The following is a compilation of real-life examples showcasing the effectiveness of microdosing mushrooms as an alternative approach for managing chronic pain. This non-traditional method has shown promising results, alleviating pain and improving quality of life for many individuals facing unrelenting discomfort.
Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is frequently consumed for recreational purposes due to its capacity to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations.
Beyond its mind-altering properties, research has been conducted on the compound’s potential benefits for alleviating chronic pain.
This article delves into a case study that investigates how microdosing mushrooms may assist in mitigating chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Both immediate and long-term pain relief could potentially be provided by microdosing mushrooms.
- Compared to traditional painkillers, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects when taken in small dosages.
- Psilocybin interacts with the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which aids in pain alleviation, among other conditions.
The Study
The investigation named “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. Their research focused on three patients who self-administered minor doses of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.
Three Patients, One Result – Reduction of Chronic Pain
Patient # 1
| AGE/ GENDER: | 37 Male |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Pain of the nerves manifesting beneath the site of a spinal cord injury. |
| PAIN LEVEL: | Started at 4 to 5/ 10 and later escalated to 8/ 10 |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSE: | 250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months |
| RESULT: | Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decreased muscle spasms, and improved efficiency of bowel movements. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms. |
| The patient noted that while his regular medications only managed to dull the pain, psilocybin effectively neutralized it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0. | |
Case Study: Second Patient
| AGE/ GENDER: | A 69-year-old woman |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | Typically falls between 5 and 7 out of 10, but can increase during physical activities and pain flare-ups |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | 500 mg taken daily for 7 to 10 days with rest periods (2 to 3 days) over a year. Dosage is increased to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups |
| IMPACT: | Reduces pain by 80% for 3-4 hours, after which the pain gradually returns to initial levels over the next 12 hours. Full pain relief (90%-100%) persists for 6-8 hours, then slowly returns to initial levels over 18 hours. |
| The patient has reported reduced appetite without experiencing nausea. Also, a sense of disorientation or instability in walking is observed when the dosage is increased (750 to 1000mg). | |
Case Study: Third Patient
| AGE/ GENDER: | A 40-year-old woman |
| TYPE OF PAIN: | Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain |
| INTENSITY OF PAIN: | 8 out of 10, rising to 10 out of 10 during physical activities |
| PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE: | A 1000 mg mushroom chocolate bar consumed every two months. |
| IMPACT: | Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. An improvement in flexibility and functionality is noted. Pain gradually returns to initial levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing helps in better pain management. |
| The patient does not report any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely stable. She continues her regular dosage of her SSRI for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period. | |
Exploring Pain Management with Psilocybin
Continuous signals of somatic and visceral pain enhance specific neural paths due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in chronic physical and emotional pain experiences. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain areas related to neuropathic conditions.
A patient reported experiencing pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to central regulation of pain perception and
The adaptability of synapses.
Potential Side Effects: Psilocybin vs. Traditional Painkillers
| PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies) | TRADITIONAL PAINKILLERS |
| Muscle spasms | Nausea |
| Decreased appetite | Stomach discomfort |
| Confusion | Migraines |
| Unsteady gait | Addiction |
| No mood changes | Drowsiness |
Potential Areas for Future Psilocybin Research
Following the examination of three case studies, the research team identified several promising areas that demand further investigation due to their potential benefits.
- Neuropathic pain may be swiftly and possibly permanently alleviated through small doses of psilocybin, without the risk of physical tolerance or addiction.
- It’s worth exploring the effects of combining various treatment approaches with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 reported an enhanced pain-relief effect when psilocybin was used along with physical therapy.
- Even in the absence of psychotherapy, small psilocybin doses may offer pain relief, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that including therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the pain-relieving effects.
Study Limitations
Despite the encouraging outcomes in the patients, it’s important to acknowledge the study’s identified limitations.
- The small sample size may not provide a comprehensive representation of all individuals experiencing neuropathic pain.
- The study lacked subjects who were non-responsive to psilocybin.
- No assessments were conducted before and after treatment to determine the impact of psilocybin on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
- The interviewer’s presence and possible bias towards psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
- The study did not consider the influence of the placebo effect.
- The study did not measure the psilocybin content in each mushroom.
Experimenting with Microdosing Mushrooms
In this particular research, patients labeled as #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin in a powdered form that was extracted from dried mushrooms, whereas patient #3 chose to combine it with chocolate. There are numerous products specifically designed for psilocybin microdosing, and we have curated a list of some of them below.
Desiccated Mushrooms
Although the research did not provide details on the specific strain employed, the strain mentioned below serves as an excellent starting point for beginners.
- Golden Teacher: This is one of the most common and prevalent strains of psychedelic mushrooms.
- Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for its user-friendly nature. It is known to offer cognitive benefits.
- Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can augment concentration, social awareness, and mood.
Microdose Capsule Options
- Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction comprises Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which are scientifically validated to mitigate anxiety and stress.
- Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This appealing blend provides three dosage alternatives: 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 fostering clear thinking, increased creativity, and enhanced focus.
Pain Relief through Psilocybin
While the study of mushrooms’ potential to alleviate pain is still in its preliminary phase, anecdotal accounts and small-scale case studies are offering promising prospects.
Additionally, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically interact less frequently. This unique connectivity is an outcome of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions, including daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on 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 influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company specializing in mental health, released the findings of their in-depth phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a sustained antidepressant response at their twelve-week follow-up.
A study published 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 achieved, you can gradually increase your dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach the optimal level.
People with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should be done before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>How often should one consume microdoses of mushrooms?
Various well-known protocols suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols mainly vary in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you are not microdosing.
The most popular protocols recommend 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This is in line with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Additionally, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically interact less frequently. This unique connectivity is an outcome of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions, including daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on 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 influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company specializing in mental health, released the findings of their in-depth phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a sustained antidepressant response at their twelve-week follow-up.
A study published 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 achieved, you can gradually increase your dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach the optimal level.
People with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should be done before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>How often should one consume microdoses of mushrooms?
Various well-known protocols suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols mainly vary in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you are not microdosing.
The most popular protocols recommend 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This is in line with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
Especially in the field of chronic pain management.
Before psilocybin was widely accepted as a method to alleviate pain, the promising reports from the case study inspired optimism in those living 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 key outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Additionally, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically interact less frequently. This unique connectivity is an outcome of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions, including daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on 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 influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company specializing in mental health, released the findings of their in-depth phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a sustained antidepressant response at their twelve-week follow-up.
A study published 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 achieved, you can gradually increase your dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach the optimal level.
People with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should be done before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>How often should one consume microdoses of mushrooms?
Various well-known protocols suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols mainly vary in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you are not microdosing.
The most popular protocols recommend 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This is in line with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
Especially in the field of chronic pain management.
Before psilocybin was widely accepted as a method to alleviate pain, the promising reports from the case study inspired optimism in those living 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 key outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Additionally, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically interact less frequently. This unique connectivity is an outcome of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions, including daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on 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 influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company specializing in mental health, released the findings of their in-depth phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a sustained antidepressant response at their twelve-week follow-up.
A study published 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 achieved, you can gradually increase your dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach the optimal level.
People with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should be done before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>How often should one consume microdoses of mushrooms?
Various well-known protocols suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols mainly vary in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you are not microdosing.
The most popular protocols recommend 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This is in line with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
These instances underscore the necessity for more in-depth investigation into the possible benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>
Especially in the field of chronic pain management.
Before psilocybin was widely accepted as a method to alleviate pain, the promising reports from the case study inspired optimism in those living 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 key outcomes:
- Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
- Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission
Additionally, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically interact less frequently. This unique connectivity is an outcome of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is associated with various cognitive functions, including daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on 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 influence on mental health.
In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a company specializing in mental health, released the findings of their in-depth phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their study indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a sustained antidepressant response at their twelve-week follow-up.
A study published 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 achieved, you can gradually increase your dosage by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach the optimal level.
People with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.
What should be done before consuming mushrooms?
class=”wp-block-list”>How often should one consume microdoses of mushrooms?
Various well-known protocols suggest structured microdosing schedules for psychedelics. These protocols mainly vary in the number of “off” days they include, which are the days you are not microdosing.
The most popular protocols recommend 1-3 rest days between microdoses. This is in line with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols under consideration here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.
