Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is frequently used for recreational purposes due to its ability to induce euphoria and hallucinations.
Beyond its mind-altering properties, research has been conducted into the potential benefits of this compound for chronic pain relief.
In this article, we examine a case study that explores the potential benefits of microdosing mushrooms in the management of chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- When compared to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects when taken in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which may help 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, conducted a study titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. They focused their research on three patients who self-administered psilocybin in small doses to manage their chronic pain.
Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain localized below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Started 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: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed. |
| The patient stated that psilocybin effectively muted the pain, lowering his average pain level from 5 to | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69-year-old Female |
| NATURE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically between 5 to 7 on a scale of 10, however, amplified during activity and pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 500 mg daily for 7 to 10 days with 2 to 3 days rest periods over a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| EFFECT: | 80% pain reduction for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain alleviation (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, reverting to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject experiences a decrease in appetite without nausea. Disorientation or walking instability is observed when the dosage is raised (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old Female |
| NATURE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 on a scale of 10, increasing to 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant pain reduction without any psychoactive impacts. Increase in flexibility and functionality noted. Pain gradually returns to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosage enhances pain management. |
| The subject does not report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains mostly stable. She maintains her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Comprehending Pain Management Using Psilocybin
Consistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the persistent experience of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain regions associated with neuropathic conditions.
A subject reported enduring pain relief for weeks. This suggests that after direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors, a central regulation of pain perception and
The potential for adaptability in synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Vs. Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Diminished appetite | Discomfort in the abdomen |
| Bewilderment | Headaches |
| Irregular gait | Dependency |
| Absence of mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Future Study Areas for Psilocybin
The research team has identified possible areas of study for further investigation based on the experiences of three individuals.
- Small dosages of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without resulting in physical tolerance or addiction.
- Study the effects of different treatments in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported an increased analgesic effect when psilocybin was combined with physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, small dosages of psilocybin may offer pain relief, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging findings in the patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size might not accurately represent all individuals afflicted with neuropathic pain.
- The study excluded any individuals who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to evaluate the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The interviewer’s presence and any potential bias related to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not examine the influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not measure the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
The Practice of Microdosing Mushrooms
In the context of this study, participant Patients #1 and #2 consumed a small quantity of psilocybin, which was derived from dried mushrooms in a powdered form, whereas Patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There is an array of products created specifically for psilocybin microdosing, with a selection of them listed below.
Dried Mushroom Varieties
Although the study did not disclose the particular strain used, the following strain is recommended for those new to microdosing.
- Golden Teacher: This is a prevalent strain of magic mushrooms, seen frequently.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Recognized for its user-friendly nature, it can offer cognitive enhancements.
- Cambodian: The Cambodian cubensis mushroom strain, when used for microdosing, can boost focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdosing Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction contains Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all known to scientifically aid in reducing stress and anxiety.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing blend provides three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin, combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules feature the Golden Teacher strain, celebrated for promoting clear thinking, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.
Pain Relief via Psilocybin
While the research on mushrooms’ capacity to relieve pain is still nascent, emerging anecdotal evidence and small-scale studies are encouraging.
These instances underscore the necessity for more extensive research into the possible benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the context of chronic pain management.
Before the widespread acceptance of psilocybin as a pain reliever, hopeful narratives from case studies provided comfort to those battling chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What effects does psilocybin microdosing produce?
Psilocybin primarily activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two main effects:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Besides, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that don’t usually interact. This distinctive connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to diminish the operation of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with several cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and pondering about the past and future.
What is the most renowned benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing might enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most extensively researched benefit is its influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, disclosed the findings of their thorough phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in substantial reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a larger dose of 25 milligrams showed a consistent antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal indicated 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 don’t achieve the desired effects, you can gradually increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal level.
Individuals with a history of psychotropic drug usage may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to attain the desired effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the suggested frequency for ingesting microdoses of mushrooms?
There exists several well-recognized protocols that propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The main distinction between these protocols lies in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly recommended protocols advise including 1-3 rest days in between microdoses. This is in accordance with the body’s innate tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under scrutiny in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
