Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, is often consumed recreationally for its euphoria-inducing and hallucinogenic effects.
Beyond its mind-altering properties, psilocybin’s potential capabilities for alleviating chronic pain have been studied.
This article discusses a case study that explores the potential benefits of microdosing mushrooms for chronic pain relief.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing mushrooms may provide both immediate and lasting pain relief.
- Psilocybin microdosing, compared to traditional pain medications, generally has fewer side effects when given in small doses.
- Psilocybin works with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to 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“. The study centered on three patients who self-administered low doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Reduction
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Neuropathic pain expressed below the area of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Initially 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: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement regularity. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient noted that while his regular medications merely dulled the pain, psilocybin effectively muted it, lowering his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Second Patient
| AGE/GENDER: | 69-year-old female |
| PAIN TYPE: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| PAIN INTENSITY: | Usually scores between 5 and 7 out of 10, but can rise with activity or during pain spikes |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 500 mg daily for 7 to 10-day periods with 2 to 3-day rests over a year. Dose increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain spikes |
| OUTCOME: | Pain reduction of 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Total pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, reverting to initial levels after 18 hours. |
| The patient notices a decrease in appetite without nausea. Walking becomes unsteady or disoriented when the dose is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Third Patient
| AGE/GENDER: | 40-year-old female |
| 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 chocolate bar infused with mushrooms every two months. |
| OUTCOME: | Significant pain relief without any mind-altering effects. Notable increase in flexibility and functionality. Pain slowly reverts to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing improves pain management. |
| The patient reports no significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains stable for the most part. She maintains her regular SSRI dosage for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Understanding Psilocybin in Pain Management
Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization. This results in the chronic experience of pain both physically and emotionally. Psychedelics like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting brain areas associated with neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported experiencing pain relief that lasted for weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can result in a central regulation of pain perception and
This relates to the flexibility of synapses.
Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Traditional Painkillers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAINKILLERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Headaches |
| Unsteady gait | Addiction |
| No alteration in mood | Drowsiness |
Potential Areas for Future Research on Psilocybin
The research team, having observed the experiences of three individuals, has identified several potential areas of study that merit further investigation due to potential benefits.
- Small doses of psilocybin may provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, without causing physical tolerance or addiction.
- Explore the impacts of combining different treatment methods 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 provide pain relief even without psychotherapy, as indicated by this case study. The researchers propose that adding therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging findings in the patients, it’s important to bear in mind the limitations acknowledged in the study.
- The small sample size may not accurately reflect the experiences of all individuals with neuropathic pain.
- The study did not encompass any subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
- No pre and post-treatment assessments were conducted to measure psilocybin’s impact on psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the participants.
- The interviewer’s presence and potential biases 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.
Microdosing Mushrooms
In this study, Patients #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin in a powdered form obtained from dried mushrooms, while patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are several products specifically designed for psilocybin microdosing, a few of which we have listed below.
Dried Mushrooms
While the study did not provide information on the specific strain used, the strain mentioned below is suitable for those just starting out.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most prevalent and easily identifiable strains of magic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendly nature and potential cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may improve concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsules
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This formula contains Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which have been scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This appealing blend provides three dosage options: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin alongside reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
- Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules incorporate the Golden Teacher strain, recognized for promoting mental clarity, enhanced creativity, and increased focus.
Using Psilocybin for Pain Relief
Although research on the analgesic properties of mushrooms is still in preliminary stages, anecdotal reports and small-scale studies are showing promising results.
Such instances underscore the necessity for more comprehensive research into the potential benefits of psilocybin, of chronic pain management.
Before psilocybin was widely adopted for pain relief, promising evidence from case studies provided hope for those dealing with chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?
Psilocybin primarily activates a serotonin receptor named “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two significant impacts:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Amplified “Glutamate” transmission
Furthermore, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically don’t interact. This unique connectivity stems from psychedelics’ ability to decrease the operation of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is linked to various cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, introspection, and pondering about the past and future.
What is the most recognized 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 mental health company, unveiled the findings of their extensive phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their investigation suggested 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 during 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 the effects are not as expected, you can slowly increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find the optimal dosage.
People who have previously used psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should be done before consuming mushrooms?
- Set aside some time to understand the reasons you’re microdosing on a particular day.
- Take a moment for self-reflection and connecting with your current emotional or mental state. Identify the emotions or mindset that you believe will serve you well that day.
- After you have clearly defined your goals, write them down. Framing your objectives as affirmations can be an effective strategy to boost your ongoing growth.
- Direct your intention towards the experience you want to create, rather than what you hope to avoid.
- Take it on an empty stomach, ideally an hour before your first meal of the day.
What is the suggested frequency for taking microdoses of mushrooms?
There are several reputable protocols that propose structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. The main difference among these protocols is the number of “off” days they include, which are the days when you do not microdose.
The most frequently recommended protocols suggest a break of 1-3 days between microdoses. This aligns with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
