Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, is often utilized recreationally to induce a state of euphoria and hallucinatory experiences.
In addition to its mind-altering properties, research has been conducted to explore the compound’s potential benefits for alleviating chronic pain.
The focus of this article is a case study that investigates how microdosing mushrooms might contribute to chronic pain relief.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
- In comparison to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing tends to have fewer side effects when taken in small doses.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to help alleviate pain, among other conditions.
The Study
The research, “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. They centered their study on three patients who self-administered small quantities of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Common 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: | Initial 4 to 5/ 10, rising to 8/ 10 later in the day |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for under 6 months |
| RESULT: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement regularity. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient reported that, unlike his usual medications that merely dulled the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study Analysis: Patient #2
| AGE AND GENDER: | 69-year-old female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Typically falls between 5 and 7 out of 10, but becomes more severe with physical activity and during pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | Daily dosage of 500 mg for 7 to 10 days with 2 to 3 day rest periods over a year. Dosage increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| EFFECT: | Pain reduced by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to its initial level after 12 hours. Full pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, returning to its initial level after 18 hours. |
| The patient reports a decrease in appetite without the presence of nausea. Disorientation or walking instability is noted when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study Analysis: Patient # 3
| AGE AND GENDER: | 40-year-old female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Constant 8 out of 10, escalating to the maximum during physical exertion |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar taken every two months. |
| EFFECT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Increased flexibility and functionality was observed. Pain slowly returns to its initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing enhances control over pain. |
| The patient reports no significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains generally stable. She maintains her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Deciphering Pain Management with Psilocybin
Continuous signals of somatic and visceral pain reinforce certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization. This leads to the chronic physical and emotional experience of pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain areas linked with neuropathic conditions.
One patient reported weeks of prolonged pain relief. This suggests that after direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors, a central regulation of pain perception and synaptic adaptability.
Potential Side Effects of Psilocybin vs. Traditional Pain Relievers
| PSILOCYBIN (As Indicated by Research) | TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Unsteady gait | Dependency |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Future Studies on Psilocybin
After assessing the experiences of three individuals, the research team has identified potential areas for further investigation due to their prospective benefits.
- Small quantities of psilocybin could provide immediate and potentially lasting relief for neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or addiction.
- The effects of pairing various treatment methods with psilocybin should be explored. For example, patient #3 reported enhanced pain relief when physical therapy was combined with psilocybin.
- Even without psychotherapy, small doses of psilocybin may alleviate pain, as indicated by this case study. The researchers suggest that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially boost or prolong the beneficial effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging results noted in the patients, it’s essential to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.
- The small sample size might not adequately represent the broader population suffering from neuropathic pain.
- No subjects unresponsive to psilocybin were included in the study.
- There were no evaluations conducted before and after treatment to measure the impact of psilocybin on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- The majority of data was self-reported by the participants.
- The presence of the interviewer and potential biases related to psilocybin might have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The influence of the placebo effect was not examined in the study.
- The study did not measure the psilocybin concentration in each mushroom.
Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
In our study, both Patient #1 and Patient #2 consumed a small dose of psilocybin as a powder derived from dried mushrooms. Patient #3, however, chose to mix the psilocybin with chocolate. There’s a variety of psilocybin microdosing products available, and we’ve gathered a few of them for you below.
Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms
While the study didn’t mention the specific strain used, the following strain can be considered a good starting point for those new to microdosing.
- Golden Teacher: This strain of magic mushroom is one of the most widespread and well-known.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can potentially enhance focus, social awareness, and overall mood.
Psilocybin Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This unique blend consists of Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which are scientifically shown to help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This compelling 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 contain the Golden Teacher strain, reputed for promoting mental clarity, enhancing creativity, and improving focus.
Using Psilocybin in Pain Management
While research into the analgesic properties of mushrooms is still in the initial phase, anecdotal reports and minor case studies offer promising prospects.
Such instances underscore the necessity for more extensive research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
This is particularly relevant when discussing chronic pain management.
Before psilocybin was widely accepted for its pain-relieving properties, the promising results from case studies provided hope for those living with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin primarily stimulates a specific serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two key outcomes:
- Stimulation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF) production
- Enhancement of “Glutamate” transmission
Moreover, psychedelics facilitate connections between brain regions that don’t usually interact. This unique connectivity stems 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 reflecting on the past and future.
What is the main benefit of microdosing mushrooms?
Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. Its most recognized benefit is its positive impact on mental health.
In November 2022, the mental health company COMPASS Pathways disclosed the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. The results indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who were administered a higher 25-milligram dose showed a consistent antidepressant response at their twelve-week follow-up.
A study in the Psychiatry Research Journal concluded that psilocybin proves 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 notice the desired effects, consider incrementally raising your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal dose.
Individuals who have previously used psychotropic substances may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?
- Allocate time to understand the reasons for choosing to microdose on a specific day.
- Set aside a moment for self-reflection and tuning into your current emotional or mental state. Identify the emotions or mindset you believe would be beneficial to you for the day.
- With your goals clearly defined, put them into writing. Shaping your objectives into affirmations can serve as a potent strategy to boost your continuous growth.
- Direct your focus towards the experience you wish to achieve, rather than what you are trying to evade.
- Ingest it on an empty stomach, preferably an hour before your first meal of the day.
What frequency is advised for the intake of mushroom microdoses?
There exist numerous reputable protocols that propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols primarily vary in the number of “off” days they encompass, which are the days you abstain from microdosing.
The most commonly proposed protocols suggest incorporating 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols discussed in this context are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
