The psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, Psilocybin, is often utilized recreationally to invoke feelings of ecstasy and hallucinations.
Beyond its mind-altering effects, researchers have studied the compound’s potential therapeutic benefits for alleviating chronic pain.
This article delves into a case study that investigates the potential role of mushroom microdosing in managing chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- Contrasting with traditional pain relievers, psilocybin microdosing often exhibits no side effects when consumed in small quantities.
- Psilocybin engages with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, potentially assisting in pain alleviation, 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 the study “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. Their research revolved around three patients who self-administered minimal doses of psilocybin to control their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Cases, One Result – Chronic Pain Reduction
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, escalating to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of pulverized mushroom for less than 6 months |
| OUTCOME: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, diminished muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement regularity. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed. |
| The patient noted that unlike his regular medications which only seemed to manage the pain, psilocybin effectively neutralized it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Dealing with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Pain level usually fluctuates between 5 to 7 out of 10, with a rise during physical activities and pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 500 mg daily for 7 to 10 days with intervals of rest (2 to 3 days) across a year. The dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| IMPACT: | Pain reduction by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to baseline after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) is experienced for 6-8 hours, returning to baseline after 18 hours. |
| The subject reports a decrease in appetite but no feelings of nausea. Increased dosage (750 to 1000mg) results in disorientation and difficulty in walking. | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Suffering from Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Pain is generally 8 out of 10, increasing to the maximum during physical exertion |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Consumes a 1000 mg psilocybin-infused chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant pain relief with no psychoactive effects. Notable improvement in flexibility and functionality. Initial pain levels return gradually over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated doses enhance control over pain. |
| The subject reports no significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood is predominantly stable. She continues her regular SSRI dosage for managing depression during the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Deciphering Pain Management Through Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals can strengthen specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization. This leads to a chronic physical and emotional perception of pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin can stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting brain areas responsible for neuropathic conditions.
A subject reported experiencing pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and
Adaptability of synapses.
Potential Adverse Effects of Psilocybin (Comparing Psilocybin with Traditional Painkillers)
| PSILOCYBIN (As Revealed by Research) | TRADITIONAL PAINKILLERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Gut discomfort |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Erratic gait | Addiction |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Possible Future Studies on Psilocybin
Upon analyzing the experiences of three individuals, the research team has identified several areas that deserve further investigation due to their potential benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly enduring relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or dependence.
- Examine the impact of different treatment strategies when combined with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported a heightened analgesic effect when psilocybin was used along with physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, small quantities of psilocybin appear to alleviate pain, as evidenced in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance might enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Constraints of the Study
Despite the encouraging outcomes noted in the patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size may not accurately reflect the entire population suffering from neuropathic pain.
- The study lacked any subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were made before and after treatment to evaluate the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- A majority of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential bias towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not examine the effect of the placebo.
- The study failed to quantify the amount of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Utilizing Mushrooms for Microdosing
In our study, patient #1 and #2 consumed a small quantity of psilocybin, processed from dried mushrooms, whereas patient #3 chose to combine it with chocolate. There are numerous psilocybin microdosing products available, and we have prepared a short list of some examples below.
Dried Mushrooms Varieties
Despite the study not mentioning the specific strain used, the following strain is an excellent choice for those starting out.
- Golden Teacher: This is a highly popular and frequently encountered magic mushroom strain.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendly nature and potential cognitive advantages.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can potentially enhance focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsule Options
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This product combines Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all known for their scientifically-backed anxiety and stress reduction properties.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing blend provides three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin along with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules incorporate the Golden Teacher strain, recognized for promoting clear thinking, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.
Relieving Pain with Psilocybin
Although psilocybin’s pain-relief properties are still under investigation, preliminary findings and anecdotal reports seem promising.
Such instances underscore the necessity for more comprehensive research on the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the realm of chronic pain management.
Before widespread acceptance of psilocybin as a pain reliever, the promising reports from the case study offered hope to those enduring chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin mainly stimulates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two main outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Amplified “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically interact less. This distinctive connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the function of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is linked to several cognitive functions, including daydreaming, self-reflection, and contemplating the past and future.
What is the primary benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, disclosed the findings from their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single psilocybin dose significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher 25 milligram dose showed a persistent antidepressant response at their twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal suggested that psilocybin is superior to 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 achieved, gradually increase the dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal level.
Individuals with a history of psychotropic drug use may need to up the dosage to 0.5 grams to attain the desired effects.
What steps should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
Several established protocols recommend 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 propose 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under discussion here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
