Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is commonly used for recreational purposes to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations.
In addition to its mind-altering effects, research has been conducted on the compound’s potential benefits for chronic pain management.
This article discusses a case study that investigates the possibility of using microdosed mushrooms to help manage chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may provide immediate and sustained relief from pain.
- When taken in small doses, psilocybin microdosing typically has fewer side effects compared to traditional pain medications.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can alleviate pain among other conditions.
The Study
A research titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was carried out by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego. They concentrated their study on three patients who self-administered microdoses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain.
Three Patients, Shared Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain occurring below a spinal cord injury site. |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Started at 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 during the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| OUTCOME: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, reduction in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movements. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient reported that unlike his regular medications that only numbed the pain, psilocybin completely alleviated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to | |
Case Study: Patient Number Two
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69 years old female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Usually fluctuates between 5 and 7 on a scale of 10, however, it intensifies with physical activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily consumption of 500 mg for a period of 7 to 10 days with resting intervals of 2 to 3 days over the span of a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during periods of pain flare-ups |
| IMPACT: | A reduction of pain by 80% for a duration of 3-4 hours, slowly reverting back to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts for 6-8 hours, returning to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The patient has reported a decrease in appetite without experiencing any nausea. Instability in walking or disorientation is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Patient Number Three
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40 years old female |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy coupled with neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | 8 on a scale of 10, which escalates to a full 10 during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg taken from a mushroom-infused chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant relief from pain without any psychoactive effects. An increase in flexibility and functionality has been observed. Pain gradually reverts back to initial levels over a span of 2-4 weeks. Regular dosing improves the control of pain. |
| The patient has not reported any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains predominantly stable. She has continued her regular intake of her SSRI for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment duration. | |
Exploring Pain Management through Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization. This results in the chronic perception of pain, both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting neuropathic condition-associated brain areas.
A patient 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 synaptic adaptability.
Possible Side Effects: Psilocybin Vs. Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Research-Based) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Appetite Decrease | Abdominal distress |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Potential for addiction |
| No mood changes | Sleepiness |
Potential Areas for Future Psilocybin Research
The research team has highlighted potential areas of investigation, based on the experiences of three individuals, that could yield promising benefits.
- Small psilocybin doses might provide immediate and possibly sustainable neuropathic pain relief without resulting in physical tolerance or dependence.
- Research the combined effects of psilocybin and different treatment approaches. For example, patient #3 reported an increased pain-relief effect when psilocybin was administered alongside physical therapy.
- Small psilocybin doses may alleviate pain even without psychotherapy, as indicated by this case study. The research team suggests that including therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging findings in the patients, it’s essential to acknowledge the study’s identified limitations.
- The small sample size might not fully represent the broader population of individuals with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not include participants who did not respond to psilocybin.
- There were no assessments conducted before and after the treatment to measure the influence of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.
- The majority of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential biases towards psilocybin might have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not consider the placebo effect’s potential impact.
- The study did not measure the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
In this research, patient #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of powdered psilocybin derived from dried mushrooms, whereas patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are many products specifically created for psilocybin microdosing, and a selection of these can be found below.
Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms
Even though the study didn’t specify the mushroom strain used, the following strain is a recommended starting point for those new to the practice.
- Golden Teacher: A popular and frequently seen strain of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Recognized for being beginner-friendly and can enhance cognitive function.
- Cambodian: Using Cambodian cubensis mushrooms for microdosing can improve focus, social awareness, and mood.
Psilocybin Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This blend is made up of Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all ingredients known scientifically to reduce anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This captivating mix offers three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules include the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting clarity, increased creativity, and enhanced focus.
Using Psilocybin for Pain Relief
While research on the analgesic properties of mushrooms is still nascent, anecdotal accounts and small-scale case studies are fostering optimism.
These instances underscore the necessity for additional research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the field of chronic pain management.
Before the wide acceptance of psilocybin as a pain relief method, the promising narratives from the case study offer a glimmer of hope to those grappling with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin mainly activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two primary outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics stimulate links between typically non-interactive brain regions. This distinct connectivity stems from the ability of psychedelics to lower the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is connected to various cognitive processes such as daydreaming, introspection, and reflection on the past and future.
What is the most prominent benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company focusing on mental health, disclosed the findings from their comprehensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigations indicated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams maintained an 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 you determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If the desired effects are not realized, you can progressively increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal level.
Those with a history of using psychotropic substances may need to elevate their dose to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What preparations should be made before consuming mushrooms?
What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
Various well-established guidelines propose 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 recommended guidelines advise including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols being discussed in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
