Laura Smith
While it is possible to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms, it is very rare for someone to die from an overdose. The lethal dose is estimated to be 1000 times the psychoactive dose. However, there are risks associated with consuming psychedelic mushrooms, such as adverse reactions, long-term psychiatric complications, and the possibility of ingesting poisonous mushrooms. In addition, consuming psychedelic mushrooms alongside other substances, such as alcohol or SSRIs, may increase the risk of adverse effects, including serotonin syndrome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of death | Very rare |
| Cause of death | Mixed-drug toxicity, accidental foraging of poisonous mushrooms, self-harm |
| Symptoms of overdose | Anxiety, panic attacks, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Adverse effects | Worsening of symptoms in people with pre-existing psychotic disorders, hallucinations, changes in mood and perception, euphoria, altered thinking processes |
| Risk factors | Underlying health conditions, use of other substances, use of foraged mushrooms |
| Treatment | Medical screening before use, inpatient rehab |
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What You'll Learn
- It is possible but very rare to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms
- The risk of death is higher when consuming mushrooms with other substances
- Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be fatal
- There are risks of long-term psychiatric complications from the illicit use of psilocybin
- There is a risk of accidentally foraging a toxic mushroom species
It is possible but very rare to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms
While it is possible to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms, death from an overdose is very rare. Psilocybin mushrooms have low toxicity, and in a 2016 survey of over 12,000 users, only 0.2% reported needing emergency medical treatment. However, ingesting the wrong type of mushroom can be fatal if it is poisonous, and toxic mushroom species outnumber those that contain psilocybin by 10 to 1. Some poisonous mushrooms may resemble psilocybin mushrooms and produce similar hallucinogenic effects, making it difficult to distinguish between them.
The symptoms of a psychedelic mushroom overdose can be intense and overwhelming, primarily affecting the user psychologically. Severe anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis, hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of connection with reality are all possible effects of a "bad trip." Physical side effects such as nausea and vomiting are also common, especially during the onset of the experience. In addition, the behavioural effects of an overdose can be extreme, leading to impaired judgment and coordination, and severe psychological distress or delusional beliefs that could result in self-harm or harm to others.
While psilocybin itself is not known to be toxic, there are risks associated with ongoing mushroom consumption. There is a potential link between the use of psilocybin and other hallucinogens and the development of psychosis that persists after stopping the drug. In rare cases, regular hallucinogen users may experience symptoms of hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, where individuals continue to have sensory disturbances even after the drug has worn off. However, it is important to note that psychedelic mushrooms are not considered physically or psychologically addictive.
The risks of overdosing on psychedelic mushrooms can be mitigated by seeking professional medical advice and treatment. In a clinical setting, psilocybin has been approved as a medicine for treatment-resistant depression, and ongoing research is exploring its potential health benefits. However, outside of controlled environments, the misuse of mushrooms can occur and lead to adverse effects, particularly when consumed recreationally in an unregulated manner. Therefore, it is essential to approach the use of psychedelic mushrooms with caution and to prioritize safety and informed decision-making.
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The risk of death is higher when consuming mushrooms with other substances
While it is possible to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms, death from an overdose is very rare. Psilocybin mushrooms have low toxicity, and the lethal dose is estimated to be 1000 times the psychoactive dose. In fact, in a 2016 survey of over 12,000 users, only 0.2% reported seeking emergency medical treatment.
However, the risk of death is higher when consuming mushrooms with other substances. People with underlying health conditions who take psilocybin mushrooms alongside other drugs or alcohol may be more susceptible to adverse effects. For example, consuming mushrooms while on SSRIs can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition where serotonin accumulates in the body to dangerous levels. While most cases of serotonin syndrome are mild and resolve on their own, severe cases can result in seizures, loss of consciousness, and dangerous spikes in body temperature, which can lead to death or permanent brain damage.
Additionally, consuming foraged mushrooms carries a high risk of accidentally ingesting poisonous or toxic species, which can be fatal. Even experienced mushroom foragers may have difficulty distinguishing between edible and deadly species. Furthermore, reports suggest that some "magic mushrooms" purchased on the black market may be laced with other drugs such as LSD or PCP, increasing the risk of adverse effects and death.
It is important to note that outside of a clinical setting, psilocybin is a prohibited substance, and consuming it carries risks. Anyone interested in accessing psychedelic treatments should consult a medical professional rather than attempting to obtain them illegally.
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Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be fatal
While it is rare to die from an overdose of psychedelic mushrooms, consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be fatal. This is because some mushrooms that are poisonous to humans may look similar to psilocybin mushrooms, prompting inexperienced foragers to mistakenly consume them.
For example, the death cap mushroom can kill a healthy adult when ingested. In addition, psychedelic mushrooms can be laced with other drugs, such as LSD, PCP, or other substances, which can lead to adverse effects and even death.
It is important to note that the toxicity of psilocybin mushrooms is very low, and it would take a large amount to cause death. The lethal dose is estimated to be around 25 grams of pure psilocybin for a 200-pound person, which is difficult to ingest in one sitting. However, mixing mushrooms with other substances, such as alcohol or SSRIs, can increase the risk of adverse effects and even death.
In one case, a 34-year-old male was found unresponsive after consuming alcohol and mushrooms. The cause of death was ruled as mixed-drug toxicity. While it is uncommon, psychedelic-induced suicide has also been reported, and people with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to adverse effects.
Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when consuming mushrooms and to seek medical advice if you are considering using them for therapeutic purposes.
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There are risks of long-term psychiatric complications from the illicit use of psilocybin
While death from an overdose of psychedelic mushrooms is rare, there are risks of long-term psychiatric complications from the illicit use of psilocybin. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms". It is a Schedule I substance, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. However, psilocybin has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating psychiatric conditions, leading to greater public acceptance and interest in its recreational use.
The effects of psilocybin include hallucinations, changes in mood and perception, euphoria, and altered thinking processes. While these effects are typically short-term, lasting between four and six hours, there is a risk of long-term psychiatric complications with repeated use. This includes the rare adverse effect of psychosis during or after the psychedelic experience, which may be prolonged and require treatment with neuroleptic medication.
Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions may be at an increased risk of negative experiences, including psychological distress, extreme anxiety, and short-term psychosis. Additionally, there is a potential risk of developing hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, where individuals continue to experience sensory disturbances even after the drug has worn off. This condition can last for weeks, months, or even years, although it is relatively uncommon, affecting only about 4% of users.
The illicit use of psilocybin also poses risks beyond the drug's direct effects. There is a possibility of consuming poisonous mushrooms by accidentally foraging a lookalike species, which can be fatal. Furthermore, individuals who use psilocybin are more likely to use or misuse other drugs and alcohol, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes and addiction. Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment options if struggling with substance use disorders involving psilocybin and other substances.
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There is a risk of accidentally foraging a toxic mushroom species
While psychedelic mushrooms are not known to cause sudden death, there is a risk of accidentally foraging a toxic mushroom species. Mushroom poisoning can occur when toxic mushroom species are misidentified as edible ones and ingested. This is because many poisonous mushrooms bear a resemblance to edible mushrooms in terms of colour and general morphology.
There are about 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms, with only a few being fatal when ingested. One of the most well-known toxic mushroom species is the death cap (Amanita phalloides), which is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. The death cap mushroom contains two main groups of toxins: amatoxins and phallotoxins. Amatoxins are the chief toxic component, blocking the replication of DNA and leading to cell death. The lethal dose of amatoxin is about 10 mg, and just one death cap mushroom is enough to kill a healthy adult when ingested. Other toxic mushroom species include the destroying angels (A. virosa, A. bisporigera, and A. ocreata), the deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus), and the fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus).
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to death in about 10 days. Serious symptoms may not occur immediately after ingestion, as the toxin must first attack the kidney or liver. The most common symptom of mushroom poisoning is gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms can include violent abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, peeling skin, hair loss, low blood pressure, liver necrosis, and acute kidney failure. If left untreated, mushroom poisoning can lead to organ failure and death.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is important to familiarize oneself with the mushrooms one intends to collect, as well as with any similar-looking toxic species. It is also recommended to avoid foraging for mushrooms altogether, as it can be difficult to distinguish between edible and toxic species.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is possible to overdose on psychedelic mushrooms, death from an overdose is very rare. The lethal dose of psilocybin is estimated to be 1000 times the psychoactive dose. There are, however, a few reported cases of death involving the consumption of psychedelic mushrooms, but these cases also involved other substances like alcohol.
A 200lb person would have to consume ~25 grams of pure psilocybin at once to have a 50% chance of dying. This is equivalent to several pounds of mushrooms, which is likely too much for a person to consume in one sitting.
Yes, there are a few other risks associated with consuming psychedelic mushrooms. In rare cases, regular users may experience symptoms of hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, a condition in which individuals continue to have sensory disturbances after the drug has worn off. Additionally, consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be fatal if it is poisonous. There is also a risk of experiencing adverse effects if mushrooms are consumed alongside certain medications like SSRIs, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome.
