Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound discovered in magic mushrooms, is frequently used for recreational purposes to induce feelings of joy and hallucinations. 

Aside from its mind-altering capabilities, psilocybin’s potential benefits for chronic pain relief have been the subject of research studies. 

This article features a case study that investigates the role of microdosing mushrooms in alleviating chronic pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Microdosing mushrooms may potentially provide both immediate and sustained pain relief.
• Compared with traditional pain medications, psilocybin microdosing generally has fewer side effects when administered in small doses.
• Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors to alleviate pain, among other conditions.

Study Overview

The research entitled “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. The study delved into the experiences of three patients who self-administered small quantities of psilocybin to handle their chronic pain symptoms.

Three Patients, One Result – Reduction of Chronic Pain

Patient # 1

AGE/ GENDER:	37 Male
TYPE OF PAIN:	Neuropathic pain appearing below the site of a spinal cord injury.
PAIN INTENSITY:	Started at 4 to 5/ 10, rose to 8/ 10 later in the day
PSILOCYBIN DOSE:	250 mg of ground 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, lowering his average pain level from 5 to 0.

Case Study Analysis: Patient Number 2

AGE AND GENDER:	69-year-old female
PAIN TYPE:	Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
PAIN INTENSITY:	Typically between 5 and 7 on a scale of 10, with increases during physical activity and pain flare-ups
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:	Daily dosage of 500 mg for 7-10 days with 2-3 day rest periods spanning a year. Dosage is increased to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups
RESULTS:	80% reduction in pain for 3-4 hours, with pain gradually returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours before returning to initial levels after 18 hours.
The patient experiences a reduced appetite without experiencing nausea. Upon increasing the dosage (750 to 1000mg), disorientation or instability while walking is observed.

Case Study Analysis: Patient Number 3

AGE AND GENDER:	40-year-old female
PAIN TYPE:	Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain
PAIN INTENSITY:	8 on a scale of 10, with increases to 10 during physical activities
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:	1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar consumed every two months.
RESULTS:	Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Notable improvements in flexibility and functionality. Pain slowly returns to initial levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing aids in better pain management.
The patient does not report any noticeable physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remains largely stable. She continues her routine dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment phase.

Deciphering Psilocybin’s Role in Pain Management

Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals can strengthen specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, resulting in chronic physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin can activate 5-HT2A receptors, possibly resetting the brain areas related to neuropathic conditions.

One patient reported pain relief lasting for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and synaptic adaptability.

Possible Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Traditional Pain Relievers

PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies)	TRADITIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS
Muscle spasms	Nausea
Diminished appetite	Discomfort in the abdomen
Confusion	Migraines
Unsteady gait	Dependence
No change in mood	Drowsiness

Potential Future Studies on Psilocybin

After analyzing the experiences of three individuals, the researchers have identified several areas for further investigation due to their potential benefits.

1. Small doses of psilocybin may provide immediate and possibly sustained relief from neuropathic pain, without inducing physical tolerance or addiction.
2. Examine the effects of different treatment strategies when combined with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported an increased pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was used in conjunction with physical therapy.
3. Small doses of psilocybin might offer pain relief even without psychotherapy, as demonstrated in this case study. The scientists propose that adding therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic effects.

Study Limitations

Despite the encouraging outcomes observed in the patients, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations identified in the study.

• The limited sample size may not accurately reflect the experiences of all individuals with neuropathic pain.
• The study did not include subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
• There were no assessments conducted before and after the treatment to evaluate the influence of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety.
• Most of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
• The presence of the interviewer and potential bias related to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
• The study did not examine the potential impact of the placebo effect.
• The study did not ascertain the amount of psilocybin in each mushroom.

Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms

In our examination, patient #1 and #2 consumed a small dosage of psilocybin in a powdered form derived from dried mushrooms, whereas patient #3 combined it with chocolate. We present a selection of products specifically tailored for psilocybin microdosing below.

Dehydrated Mushrooms

Although the particular strain utilized in the study wasn’t clarified, the following strain is recommended for novices.

• Golden Teacher: A prevalent strain of magic mushrooms seen frequently.
• Amazonian Cubensis: Renowned for its user-friendliness, it can offer cognitive enhancements.
• Cambodian: Utilizing Cambodian cubensis mushrooms for microdosing can improve focus, social awareness, and mood.

Microdosing Capsules

• Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This unique blend of 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 attractive blend provides three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
• Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules, containing the Golden Teacher strain, are known to stimulate clarity, increased creativity, and enhanced focus.

Easing Pain with Psilocybin

Even though the research into mushrooms’ pain-relieving qualities is still nascent, anecdotal reports and preliminary case studies are offering promising signs.

This underscores the importance of conducting more extensive research to fully understand the potential benefits of psilocybin,

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Always ensure you have a reliable source for your mushrooms.

Make sure you’re in a safe, comfortable environment before consumption.

It’s advisable to have a trusted companion present.

Especially in the field of managing chronic pain.

Before psilocybin was widely recognized for its pain-relieving properties, promising reports from case studies provided hope for those dealing with chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What effects does psilocybin microdosing produce?

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

1. Generation of the “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
2. Enhancement of “Glutamate” transmission

Moreover, psychedelics promote interactions between brain regions that usually do not communicate. This unusual connectivity is a result of psychedelics’ ability to decrease the “Default Mode Network” (DMN) activity, which is associated with various cognitive functions such as daydreaming, introspection, and reflecting on past and future events.

What is the most notable benefit of microdosing mushrooms?

Microdosing can potentially enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.

In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, shared the findings of their thorough phase 2b trial, a random 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 dose of 25 milligrams showed a continuous antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.

A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal stated that psilocybin outperforms traditional antidepressant treatments.

How to determine your dosage?

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

Those with a history of using psychotropic medications may need to increase the dose to 0.5 grams to experience the desired effects.

What precautions should be taken before taking mushrooms?