John Miller
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, are generating interest as a potential treatment for mental health issues. However, there is limited data on how they interact with other medications, particularly psychiatric medications. While magic mushrooms are considered to have a low risk profile when taken alone, they can be dangerous when combined with other substances, including prescribed medications. For example, psilocybin may interact with antidepressants, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. This has raised concerns about how patients with mental health conditions can safely access psilocybin therapy, as they may be forced to choose between their existing medications and psilocybin treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reishi mushrooms interaction with medication | High doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders, and before or during surgery. Reishi mushroom might also lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure. |
| Magic mushrooms interaction with medication | Magic mushrooms are more dangerous when taken with other substances, prescribed or illicit. Psilocybin interacts badly with stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and antidepressants. The combination of psilocybin with antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. |
| Magic mushrooms interaction with opioids | Psilocybin could increase the depressing effect of opioids on the CNS, leading to loss of coordination, confusion, and drowsiness. In more severe cases, it could slow down or stop the user's breathing and heart rate. |
| Magic mushrooms interaction with benzodiazepines | The CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines, when paired with psilocybin, can lead to accidents and injuries. |
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybin and antidepressants
Psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms", has demonstrated antidepressant properties in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, it is important to understand the potential interactions between psilocybin and antidepressant medications.
Psilocybin interacts with antidepressants in a complex manner. Limited data suggest that psilocybin's effects may be diminished when taken concurrently with serotonergic antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This dampening effect may persist even after discontinuing antidepressant use for up to three months. In a survey of individuals taking psilocybin mushrooms with an antidepressant, the probabilities of weaker drug effects were 0.47 for SSRIs, 0.55 for SNRIs, and 0.29 for bupropion.
On the other hand, a recent double-blind randomized controlled trial found that SSRI administration for two weeks did not significantly alter the acute subjective effects of 25 mg of psilocybin. Additionally, an open-label trial of single-dose psilocybin (25 mg) in patients with TRD who were taking SSRIs demonstrated favourable safety and therapeutic efficacy. These findings suggest that SSRIs may not always diminish the antidepressant effects of psilocybin.
Despite the potential therapeutic benefits, there are risks associated with combining psilocybin and antidepressants. Serotonin toxicity, also known as serotonin syndrome, can occur when excessive amounts of serotonin build up in the brain. This condition can be life-threatening. A case study reported a 35-year-old woman who experienced serotonin toxicity after taking psilocybin recreationally while also being prescribed venlafaxine ER, bupropion XL, and lorazepam. Therefore, caution must be exercised when considering the concurrent use of psilocybin and antidepressants.
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Magic mushrooms and opioids
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, have been used for thousands of years, including in religious rituals. They contain psilocybin, a psychedelic substance that can cause people to experience distorted sights and sounds, lose their sense of time and space, and feel intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror. While magic mushrooms have the lowest risk profile of any recreational drug when taken on their own, they can be significantly more dangerous when combined with other substances, including prescription medications.
Combining magic mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid compounds, are responsible for approximately 70% of all overdose deaths in the United States. Magic mushrooms may increase the depressing effect of opioids on the central nervous system (CNS), leading to loss of coordination, confusion, and drowsiness. In more severe cases, it could cause the user's breathing and heart to slow down or even stop. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid mixing magic mushrooms with opioids to prevent adverse effects and potentially fatal outcomes.
However, it is important to note that there has been limited research into the interaction between psilocybin and opioids. Some studies suggest that psilocybin may have potential in treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Classic psychedelics, including psilocybin, have been linked to the alleviation of various substance use disorders, and there is interest in exploring their effectiveness in treating OUD. A recent self-selecting survey examined the experiences of more than 150 people who reported a reduction or cessation in their opioid use after using psychedelics like psilocybin.
While magic mushrooms may show promise in treating opioid use disorder, it is essential to emphasize that combining them with opioids can be extremely dangerous. The potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating OUD should be explored under professional medical supervision, and individuals should not attempt to self-medicate or combine the two substances without medical guidance.
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Reishi mushroom and diabetes medication
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are a type of bitter-tasting fungus with a long history of medicinal use. They are considered safe for most people, with no evidence of toxic effects, and have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Reishi mushrooms in treating these conditions.
Reishi mushrooms have been shown to potentially decrease blood sugar levels. Therefore, taking them alongside diabetes medications may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. It is important for individuals taking diabetes medication to monitor their blood sugar levels closely if they are also consuming Reishi mushrooms. Additionally, Reishi mushrooms may lower blood pressure, so consuming them with other blood pressure-lowering medications may cause blood pressure to drop excessively.
Reishi mushrooms are also known to slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners. They may also increase bleeding during surgery, so it is recommended to discontinue their use at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. Furthermore, Reishi mushrooms can boost the immune system response, which may worsen symptoms in individuals taking immunosuppressant medications for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or psoriasis.
While Reishi mushrooms are generally considered safe, there is limited research on their effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to avoid their use during these periods due to insufficient safety information. Additionally, the lack of regulation in the nutritional supplement industry can lead to variations in product quality and consistency across different brands. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your diet.
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Psilocybin and benzodiazepines
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been shown to be largely safe. However, it can interact negatively with other drugs, especially stimulants and hallucinogens, as well as medication for mental health conditions. When taken with other substances, the risk profile of psilocybin increases significantly.
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. They are often used to treat anxiety disorders and can produce a calming effect. They are also used to treat insomnia and muscle spasms. Some common benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan.
When it comes to the interaction between psilocybin and benzodiazepines, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that benzodiazepines are sometimes used to treat adverse reactions to psilocybin, also known as "bad trips". In a medical setting, benzodiazepines can help manage the negative effects of a bad trip. However, it is generally advised that individuals avoid self-medicating with benzodiazepines in this situation, as it can be difficult to get the dosage right. Overdosing on benzodiazepines while on psilocybin can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
On the other hand, some sources suggest that benzodiazepines can be safely co-administered with psilocybin. A study by Hasler et al. (2004) found that low doses of midazolam, a type of benzodiazepine, can block memory formation without impairing the therapeutic psychedelic experience. This suggests that the co-administration of benzodiazepines and psilocybin may be beneficial in a clinical setting, as it allows for the therapeutic effects of psilocybin while reducing the impact of negative memories associated with the experience.
Additionally, there is some interest in the use of benzodiazepines to increase sensitivity to psilocybin following a chronic SSRI regimen. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a type of antidepressant that can reduce the effects of psilocybin. In such cases, benzodiazepines may be used to enhance the sensitivity to psilocybin and improve its therapeutic potential.
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Psilocybin and MDMA
Psilocybin, the active component of magic mushrooms, interacts with several medications, including antidepressants, stimulants, and opioids. Combining psilocybin with other serotonergic agents, such as antidepressants, can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. Psilocybin also interacts negatively with stimulants, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and with depressants like alcohol and opioids, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine), on the other hand, is a potent monoamine releaser that produces acute euphoria but is not considered a classic psychedelic like psilocybin. MDMA has been shown to have fewer profound effects on consciousness compared to psilocybin. While there have been limited studies on the acute effects of combining MDMA and psilocybin, anecdotal evidence suggests that co-use may reduce challenging experiences and enhance positive experiences associated with psilocybin.
The combination of MDMA and psilocybin has been studied in healthy volunteers, and both substances produced marked subjective effects, with psilocybin causing more profound changes in consciousness. The interaction between MDMA and psilocybin may involve changes in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between different brain networks. However, more research is needed to fully understand the neurobiology of consciousness and the potential interactions between these substances.
It is important to note that the information provided here is not exhaustive and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The effects and safety of combining MDMA and psilocybin warrant further investigation, especially in controlled dose-response studies.
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Frequently asked questions
No, magic mushrooms are significantly more dangerous when taken alongside other substances, both illicit and prescribed. Psilocybin interacts particularly badly with stimulants, as both can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Combining magic mushrooms and depressants like alcohol and opioids can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Yes, magic mushrooms interact with antidepressants. Combining two serotonergic agents can cause serotonin syndrome, which in serious cases can be fatal. Limited data suggests that psilocybin's effects may be diminished by serotonergic antidepressants acutely and even after a medication washout period.
No, people should avoid self-medicating with benzodiazepines. The CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines could, when paired with the perceptual distortion of psilocybin, lead to accidents and injuries.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if reishi mushrooms are safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. It is best to stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Reishi mushrooms might lower blood pressure. Taking reishi mushrooms along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low.
