Emma Wilson
There is a renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs, with psilocybin mushrooms being one of the most prevalent plant-based hallucinogens used in the United States. While there is limited evidence of a causal relationship between seizures and the use of classic psychedelics, there have been reported cases of psychedelic-induced seizures in individuals with epilepsy. The risk of seizures may be influenced by factors such as dosage, history of epilepsy, and the concomitant use of other substances. Further research is needed to characterize the safety profile of classical psychedelics in individuals with epilepsy and determine their potential therapeutic benefits in treating functional seizures and co-morbid neuropsychiatric conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do mushrooms cause seizures? | There is no significant evidence that clinically supervised psychedelic use causes or exacerbates seizures. However, there are some reports of seizures induced by psychedelic mushrooms, especially in individuals with epilepsy. |
| Clinical trials | Clinical trials have excluded individuals with a history of seizures, leaving epilepsy patients without access to psychedelic-assisted therapy. |
| Therapeutic potential | Psilocybin is regaining acceptance in therapeutic settings. |
| Research | Studies suggest that the use of psychedelic mushrooms is increasing, and research is being conducted to determine the safety profile of classical psychedelics in individuals with epilepsy. |
| Law enforcement seizures | Seizures of psychedelic mushrooms by law enforcement have increased in recent years, suggesting increased availability and popularity. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries for medicinal and religious purposes
- There is no evidence that psychedelics induce seizures
- People with epilepsy are excluded from clinical trials of psychedelics
- A large dose of magic mushrooms may cause seizures in people with epilepsy
- There is a renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs
Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries for medicinal and religious purposes
While there is limited evidence of a causal relationship between seizures and the use of classic psychedelics, some studies have reported cases of acute seizures induced by the use of psychedelics in subjects with epilepsy. However, magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms, have a long history of use for medicinal and religious purposes.
Historical Use of Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms, have been used by humans for centuries for various purposes. Some historians suggest that ancient cave paintings from as early as 9,000 BC may allude to the use of magic mushrooms. In ancient times, certain cultures held a deep connection with these mushrooms, integrating them into their rituals and daily lives.
Medicinal and Religious Purposes
South American Aztec Indians referred to magic mushrooms as "teonanacatl," meaning "god's flesh." These mushrooms were used in religious ceremonies and healing rituals. Similarly, indigenous Mesoamerican cultures, including Aztec, Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist societies, considered Psilocybe mushrooms to be sacred and employed them in their religious practices. Additionally, ancient texts describe how these mushrooms were used as medicine for fever and gout.
Modern Medicinal Interest
In modern times, there has been a renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found that they can be used to treat conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. There is also ongoing research into the potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in treating various mental health disorders.
Legal Status and Decriminalization
Despite the potential medicinal benefits, magic mushrooms are unlikely to become fully legalized. However, there has been progress in terms of decriminalization. Several states and cities in the United States, including Denver, Colorado, and Oakland, California, have taken steps to decriminalize magic mushrooms and other psychedelic substances. This shift in policy reflects a growing recognition of the potential benefits of these substances and a move towards exploring their therapeutic applications.
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There is no evidence that psychedelics induce seizures
However, all clinical trials examining these substances have excluded any individual with a past or current history of seizures, leaving a large cohort of epilepsy and non-epilepsy chronic seizure disorder patients without anywhere to turn for psychedelic-assisted therapy. These exclusions were made despite any significant evidence that clinically supervised psychedelic use causes or exacerbates seizures in this population. To date, no clinical trial or preclinical seizure model has demonstrated that psychedelics induce seizures.
Psychedelic compounds have been utilized by humans for centuries for medicinal, religious, and tribal purposes. Clinical trial data starting from the early 2000s and continuing today indicates that psychedelics are a clinically efficacious treatment for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The safety profile of classical psychedelics in individuals with epilepsy must be characterized to determine if these compounds are safe for use to treat functional seizures and co-morbid neuropsychiatric conditions.
The available data on the relationship between psychedelics and seizures is preliminary and sometimes not obtained from methodologically robust studies. For example, a recently published study with the largest sample of ayahuasca users ever recruited (n = 8,216) showed that 1.3% (n = 106) of ayahuasca users experienced seizures. One case of seizures was also reported in a small observational study (n = 40) with first-time ayahuasca users. These results highlight the need to better understand how the drug affects those who use it recreationally.
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People with epilepsy are excluded from clinical trials of psychedelics
Although psychedelic compounds have been used by humans for centuries for medicinal, religious, and tribal purposes, they have only recently been studied for their therapeutic potential. Clinical trial data from the early 2000s to the present indicate that psychedelics are a clinically effective treatment for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, there is a notable absence of individuals with a history of seizures from these trials, including those with epilepsy and non-epilepsy chronic seizure disorders.
Psychedelics have been linked to an increased risk of seizures, with some reports of seizures induced by psychedelic substances. For instance, a case study by Blond et al. (2023) described a significant increase in epileptic seizures in a 31-year-old male with refractory frontal epilepsy after consuming a large dose (3.6 g) of psychedelic mushrooms. Another case report by Houle et al. (2021) found that out of 8,216 ayahuasca users, 1.3% (106 individuals) experienced seizures. These adverse events, though rare, have led to the exclusion of individuals with epilepsy from clinical trials involving psychedelics due to the potential consequences of epileptic seizures.
The exclusion of people with epilepsy from clinical trials involving psychedelics is a precautionary measure to avoid adverse events. However, this exclusion also means that a large group of individuals with epilepsy or chronic seizure disorders are left without access to psychedelic-assisted therapy. Furthermore, there is a lack of significant evidence that clinically supervised psychedelic use causes or worsens seizures in this population. To date, no clinical trial or preclinical seizure model has shown that psychedelics induce seizures.
While the risk of seizures associated with psychedelic substances is recognized, the literature lacks detail, and the safety profile of these drugs is still being assessed. The available data are preliminary, and the enthusiasm for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics should be tempered with a cautious approach. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between classical psychedelics and seizures, especially considering the promising results of psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental disorders, which are associated with increased epileptic seizures.
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A large dose of magic mushrooms may cause seizures in people with epilepsy
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", have been used by humans for centuries for medicinal, religious, and tribal purposes. They contain psilocybin, the most prevalent plant-based hallucinogen used in the United States. While magic mushrooms have been gaining traction in therapeutic settings, it is important to understand their safety profile, especially in individuals with epilepsy.
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct causal link between magic mushroom consumption and seizures. Clinical trials examining the therapeutic potential of psychedelics have excluded individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy due to potential risks. However, this has left a gap in our understanding of the effects of psychedelics on this specific population.
Case reports and observational studies provide some insights into the relationship between magic mushroom ingestion and seizures. For instance, a case study by Blond et al. (2023) described a 31-year-old male with refractory frontal epilepsy who experienced a significant increase in epileptic seizures after consuming a large dose (3.6 g) of psychedelic mushrooms. The patient's responsive neurostimulation system (RNS) recorded 32 long episodes of epileptiform activity following high-dose ingestion, while lower doses (1.5 g) did not significantly impact his baseline seizure frequency.
Another case report by Argento et al. (2023) involved a 51-year-old female with refractory functional seizures who experienced a similar exacerbation of seizures following magic mushroom consumption. These reports suggest that large doses of magic mushrooms may indeed trigger seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
While the risk of drug-induced seizures in people with epilepsy is a concern, it is important to note that the overall trend suggests that psychedelics are generally safe when used in a controlled, supervised clinical setting. The available data on the safety profile of magic mushrooms in epilepsy patients is limited, and further research is needed to comprehensively understand the relationship between magic mushroom dosage, epilepsy, and seizure activity.
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There is a renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs
There is no conclusive evidence that mushrooms cause seizures. However, some sources suggest that the risk of seizures may be increased when mushrooms are used in conjunction with other substances. For instance, a case study by Blond et al. (2023) reported a significant increase in epileptic seizures in a 31-year-old male with a history of epilepsy after ingesting a large dose of psychedelic mushrooms. Another case report describes a person with epilepsy who experienced a significant increase in seizures after consuming psychedelic mushrooms.
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs
Psychedelics have been utilized by humans for centuries for various purposes, including medicinal, religious, and tribal practices. After the first English-language report on LSD in 1950, psychedelics were briefly explored in psychology and psychiatry, particularly as aids in the treatment of mood disorders and alcohol dependence. However, legislative restrictions in the mid-1960s halted psychedelic research.
Since the early 1990s, there has been a resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs, with ongoing clinical trials and brain imaging studies investigating their effectiveness in treating various conditions. The current wave of research focuses on the development of psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
Psychedelics, also known as serotonergic hallucinogens, are psychoactive substances that can alter perception, mood, and cognitive functions. They interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptors, which are involved in the intricate transmission of neuronal information. By understanding the neural mechanisms influenced by psychedelics, researchers aim to optimize therapeutic protocols and harness their potential benefits in mental health treatment.
While the renewed interest in psychedelic drugs holds promise, it is important to approach their therapeutic use with caution. Although studies have reported fewer adverse symptoms and minimal side effects, more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between these substances and the human brain. Additionally, the potential risks of drug-induced seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of epilepsy, should be carefully considered in clinical settings.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no significant evidence that clinically supervised mushroom use causes or exacerbates seizures. However, people with epilepsy are often excluded from clinical trials and informal spaces where psychedelics are provided due to the potential adverse consequences of epileptic seizures.
The risk of seizures might increase with the use of other substances, such as kambo or lithium. Additionally, factors such as a history of epilepsy and drug doses and regimens should be considered when examining the risk of drug-induced seizures.
Yes, there are a few case reports of psychedelic mushroom-induced seizures in individuals with epilepsy or refractory right temporal lobe epilepsy. However, these cases are rare, and the overall trend suggests that psychedelics are safe for use in controlled, supervised clinical settings.
There is some preliminary evidence that suggests a possible protective effect of some psychedelics against seizures in animal models. Additionally, psychedelic-assisted therapy is being researched as a promising treatment for several mental disorders that are associated with an increased risk of epileptic seizures.
