can incrementally increase your dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal dosage.
Individuals with a history of using psychotropic substances may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>How often should one consume microdoses of mushrooms?
Several well-known protocols recommend structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols primarily vary in the number of ‘off’ days they incorporate, which are the days when you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly suggested protocols advise including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This is in line with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols we are considering here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
