Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is commonly used recreationally for its ability to induce euphoria and hallucinations.
Beyond its mind-altering properties, research has been conducted into the potential benefits of psilocybin for the relief of chronic pain.
This article showcases a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms in alleviating chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms might offer both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- Psilocybin microdosing often exhibits fewer side effects than traditional pain medications when taken in small quantities.
- The interaction of Psilocybin with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors may help alleviate pain, among other conditions.
The Study
The research titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was conducted by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team at the University of California, San Diego’s Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology. The study focused on three patients who self-administered small doses of psilocybin for the management of their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Consistent Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Patient # 1
| Age & Gender: | 37, Male |
| Type of Pain: | Neuropathic pain appearing below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| Initial Pain Level: | Started at 4 to 5/ 10, rising to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| Psilocybin Dosage: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| Outcome: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decreased muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement regularity. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient reported that while his typical medications only managed to dull the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, lowering 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 on a scale of 10, but tends to heighten with physical activities and during episodes of pain intensification |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily consumption of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with rest intervals (2 to 3 days) over the course of a year. Dosage escalates to 750 mg to 1 gram during episodes of intensified pain |
| RESULT: | A decrease in pain by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly reverting to prior levels after 12 hours. Complete pain alleviation (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, gradually reverting to prior levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject notes a decrease in appetite without experiencing nausea. The subject also displays disorientation or instability in walking 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 on a scale of 10, peaking to 10 during physical activities |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| RESULT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. An increase in flexibility and functionality was noted. Pain gradually reverts to initial levels over a span of 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing enhances pain management. |
| The subject reports no discernible physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains generally stable. She continues her routine dosage of her SSRI for managing depression during the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Comprehending Pain Management via Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the persistent physical and emotional experience of pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting brain regions linked with neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported sustained pain relief lasting for weeks. This suggests that after direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors, there may be a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin vs. Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Gastrointestinal discomfort |
| Mental confusion | Migraine headaches |
| Impaired gait | Addiction risk |
| No change in mood | Drowsiness |
Potential Areas for Future Psilocybin Research
The research group identified several potential areas for further study based on the experiences of three individuals who participated in the study.
- Small psilocybin doses could provide immediate and potentially long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without the risk of physical tolerance or addiction.
- Research the impact of integrating other treatment modalities with psilocybin. For instance, patient #3 reported enhanced pain relief when psilocybin was paired with physical therapy.
- Small psilocybin doses might offer pain relief even without accompanying psychotherapy, as revealed in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic outcomes.
Constraints of the Study
Despite the encouraging results seen in patients, it is important to note the recognized limitations in the study.
- The limited sample size may not fully represent the population of neuropathic pain sufferers.
- The study did not include any participants who were non-responders to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after the treatment to evaluate the impact of psilocybin on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential bias related to psilocybin could have influenced participant responses.
- The study did not account for the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not ascertain the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
In this research, patient #1 and patient #2 consumed a small dosage of psilocybin, which was in a powdered form obtained from dried mushrooms. Conversely, patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are many products specifically designed for psilocybin microdosing, and we have listed a few of them below.
Dehydrated Mushrooms
While the study doesn’t detail the particular mushroom strain used, the strain below is a recommended starting point for novices.
- Golden Teacher: This is a prevalent and frequently encountered magic mushroom strain.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for being beginner-friendly and can offer cognitive advantages.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can enhance focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Pills
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction includes 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 intriguing blend offers three dosage levels: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin mixed with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules include the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for inducing clear thinking, enhanced creativity, and improved concentration.
Psilocybin for Pain Relief
Even though studies on the analgesic properties of mushrooms are still in preliminary stages, anecdotal reports and limited case studies are showing promise.
These instances underscore the necessity for more in-depth research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the field of managing chronic pain.
Before psilocybin was widely accepted as a method to alleviate pain, promising reports from case studies have kindled hope in those who suffer from chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin primarily stimulates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex. This stimulation leads to two primary outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Amplified “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that usually don’t interact much. This unique interaction is a result of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions like daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on the past and future.
What is the major benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing might enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. The most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November of 2022, the mental health company COMPASS Pathways disclosed the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study indicated that a single psilocybin dose resulted in a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a consistent 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 to determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If you don’t achieve the desired effects, you can incrementally increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your optimal dose.
Individuals with a history of using psychotropic drugs might need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to get the desired effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the advised frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
Several well-founded protocols suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These guidelines primarily vary in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most common protocols recommend incorporating 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
