Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is often used for recreational purposes to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations.
Aside from its mind-altering capabilities, research has been conducted on psilocybin’s potential benefits for chronic pain relief.
This article discusses a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms in alleviating chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms might provide both immediate and long-term pain relief.
- When compared to traditional pain medications, microdosing with psilocybin tends to have fewer side effects if administered in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can 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 the study titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“. They centered their research on three patients who self-administered 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: | Neuropathic pain occurring below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Initially 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for under 6 months |
| RESULT: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, reduction in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient reported that while his regular medications only managed to dull 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 |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Typically varies from 5 to 7 out of 10, but heightens with movement and during pain episodes |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily dose of 500 mg for a week to ten days with breaks (2 to 3 days) over a year. The dosage increases to between 750 mg and 1 gram during pain episodes |
| IMPACT: | 3-4 hours of 80% pain reduction, with pain gradually resuming to its initial level after 12 hours. Full pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, returning to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject sees a reduction in appetite without experiencing nausea. There’s a noted disorientation or instability in walking when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old Female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | 8 out of 10, increasing to 10 out of 10 during physical activities |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant relief from pain without any psychoactive effects. Increased flexibility and functionality are observed. Pain gradually returns to initial levels over a span of 2-4 weeks. Successive dosing enhances control over pain. |
| The subject does not note any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains generally stable. She continues her regular dosage of her SSRI for managing depression during the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Exploring Pain Management with Psilocybin
Continuous bodily and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in chronic physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain areas linked to neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported enduring pain relief lasting for weeks. This suggests that after directly stimulating the 5-HT2A receptors, there can be a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability of synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Conventional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Study Findings) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Addiction |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Future Studies on Psilocybin
The researchers, after analyzing the outcomes of three subjects, have identified certain areas that may benefit from further investigation due to their potential benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly prolonged relief from neuropathic pain, without resulting in physical tolerance or dependency.
- Examine the impact of various treatment methods in conjunction with psilocybin. As an illustration, patient # 3 reported an increased pain relief effect when psilocybin was used in combination with physical therapy.
- Even without psychotherapy, small doses of psilocybin may provide pain relief, as demonstrated in this case study. The scientists suggest that the incorporation of therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic effects.
Drawbacks of the Study
Despite the encouraging outcomes observed in the patients, it’s crucial to take into account the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size might not sufficiently represent all individuals dealing with neuropathic pain.
- The study lacked any subjects who were resistant to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after the treatment to gauge the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential bias related to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not quantify the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Exploring Microdosing with Psilocybin Mushrooms
In the research under discussion, patients #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin in a powdered form that was extracted from dried mushrooms, whereas patient #3 mixed it with chocolate. There are several products specifically crafted for psilocybin microdosing, a few of which are listed below.
Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms
While the specific strain used in the study was not identified, the following strain is recommended for those new to the practice.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent and frequently encountered magic mushroom strains.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for its beginner-friendly nature, it also offers cognitive enhancements.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can improve focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Mushroom Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This formulation includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which have been scientifically demonstrated to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- 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, appreciated for encouraging clarity, enhanced creativity, and heightened concentration.
Using Psilocybin to Mitigate Pain
While the study of mushrooms’ analgesic properties is still in its infancy, anecdotal reports and limited case studies are offering promising results.
These instances underscore the necessity for more extensive research on the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of psilocybin microdosing?
Psilocybin predominantly stimulates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” within the prefrontal cortex, leading to two key impacts:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics foster links between brain regions that rarely interact. This distinct connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to lessen the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive operations, such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and contemplating the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of mushroom microdosing?
Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its principal benefit, as researched extensively, is its influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company specializing in mental health, disclosed the findings from their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study indicated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who were administered a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study featured in the Psychiatry Research Journal suggested that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments.
How can one determine the correct dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If you don’t achieve the desired effects, consider increasing your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find the level that works best for you.
Individuals with prior experience with psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to attain the desired effects.
What should one do before consuming mushrooms?
- Take a moment to understand the reasons behind your microdosing on a particular day.
- Set aside time for self-reflection and attunement with your current emotional or mental state. Identify the emotions or mindset you believe will be advantageous for the day.
- Upon clarifying your objectives, make sure to write them down. Constructing your goals in the form of affirmations can serve as a potent catalyst for your continual growth.
- Focus your intention on the experience you wish to cultivate, rather than what you want to evade.
- It is recommended to consume it on an empty stomach, preferably an hour before your first meal of the day.
What frequency of mushroom microdosing is suggested?
There exist several widely accepted protocols recommending structured schedules for psychedelic microdosing. The variance in these protocols primarily lies in the number of “off” days, the days when you abstain from microdosing.
The most frequently suggested protocols recommend 1-3 days of rest between microdoses, aligning with the body’s inherent tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols considered in this scenario are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
