Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance present in magic mushrooms, commonly utilized for recreational purposes to elicit feelings of bliss and hallucinations.
Aside from its mind-altering effects, the compound’s potential for providing relief from chronic pain has been the subject of scientific investigation.
This article features a case study that delves into the potential of microdosing mushrooms as a method for alleviating chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide both immediate and lasting pain relief.
- When administered in small doses, psilocybin microdosing typically exhibits fewer side effects compared to traditional pain medications.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which may help alleviate pain among other conditions.
The Study
The research titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was spearheaded by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his colleagues from the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego. Their study centered on three patients who self-administered small quantities of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief
Patient # 1
| AGE/ SEX: | 37, Male |
| PAIN TYPE: | Neuropathic pain appearing below the area of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Initially 4 to 5/ 10, escalating to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for under 6 months |
| OUTCOME: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed. |
| The patient reported that while his usual medications merely dulled the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Analysis: Subject #2
| AGE/ GENDER: | 69-year-old female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically falls between 5 and 7 out of 10, but increases with physical activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily dose of 500 mg for 7 to 10-day periods with 2 to 3-day breaks over a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during flare-ups |
| EFFECTS: | Pain decreased by 80% for 3-4 hours, gradually returning to original levels after 12 hours. Full pain relief (90%-100%) lasts for 6-8 hours, reverting to original levels after 18 hours. |
| The subject experiences a loss of appetite without nausea. Disorientation or unsteady walking is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Analysis: Subject # 3
| AGE/ GENDER: | 40-year-old female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Rated as 8 out of 10, increasing to full intensity during physical activity |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a psilocybin-infused chocolate bar every two months. |
| EFFECTS: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Noted improvement in flexibility and function. Pain slowly returns to initial levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing enhances control over pain. |
| The subject does not experience any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains mostly stable. She continues with her regular SSRI doses for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
The Role of Psilocybin in Pain Management
Continuous signals of somatic and visceral pain reinforce specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, leading to the chronic manifestation of physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially rebooting the brain regions associated with neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported experiencing relief from pain for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability in synapses.
Potential Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Appetite reduction | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Dependency |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Future Research Opportunities with Psilocybin
After examining the experiences of three individuals, the research team has highlighted certain areas that could benefit from further investigation due to their potential benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and potentially long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without inducing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Research the impact of different treatment methods when combined with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 reported an increased pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was used in conjunction with physical therapy.
- Small doses of psilocybin may offer pain relief without the need for psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers suggest that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic outcomes.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging results in the patients, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The limited sample size may not fully represent all individuals experiencing neuropathic pain.
- The study lacked subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
- There were no evaluations conducted before and after treatment to gauge 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 towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not consider the potential influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not ascertain the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Microdosing Mushrooms
In the following study, Patients #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of powdered psilocybin derived from dried mushrooms. Patient #3, however, combined it with chocolate. We have a wide array of products specifically designed for psilocybin microdosing, with a few listed below.
Dried Mushrooms
While the study did not reveal the specific strain used, beginners can use the following strain as a good starting point.
- Golden Teacher: This is a prevalent and widely-recognized strain of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can help improve concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This unique blend includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which are scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This captivating mix offers three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin along with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules contain the Golden Teacher strain, reputed for promoting mental clarity, creativity, and enhanced focus.
Psilocybin’s Role in Pain Relief
Although the exploration of mushrooms’ pain-relieving qualities is still in its infancy, promising signs are emerging from anecdotal evidence and small-scale case studies.
Such examples underscore the need for additional research into the potential advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effect of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin mainly activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two key outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics promote connections between brain regions that typically do not interact. This unique connectivity results from the ability of psychedelics to lower the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is tied to various cognitive processes, including daydreaming, self-reflection, and pondering about the past and future.
What is the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its influence on mental health.
In November 2022, the mental health company COMPASS Pathways disclosed the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, which was a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who were given a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a persistent antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.
A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal stated that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments.
How to determine your dosage?
Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If the desired effects are not met, you can incrementally increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal level.
People with a history of using psychotropic substances may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What to do before taking mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>What is the advised frequency of microdosing mushrooms?
There are several well-regarded protocols that suggest structured routines for microdosing psychedelics. These protocols primarily vary in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days when you abstain from microdosing.
The most frequently suggested protocols recommend 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.
