Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, have been generating interest as a potential treatment for mental health conditions. However, there is limited data and research on how psilocybin interacts with other medications, particularly antidepressants. While psilocybin is considered largely safe, it can interact negatively with other drugs, especially stimulants and other hallucinogens, and with medications prescribed for mental health conditions. Additionally, combining psilocybin with certain medications can lead to reduced effectiveness of the psilocybin or the other medication. More research is needed to fully understand the interactions between psilocybin and other substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Psilocybin is possibly safe when used as a single dose under medical supervision. Single doses of psilocybin have been used in controlled settings without serious side effects. |
| Common side effects | Confusion, fear, hallucinations, headache, high blood pressure, nausea, and paranoia |
| Interaction with other drugs | Psilocybin interacts badly with stimulants, depressants like alcohol and opioids, and other hallucinogens. |
| Interaction with antidepressants | Limited data suggests that psilocybin's effects may be diminished by serotonergic antidepressants acutely and even after a medication washout period. |
| Use in Oregon | People attempting to navigate Oregon's psilocybin services in the context of ongoing psychiatric treatment should work closely with knowledgeable professionals. |
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybin mushrooms and antidepressants
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been shown in studies to have antidepressant properties in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, psilocybin can interact negatively with other drugs, especially stimulants, hallucinogens, and medications for mental health conditions.
A case study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reported on a 35-year-old woman who experienced serotonin toxicity, also known as serotonin syndrome, after using psilocybin recreationally while taking a daily regimen of antidepressants and other medications. Serotonin toxicity occurs when an excessive amount of serotonin builds up in the brain, leading to potentially life-threatening symptoms. While the exact dose of psilocybin used by the patient in the case study is unknown, the authors suggest that it likely contributed to accelerating her serotonin toxicity risk.
Another study investigated the impact of antidepressant discontinuation prior to treatment with psilocybin for TRD. The study found that the subjective experience of psilocybin was not altered by antidepressant withdrawal, and that psilocybin treatment efficacy and the subjective psychedelic experience were not compromised by prior antidepressant use. However, there is also evidence that the acute subjective psychedelic effects of psilocybin may be diminished by the use of antidepressant drugs prior to exposure.
An open-label trial investigated the use of psilocybin in patients with TRD who were taking SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The investigators concluded that a single administration of 25 mg psilocybin with psychological support adjunctive to SSRI demonstrated a favourable safety and therapeutic efficacy profile in subjects with TRD. The findings did not support the hypothesis that adjunctive SSRIs diminish the antidepressant effects of psilocybin. However, it is important to note that the study had limitations, including a small sample size and the exclusion of patients at increased risk of suicide or psychiatric hospitalization.
While psilocybin has shown promise in treating mood disorders such as PTSD, it is important to carefully monitor its use in conjunction with antidepressants to ensure the safety of those taking it.
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Magic mushrooms and benzodiazepines
While magic mushrooms are largely considered safe, psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can interact badly with other drugs, especially stimulants and other hallucinogens. It is advised that people avoid self-medicating with benzodiazepines when experiencing a bad trip on magic mushrooms. The CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines could, when paired with the perceptual distortion of psilocybin, lead to accidents and injuries. It may also be difficult to get the dosage right, and people on psilocybin are at risk of accidentally taking excessively high doses of benzodiazepines, which could lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam, as well as alcohol, have been limitedly studied in combination with psilocybin and other psychedelics and are not known to directly interact with them. However, because of their GABAergic effects, such as anxiolysis, sedation, and amnesia, they may diminish or oppose the effects of psychedelics. Recreational users often use benzodiazepines and alcohol as "trip killers" to manage difficult hallucinogenic experiences with psychedelics. The safety of this strategy is not entirely clear and might have risks. However, benzodiazepines have been used to manage psychedelics' adverse psychological effects in clinical studies and in emergency rooms.
A clinical trial of psilocybin and midazolam co-administration found that midazolam clouded psilocybin's effects and impaired memory of the experience. Benzodiazepines might interfere with the therapeutic effects of psychedelics like psilocybin, such as sustained antidepressant effects. When taken by mouth, psilocybin is possibly safe when used as a single dose under medical supervision. Single doses of psilocybin have been used in controlled settings without serious side effects. The most common side effects include confusion, fear, hallucinations, headache, high blood pressure, nausea, and paranoia.
It is important to note that the information provided here is not exhaustive and that individual responses to magic mushroom ingestion may vary. It is always advisable to seek professional medical advice before consuming any substance that may interfere with your medication.
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Reishi mushrooms and diabetes medications
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, are a type of fungus that grows in hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing fatigue, and improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, their effectiveness for treating various conditions has not been scientifically proven.
When it comes to diabetes medications, there are some potential concerns about taking Reishi mushrooms concurrently. Reishi mushrooms have been shown in studies to lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, consuming them alongside diabetes medications may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. This could lead to hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous. As a result, it is crucial for individuals taking diabetes medications to closely monitor their blood sugar levels if they decide to incorporate Reishi mushrooms into their routine.
Additionally, it is important to note that Reishi mushrooms may interact with other medications. They have the potential to increase the risk of bleeding in individuals taking blood thinners or those with bleeding disorders. They may also lower blood pressure, so caution should be exercised when combining them with antihypertensive drugs. Furthermore, because Reishi mushrooms can boost the immune system, they may exacerbate symptoms in individuals taking immunosuppressant medications for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or psoriasis.
It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing Reishi mushrooms or any other supplement to your regimen, especially if you are taking prescription medications. The recommended dosage of Reishi mushrooms for adults is typically 1400-5400 mg daily, usually divided into smaller doses. However, the specific dosage may vary depending on individual factors such as age, health conditions, and the advice of a healthcare provider.
While Reishi mushrooms are considered safe for most people and are not known to have toxic effects, there are limited studies on their effectiveness, and the quality and consistency of nutritional supplements can vary across brands. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and informed when considering the use of Reishi mushrooms, especially in combination with diabetes medications or other prescription drugs.
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Psilocybin mushrooms and opioids
Psilocybin mushrooms, often called shrooms or magic mushrooms, are a form of fungi containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that can be found in several species of fungi. This naturally occurring substance causes changes in perception, thought, and mood. While it is largely safe, psilocybin can interact badly with other drugs, especially stimulants and other hallucinogens.
Psilocybin mushrooms are a commonly used hallucinogen. Although addiction risk is low, psychological dependence can still develop. Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most countries, and using them can cause potential, sometimes severe, health risks. Abuse of psilocybin mushrooms is a growing concern, particularly among younger populations. The idea that they are a "natural" and somewhat safe drug may contribute to their use among younger communities.
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. Magic mushrooms also shouldn't be taken alongside any other substance that acts on serotonin, such as other hallucinogens and antidepressants, as the combination could lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
There has been little research into the interaction of psilocybin and opioids. However, it is thought that psilocybin could increase opioids' depressing effect on the central nervous system (CNS). In mild cases, this could mean loss of coordination, confusion, and drowsiness. More dangerously, it could cause the user's breathing and heart to slow down or even stop.
Psilocybin, when safely taken, may reduce drug use and cravings in people with opioid use disorder. A recent self-selecting survey examined the experiences of more than 150 people who had used psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin and subsequently experienced a reduction or cessation in their opioid use. Some people report using benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax to ease the adverse effects of psilocybin, but this can be dangerous as the CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines could, when paired with the perceptual distortion of psilocybin, lead to accidents and injuries.
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Magic mushrooms and alcohol
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a natural hallucinogenic and psychoactive compound. When taken by mouth, psilocybin is possibly safe when used as a single dose under medical supervision. The most common side effects include confusion, fear, hallucinations, headache, high blood pressure, nausea, and paranoia.
Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs can have adverse effects. Users report adverse effects when combining psilocybin with alcohol, opioids, cannabis, and other drugs, although clinical research is minimal. Experts advise against consuming shrooms and alcohol together as it can have unpredictable results. Both substances can affect the brain in similar ways, intensifying the drugs' effects, side effects, and potential risks.
Some people may notice that mixing alcohol and mushrooms can lessen the effect of each drug. However, it may also make it more difficult to think clearly. Combining magic mushrooms and depressants like alcohol and opioids can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Despite the potential risks, researchers are studying the benefits of using psychedelics in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is being investigated as a treatment for AUD. An ongoing study is exploring whether psilocybin can lower the number of heavy drinking days among people living with alcohol addiction.
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Frequently asked questions
There is a lack of research on how psilocybin mushrooms interact with other medications. However, it is known to interact badly with stimulants, hallucinogens, and medications for mental health conditions. Psilocybin also interacts negatively with benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioids, and cannabis.
Limited data suggests that psilocybin's effects may be diminished by serotonergic antidepressants, even after a medication washout period.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that mushrooms interfere with diabetes medications or blood pressure medications. However, more research is needed to fully understand the interactions between mushrooms and medications.
