A Collection of Cases Exploring Microdose Mushrooms for Long-Term Pain Alleviation

Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is commonly used recreationally to generate feelings of joy and hallucinations. 

Aside from its mind-altering abilities, research has been conducted on the compound’s prospective benefits for chronic pain management. 

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

Key Takeaways:

• Mushroom microdosing could potentially provide immediate and lasting pain relief.
• Psilocybin microdosing, compared to traditional pain medications, generally has fewer side effects when given in small dosages.
• Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which can help alleviate pain, among other conditions.

The Study

The research paper, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“, 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, concentrated on three patients who self-medicated their chronic pain symptoms with small doses of psilocybin.

Three Patients, One Result – Chronic Pain Relief

Patient # 1

AGE/ GENDER:	37 Male
TYPE OF PAIN:	Neuropathic pain occurring below the site of a spinal cord injury.
PAIN INTENSITY:	Initially rated at 4 to 5/10, later escalating to 8/10 during the day
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:	250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months
OUTCOME:	Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, decrease in muscle spasms, and improved bowel function. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms.
The patient noted that while his regular medications merely dulled the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain score from 5 to

Case Study: Subject #2

AGE/ GENDER:	69-year-old Female
NATURE OF PAIN:	Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
PAIN SEVERITY:	Generally 5-7/10, escalating during physical activity and pain flare-ups
PSILOCYBIN DOSE:	Daily dose of 500 mg for 7-10 days with 2-3 days break over a year. During pain flare-ups, the dose increases to 750 mg or 1 gram
OUTCOME:	Pain reduced by 80% for 3-4 hours, gradually returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Full pain relief (90%-100%) lasts 6-8 hours, returning to initial levels after 18 hours.
The subject reported appetite loss without nausea. Instability in walking and disorientation were observed when dosage was increased (750 to 1000mg).

Case Study: Subject # 3

AGE/ GENDER:	40-year-old Female
NATURE OF PAIN:	Neuropathic pain and Lumbar radiculopathy
PAIN SEVERITY:	8/10, escalating to 10/10 during physical activity
PSILOCYBIN DOSE:	1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months.
OUTCOME:	Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Increased flexibility and functionality were observed. Pain gradually returned to initial levels over a period of 2-4 weeks. Repeated dosing resulted in improved pain control.
The subject reported no noticeable physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood remained stable. She continued her regular SSRI dosage for managing depression throughout the psilocybin treatment period.

Understanding Psilocybin’s Role in Pain Management

Persistent somatic and visceral pain signals can reinforce certain neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, causing chronic physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially rebooting the brain areas linked to neuropathic conditions.

One patient reported long-term pain relief lasting for weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can result in central regulation of pain perception and synaptic adaptability.

Potential Side Effects of Psilocybin Compared to Conventional Pain Relievers

PSILOCYBIN (Based on Research)	CONVENTIONAL PAIN RELIEVERS
Muscle spasms	Nausea
Decreased appetite	Stomach discomfort
Confusion	Migraines
Unsteady gait	Addiction
No change in mood	Drowsiness

Suggested Future Studies on Psilocybin

The research team has suggested certain areas of study for further exploration, based on the experiences of three individuals and their potential benefits.

1. Small quantities of psilocybin may provide immediate and possibly long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain, avoiding the development of physical tolerance or addiction.
2. Examine the results of using different treatment approaches in conjunction with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported an enhanced pain-relieving effect when psilocybin was combined with physical therapy.
3. Small doses of psilocybin may alleviate pain even without psychotherapy, as demonstrated by this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating therapeutic guidance could potentially enhance or extend the therapeutic outcomes.

Study Limitations

Despite the encouraging results seen in the patients, it is crucial to take into account the limitations acknowledged in the study.

• The small number of participants may not be a comprehensive representation of all individuals dealing with neuropathic pain.
• The study didn’t involve any subjects who did not respond to psilocybin.
• No assessments were carried out before and after treatment to evaluate the impact of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety.
• Most of the data was based on personal reports by the subjects.
• The interviewer’s presence and potential bias related to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
• The study didn’t investigate the effect of the placebo effect.
• The study failed to establish the concentration of psilocybin in each mushroom.

Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms

In this investigation, patients #1 and #2 consumed a microdose of powdered psilocybin extracted from dried mushrooms. Patient #3, on the other hand, combined it with chocolate. There are many products specifically made for psilocybin microdosing, and we have gathered a list of several below.

Desiccated Mushrooms

While the research did not identify the specific strain employed, the following strain is an excellent choice for those new to microdosing.

• Golden Teacher: This strain is one of the most prevalent and widely recognized types of magic mushrooms.
• Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is renowned for its user-friendly nature and potential cognitive advantages.
• Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms can boost focus, social awareness, and mood enhancement.

Microdose Capsule Options

• Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction 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 alternatives: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
• Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules feature the Golden Teacher strain, recognized for fostering mental clarity, creativity enhancement, and improved focus.

Relieving Pain with Psilocybin

While the exploration of mushrooms’ pain-relieving properties is still in the preliminary stages, anecdotal reports and minor case studies are offering promising signs.

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

Before using psilocybin for chronic pain management, it was the optimistic narratives from case studies that provided hope for those enduring chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?

At its core, psilocybin activates a serotonin receptor known as “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, causing two main outcomes:

Manufacturing of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)

Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission 

Furthermore, psychedelics foster connections between brain regions that don’t typically interact. This distinctive connectivity is a side effect of psychedelics’ ability to diminish the “Default Mode Network” (DMN) activity, which is associated with a range of cognitive tasks, including daydreaming, self-reflection, and pondering the past and future. 

What is the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?

Microdosing can potentially 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, disclosed the findings of their thorough phase 2b experiment, a random and double-blind test. Their investigation indicated that a single dose of psilocybin led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a 25 milligram dose displayed 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 can you determine your dosage?

Start with a dose of 0.1 grams of psilocybin mushrooms on the first day. If the anticipated effects are not reached, you can slowly raise your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you find your ideal dosage.

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

What should be done before consuming mushrooms?