Laura Smith
Microdosing, or taking very small amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, has become an increasingly popular method of self-medication for chronic pain management. While there is limited clinical research on the efficacy and safety of microdosing mushrooms, some case studies and patient testimonials suggest that it may provide pain relief and reduce the reliance on traditional analgesic medications. The interest in microdosing mushrooms for pain management stems from the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms, which has been shown to produce sustained benefits in treating refractory depression, end-of-life anxiety, and addiction. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before considering microdosing mushrooms as a complementary health approach to ensure shared and well-informed decisions about an individual's health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potential Benefits | Reduction in pain, improved acceptance of pain, increased agency, improved mental health, increased productivity, reduced reliance on traditional analgesic medications |
| Types of Pain | Chronic pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, autoimmune lupus-related pain, complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia |
| Types of Administration | Self-administration, injection |
| Dosage | 500 mg of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom daily for 7–10 days, 1–25 mg, 0.215 mg kg−1, 2.6g, 225 mg, 10 μg |
| Safety | Microdosing may be unsafe for people with psychotic conditions like schizophrenia, may lead to insomnia, increased anxiety and depression, poor mood, low energy, physical discomfort, poor focus and cognitive functioning, impaired social skills |
| Limitations | Lack of published clinical trials, potential safety issues due to newness of concept, difficulty in legally testing products |
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What You'll Learn
Microdosing may reduce reliance on traditional painkillers
Microdosing of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been reported to help with chronic pain management and reduce reliance on traditional painkillers. Psilocybin is the active component in magic mushrooms and has been used for thousands of years for ceremonial and healing purposes.
A case study in three patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) showed that psilocybin microdosing (500 mg of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom daily for 7–10 days) provided a nearly complete resolution in pain levels for many hours to several weeks. Importantly, it also reduced the use of opioids. In another case study, a patient with autoimmune lupus-related pain reported that a one-time macrodose of 6 g of Psilocybe cubensis significantly improved their pain levels for an extended period of at least 12 months.
While the mechanism of action is still being studied, psilocybin is believed to target serotonergic pathways through the activation of 5-HT2A receptors and improve functional connectivity in brain regions involved in chronic pain. Additionally, psilocybin may reduce inflammation and desensitize central pain responses.
It is important to note that the use of psychedelics, including psilocybin-containing mushrooms, for pain management is a relatively new concept and has not been extensively studied in clinical trials. As with any complementary health approach, individuals should consult with their healthcare providers before starting microdosing mushrooms to ensure safe and well-informed decisions about their health.
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Microdosing can cause adverse effects
Microdosing of psilocybin, a compound produced by almost 200 species of fungi, has been anecdotally associated with several benefits, such as enhanced mood, creativity, concentration, and productivity. However, it's important to acknowledge that microdosing can also cause adverse effects.
Firstly, microdosing psilocybin can lead to increased blood pressure and anxiety. These side effects are common and have been documented in several studies. Additionally, there are reports of cognitive impairment, including poor focus and cognitive functioning. Other adverse effects may include physical discomfort, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches, disrupted senses, and temperature dysfunction.
It's worth noting that the potency of mushrooms can vary significantly, and they are not regulated outside of clinical trials. This makes it challenging to determine an exact dosage, and the effects of microdosing can be unpredictable and vary widely from person to person. The experience is influenced by various factors, including personality, mood, expectations, surroundings, health status, type of mushroom, previous experiences with similar substances, and the combined use of other drugs.
While most adverse effects of microdosing are considered mild and transient, resolving after intoxication, there is limited information about the long-term effects of this practice. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the potential risks associated with microdosing.
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Microdosing may help with acceptance of pain
Microdosing of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been reported to help with the acceptance of pain. In a study, seven contributors reported increased acceptance of their situation and found this to be helpful in their general experience of pain. One contributor stated:
> I do feel differently about it. I also think differently about it… I'm able to say, yes, (pain) is something that I deal with. And yes, it sucks. And yes, I don't have the resource to do anything about it right now, but I'm doing what I can, and I'm still here, and I'm still alive. And it's not really that bad. I'm able to look at it differently, and that has a big effect.
Another contributor shared:
> I still experience pain, but I experience it differently… Since I started microdosing mushrooms, I feel like it almost slows me down. I still have the same life stimuli coming at me, that hasn't changed, but it's allowed me to slow down and analyse the stimuli and then really think about how I want to react to it.
Psychedelic serotonergic agonists such as psilocybin have been shown to produce sustained benefits in refractory depression, end-of-life anxiety, and addiction when coupled with psychotherapy. While there is a lack of clinical trials on the use of psychedelics for pain management, preliminary studies suggest that psilocybin may offer therapeutic value in treating chronic pain.
It is important to note that the safety and efficacy of microdosing psilocybin are still being studied. Psilocybin is not safe for individuals with psychotic conditions, and it can cause adverse effects such as insomnia, increased anxiety, and physical discomfort. Furthermore, there are risks associated with the adulteration of psilocybin and the potential for fatal poisoning from consuming poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
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Microdosing may increase agency and control
Microdosing of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been reported to increase agency and control over one's pain and life. In a self-medication study, seven contributors reported feeling more in control over their pain and life. One contributor stated:
> I still experience pain, but I experience it differently… Since I started microdosing mushrooms, I feel like it almost slows me down. I still have the same life stimuli coming at me, that hasn't changed, but it's allowed me to slow down and analyse the stimuli and then really think about how I want to react to it.
Another contributor shared:
> I always get some relief. Always. Every single time… it helps with my state of mind the following days, but the pain specifically, I feel it always.
The therapeutic effects of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms are attributed to their ability to target serotonergic pathways and induce neuroplastic changes. These changes can improve functional connectivity in brain regions involved in chronic pain, potentially reducing pain sensations.
While microdosing shows promise in pain management, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any complementary health approaches. The safety and efficacy of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms for chronic pain management require further investigation, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
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Microdosing may be unsafe for those with psychotic conditions
Microdosing of psilocybin, the active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms, has been anecdotally associated with several benefits, including pain relief and improved mental health. However, it is important to note that the safety and effectiveness of microdosing are not yet fully understood, and there are potential risks involved, especially for individuals with certain pre-existing conditions.
In addition to the risks associated with dosage uncertainty, microdosing may also lead to unwanted side effects even at low doses. Some people have reported experiencing insomnia, increased anxiety and depression, poor mood, low energy, physical discomfort (such as gastrointestinal issues and headaches), impaired cognitive functioning, and impaired social skills. These side effects can be particularly problematic for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, potentially exacerbating their symptoms or triggering new episodes.
While microdosing may offer therapeutic benefits for some individuals, it is crucial to approach this practice with caution, especially for those with psychotic conditions. The potential risks and side effects highlight the importance of further research to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of microdosing, especially for vulnerable populations. As research in this area progresses, it will help determine the feasibility of microdosing as a safe and effective therapeutic option for pain management and mental health concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Microdosing involves taking small, regular, sub-hallucinogenic doses of a substance to achieve therapeutic effects without the psychedelic experience.
Microdosing psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been shown to help with chronic pain. However, it is not clear if microdosing is safe or effective, and it can lead to insomnia, increased anxiety, and depression.
Microdosing mushrooms have been shown to provide pain relief with decreased reliance on traditional analgesic medications. It has also been shown to reduce opioid use and improve acceptance and control over pain.
