A Compilation of Cases Studying the Effects of Microdosed Mushrooms on Persistent Pain Alleviation

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

The compound’s potential for providing relief from chronic pain has been the subject of research, in addition to its mind-altering effects. 

This article focuses on a case study that investigates how microdosing mushrooms could possibly assist in alleviating chronic pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Microdosing mushrooms could potentially provide immediate and sustained pain relief.
• When consumed in small quantities, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects compared to traditional pain medications.
• Psilocybin engages with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which may help alleviate pain among other conditions.

The Study

The research, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series,” led by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team at the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego, focused on three patients who self-administered psilocybin in small doses to manage their chronic pain symptoms.

Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Reduction

Patient # 1

AGE/ GENDER:	37 Male
PAIN TYPE:	Neuropathic pain appearing below the site of a spinal cord injury.
PAIN LEVEL:	Initial range of 4 to 5/ 10, increasing to 8/ 10 later in the day
PSILOCYBIN DOSE:	250 mg of crushed mushroom for less than 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 noted that while his regular medications merely dulled the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to 0.

Case Study: Subject #2

AGE/ GENDER:	69 years old Female
TYPE OF PAIN:	Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
INTENSITY OF PAIN:	Typically varies from 5 to 7 out of 10, but can spike during physical activity and pain flare-ups
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:	Daily consumption of 500 mg for a week to 10 days, with rest breaks (2 to 3 days) across a year. Dose increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups
IMPACT:	Pain reduced by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Absolute pain relief (90%-100%) persists for 6-8 hours, reverting to baseline levels after 18 hours.
The subject observes a reduction in appetite without any sensation of nausea. She experiences disorientation or instability in walking when the dosage increases from 750 to 1000mg.

Case Study: Subject # 3

AGE/ GENDER:	40 years old Female
TYPE OF PAIN:	Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain
INTENSITY OF PAIN:	8 out of 10, surging to a full 10 during periods of physical strain
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:	1000 mg from a mushroom-infused chocolate bar consumed every two months.
IMPACT:	Marks significant relief from pain without any mind-altering effects. Flexibility and functionality are noted to improve. Pain gradually reverts to initial levels over a 2-4 week period. Regular dosing aids in better pain management.
The subject does not encounter any noticeable physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely consistent. Her regular intake of SSRI for managing depression continues throughout the period of psilocybin treatment.

Deciphering Pain Management with Psilocybin

Continuous somatic and visceral pain signals strengthen certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in persistent physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin stimulate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially reprogramming the brain regions linked with neuropathic conditions.

A patient reported experiencing pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that after directly stimulating the 5-HT2A receptors, there can be a central regulation of pain perception and

Adaptability of synapses.

Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin vs. Regular Painkillers

PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies)	TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS
Muscle spasms	Nausea
Loss of appetite	Stomach discomfort
Disorientation	Migraines
Unsteady gait	Addiction risk
No mood changes	Sleepiness

Potential Areas for Future Psilocybin Research

The study team, after exploring the experiences of three subjects, has identified certain areas of interest that call for further research due to their potential benefits.

1. Small doses of psilocybin could provide immediate and ongoing relief from neuropathic pain, without resulting in physical tolerance or dependency.
2. Examine the impact of different treatment methods in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient #3 reported an improved analgesic effect when physical therapy was combined with psilocybin.
3. Small psilocybin doses might alleviate pain even without psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic outcomes.

Study Limitations

While the patient outcomes are encouraging, it’s important to acknowledge the study’s identified limitations.

• The limited sample size may not be a comprehensive representation of all individuals experiencing neuropathic pain.
• The study didn’t involve any subjects who didn’t respond to psilocybin.
• There were no assessments conducted before and after treatment to evaluate psilocybin’s impact on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
• A majority of the data was self-reported by the participants.
• The interviewer’s presence and potential bias associated with psilocybin could have influenced participant responses.
• The study didn’t examine the potential influence of the placebo effect.
• The study didn’t determine the psilocybin content in each mushroom.

Microdosing with Psychedelic Mushrooms

In the study, both Patient #1 and Patient #2 consumed a small dose of psilocybin in a powdered form, derived from dried mushrooms. Meanwhile, Patient #3 combined it with chocolate. A variety of products are available specifically for psilocybin microdosing, and a few are listed below.

Dehydrated Mushrooms

Although the specific strain used in the study wasn’t mentioned, the strain listed below is an excellent choice for those new to this practice.

• Golden Teacher: This is a commonly seen and popular strain of psychedelic mushrooms.
• Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is known for its user-friendliness and potential cognitive benefits.
• Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can improve focus, social awareness, and emotional state.

Microdosing Capsules

• Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This combination includes Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, which have all been scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
• Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This intriguing blend provides 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, which is recognized for promoting clear thinking, increased creativity, and improved concentration.

Psilocybin as a Pain Reliever

Though research into mushrooms’ pain-relieving qualities is still in its infancy, promising signs are emerging from anecdotal reports and small-scale case studies.

These instances underscore the necessity for additional research into the possible advantages of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>

Always make sure to check the legality of psilocybin in your region.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new regimen, particularly if you are taking medication or have a health condition.

Especially in the field of chronic pain management.

Before psilocybin was widely accepted as a pain relief method, the promising outcomes from case studies ignited hope in those dealing with chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of psilocybin microdosing?

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

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

In addition, psychedelics promote connections between brain regions that don’t typically interact. This unique connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to diminish the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), responsible for various cognitive functions such as daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on the past and future.

What are the key benefits 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, unveiled the findings of their thorough 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 exhibited a prolonged antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.

A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal suggested that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments.

How should you determine your dosage?

Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on day one. If the desired effects are not achieved, you can slowly increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal level.

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

What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?