Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is often used for recreational purposes due to its ability to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations.
In addition to its mind-altering properties, research has been conducted into the potential benefits of this compound for relieving chronic pain.
This article examines a case study on how microdosing mushrooms could potentially assist in mitigating chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms might provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- When compared to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects if 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 concentrated their research on three patients who were self-administering small doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Reduction in Chronic Pain
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain appearing below the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Initially ranging from 4 to 5 out of 10, worsening to 8 out of 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| OUTCOME: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improvement in bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed. |
| The patient reported that unlike his regular medications that 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 between 5 and 7 out of 10, but can increase with physical activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 500 mg daily for 7 to 10 days with rest periods (2 to 3 days) over a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| IMPACT: | A 80% reduction in pain for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, returning to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The patient reported reduced appetite without nausea. Disorientation or unsteadiness in walking is observed 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, rising to 10 out of 10 during physical exertion |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant relief from pain without any psychoactive effects. Recorded increase in flexibility and functionality. Pain slowly returns to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing enhances control over pain. |
| The patient did not report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remained mostly stable. She continued her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Exploring Pain Management with Psilocybin
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, leading to the chronic sensation of pain on both physical and emotional levels. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain regions related to neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported enduring pain relief for weeks. This suggests that after direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors, there can be a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability of synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Vs. Traditional Painkillers
| PSILOCYBIN (According to Research) | TRADITIONAL PAINKILLERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Diminished appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Dependence |
| No change in mood | Drowsiness |
Future Psilocybin Research Opportunities
The research team has highlighted several potential areas for further investigation, based on the experiences of three individuals, due to their prospective benefits.
- Small quantities of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Examine the effects of different treatment techniques when used in conjunction with psilocybin. For instance, patient # 3 reported an improved analgesic impact when psilocybin was used along with physical therapy.
- Small quantities of psilocybin might provide pain relief even without psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.
Constraints of the Study
Despite the encouraging outcomes observed in the patients, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size may not accurately represent all individuals dealing with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not involve any subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to evaluate the effect of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential bias linked to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not consider the influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not ascertain the amount of psilocybin in each mushroom.
Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
In this research, patient #1 and patient #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin in powdered form obtained from dried mushrooms. Meanwhile, patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are numerous psilocybin microdosing products available, and we have gathered a selection of them below.
Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms
Although the study didn’t mention the specific strain, the following strain is a suitable choice for those new to microdosing.
- Golden Teacher: This strain is one of the most popular and commonly seen magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can enhance focus, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Mushroom Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all scientifically recognized for their anxiety and stress reduction properties.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This attractive blend 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, recognized for promoting clear thinking, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.
Psilocybin for Pain Relief
While studies on the analgesic properties of mushrooms are still in the preliminary stages, anecdotal reports and minor case studies are showing promising results.
Such instances underscore the importance of additional research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the field of chronic pain management, psilocybin is gathering acceptance. The promising evidence from clinical trials brings optimism to those struggling with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What effects does microdosing psilocybin induce?
Psilocybin primarily stimulates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, causing two main outcomes:
- Induction of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhancement of “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that don’t often interact. This unique connectivity results from psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, introspection, and thinking about the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, announced the findings of their in-depth 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 received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a sustained 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 can 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 incrementally increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your optimal level.
Those with a history of using psychotropic substances may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to attain the desired effects.
What should be done before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>How often should microdoses of mushrooms be consumed?
There are several well-regarded protocols that suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols primarily vary in the number of ‘off’ days they include, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most advocated protocols suggest including 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under discussion in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
