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Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound commonly found in magic mushrooms, frequently used for recreational purposes for its ability to induce feelings of euphoria and hallucinations. 

In addition to its mind-altering effects, research has been conducted into the compound’s potential benefits for relieving chronic pain. 

This article discusses a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms as a method to alleviate chronic pain.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microdosing mushrooms could potentially offer immediate and sustained relief from pain.
  • When compared to traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects when taken in small doses.
  • Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to mitigate pain, among other conditions.
Chronic Pain Relief

The Study

The research entitled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series” was undertaken 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 research on three patients who self-administered small quantities of psilocybin to control their chronic pain symptoms.

Three Patients, One Result – Reduction of Chronic Pain

Patient # 1

AGE/ GENDER: 37 Male
PAIN TYPE: Neuropathic pain occurring below the site of a spinal cord injury.
PAIN RATING: 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
OUTCOME: 
Stoppage of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement efficiency. No indications of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms.
The patient reported that while his regular medications merely dulled the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to

Case Study: Second Patient

AGE/ GENDER:69-year-old Female
PAIN TYPE:Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
PAIN INTENSITY:Generally varies from 5 to 7 out of 10, but escalates during physical activity and pain flare-ups
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:Daily dose of 500 mg for one week to ten days with rest periods (2-3 days) throughout a year. The dose rises to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups
EFFECT:80% decrease in pain for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to original levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) persists for 6-8 hours, reverting to original levels after 18 hours.
The patient notes a decrease in appetite without nausea. Disorientation or instability in walking is observed when the dosage 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, increasing to 10 out of 10 during physical exertion
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months.
EFFECT:Significant reduction of pain without any psychoactive effects. Increased flexibility and functionality is observed. Pain slowly returns to original levels over 2-4 weeks. Regular dosing enhances control over pain.
The patient reports no significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely unchanged. She continues her regular dosage of her SSRI for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period.

Exploring Pain Management with Psilocybin

Continuous somatic and visceral pain signals solidify certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, causing chronic physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin trigger 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting the brain regions linked to neuropathic conditions.

A patient reported enduring pain relief for weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors could lead to a central regulation of pain perception and

Adaptability of synapses.

Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Vs. Traditional Painkillers

PSILOCYBIN (Research-Based)TRADITIONAL PAINKILLERS
Muscle spasmsNausea
Decreased appetiteDiscomfort in the stomach
ConfusionHeadaches
Unsteady gaitDependency
No mood changesDrowsiness

Future Research Possibilities in Psilocybin

After assessing the experiences of three individuals, the research team has identified potential areas of study for further exploration due to their prospective benefits.

  1. Small psilocybin doses may provide immediate and possibly enduring relief from neuropathic pain without resulting in physical tolerance or addiction.
  2. Examine the outcomes of different treatment methodologies when used in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported an increased analgesic effect when psilocybin was paired with physical therapy.
  3. Even in the absence of psychotherapy, small psilocybin doses may provide pain relief, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially augment or extend the therapeutic effects.

Restrictions of the Study

Despite the encouraging results seen in the patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.

  • The limited sample size may not effectively represent all individuals affected by neuropathic pain.
  • The study did not include subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
  • No assessments were conducted before and after the treatment to determine the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety.
  • Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
  • The presence of the interviewer and potential bias associated with psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
  • The study did not investigate the influence of the placebo effect.
  • The study did not establish the psilocybin content in each mushroom.

Engaging in Microdosing with Mushroom

In this particular investigation, patients #1 and #2 consumed a small quantity of psilocybin, obtained from dried mushrooms and reduced to powdered form, while patient #3 combined it with chocolate. There are many products specifically formulated for psilocybin microdosing, and we have gathered a list of several options below.

Desiccated Mushrooms

Although the study did not disclose the specific strain utilized, the following strain is recommended for those new to the process.

  • Golden Teacher: A prevalent and widely recognized strain of psychedelic mushrooms.
  • Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for its user-friendliness. It can contribute to cognitive enhancement.
  • Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can boost concentration, social awareness, and mood.

Microdose Capsules

Psilocybin and Pain Relief

While the study of pain-alleviating properties in mushrooms is still in preliminary phases, anecdotal accounts and minor case studies offer promising signs.

Such instances underscore the necessity for more in-depth research into the possible benefits of psilocybin, of chronic pain management.

Before the widespread acceptance of psilocybin as a pain reliever, promising findings from case studies instill hope in those who suffer from chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of psilocybin microdosing?

Psilocybin primarily stimulates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two key outcomes:

  1. Creation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
  2. Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission

In addition, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that typically do not interact. This unique neural connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), which is involved in several cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and thinking about the past or future.

What’s the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?

Microdosing can potentially 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, released the findings of their thorough phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their research indicated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher 25 milligram dose showed a persistent antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.

A study 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 effects are not as desired, you can incrementally increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal dosage.

Individuals with a history of psychotropic drug use may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects.

What should be done before consuming mushrooms?

  1. Set aside time to understand the motivation behind your microdosing for the day. 
  2. Take a moment for self-reflection and alignment with your current emotional and mental state. Identify the emotions or mindset you believe will be advantageous for you that day.
  3. When your goals are clearly outlined, write them down. Presenting your objectives as affirmations can act as a potent catalyst for continual growth.
  4. Direct your focus on the experience you are seeking, rather than on what you want to avoid. 
  5. Administer the microdose on an empty stomach, preferably an hour before your first meal of the day.

How frequently should microdoses of mushrooms be taken?

Several recognized protocols suggest a structured microdosing regimen for psychedelics. These regimes primarily differ in the number of “off” days they incorporate, which are the days when microdosing is not done. 

The most commonly advocated protocols advise 1-3 rest days between microdoses to coincide with the body’s natural tolerance mechanisms. The three protocols in focus here are the Fadiman Protocol, the Stamets Stack, and intuitive microdosing.

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