Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is often used recreationally for its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects.
In addition to its mind-altering capabilities, research has been conducted on its potential benefits for chronic pain management.
This article examines a case study that explores the potential of microdosing mushrooms in alleviating chronic pain.
Key Points:
- Microdosing mushrooms might provide both immediate and sustainable relief from pain.
- Psilocybin microdosing, in comparison to traditional pain medications, tends to have fewer side effects when taken in small quantities.
- Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to potentially alleviate pain, among other conditions.
The Study
The study “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was led by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego. Their research focused on three patients who self-administered small doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain.
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: | Starts 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 less muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. There was no sign of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient expressed that while his usual medications merely dulled the pain, psilocybin effectively diminished it, lowering his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Subject #2
| AGE/ SEX: | Female, 69 |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically varies between 5 and 7 on a scale of 10, escalating with activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | Daily dose of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with rest intervals (2 to 3 days) throughout the year. Dose increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| EFFECT: | Pain decreases by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, reverting to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject experiences a loss of appetite without nausea. Disorientation or unsteady gait is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Subject # 3
| AGE/ SEX: | Female, 40 |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | 8 out of 10, escalating to 10 out of 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Noted enhancement in flexibility and functionality. Pain gradually returns to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing improves pain management. |
| The subject reports no noticeable physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely stable. She maintains her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Deciphering Pain Management with Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural routes due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in the chronic experience of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain circuits associated with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported experiencing pain relief that lasted 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.
Potential Side Effects of Psilocybin in Comparison to Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Existing Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Dependency |
| No changes in mood | Drowsiness |
Potential Areas of Future Psilocybin Research
After evaluating the experiences of three individuals, the research team identified several potential areas of study deserving further investigation due to their possible benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin might provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without the risk of developing tolerance or addiction.
- Explore the impact of combining different treatment methods with psilocybin. For example, the third patient reported an increased analgesic effect when psilocybin was paired with physical therapy.
- Small doses of psilocybin may offer pain relief even without psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers suggest that adding therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
While the patient outcomes were encouraging, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The small sample size may not accurately reflect the experiences of all individuals with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include any participants who did not respond to psilocybin.
- The study did not conduct pre and post-treatment assessments to gauge 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 the participants’ responses.
- The study did not investigate the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not measure the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.
A Guide to Microdosing Mushrooms
In the study we are discussing, the first two subjects consumed a microdose of psilocybin, derived from dried mushrooms, in powdered form. The third subject, however, mixed it with chocolate. A plethora of products are formulated for psilocybin microdosing, and we’ve gathered a few of them for you below.
Dried Mushroom Varieties
The study did not mention the specific strain used, but beginners can start with the strain mentioned below.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent and globally recognized strains of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and may also enhance cognitive functioning.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can boost focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsule Options
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction contains Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which are known for their anxiety and stress-reducing properties.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This attractive blend offers three different dosages: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin, mixed with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules are formulated with the Golden Teacher strain, known for promoting clarity, amplified creativity, and improved focus.
Exploring the Pain-Relief Potential of Psilocybin
While the research on mushrooms’ pain-alleviating properties is in its infancy, anecdotal evidence and minor case studies are generating optimism.
These instances underline the necessity for more comprehensive research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Microdosing psilocybin offers a promising avenue for managing chronic pain.
As psilocybin gains wider acceptance for pain relief, the positive outcomes from case studies provide hope for those enduring chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin primarily acts on a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two main outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics foster links between brain regions that typically don’t interact much. This unique connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to reduce the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with several cognitive functions, including daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on past and future events.
What is the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively studied benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, unveiled the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their research indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a lasting antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal suggested that psilocybin outperforms 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 aren’t felt, you can gradually increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your optimal amount.
Individuals with prior experience using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to achieve the anticipated effects.
What should you do before taking mushrooms?
- Ensure you are in a relaxed and safe setting.
- Have a trusted friend or relative nearby, if possible.
- Prepare yourself mentally for the experience.
What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
Numerous reputable protocols suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The primary difference between these protocols is the quantity of “off” days, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly suggested protocols propose including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s inherent tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under discussion in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
