Michael Davis
While the use of psychedelic substances such as magic mushrooms can lead to profound insights, personal growth, and life-changing transformation, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with their consumption. Bad trips are a common occurrence among users of psychedelics, and they can be characterised by feelings of losing oneself, ego dissolution, or intense anxiety. To mitigate a bad mushroom trip, some individuals turn to trip killers, which are additional mind-altering substances that either block the effects of psychedelics or reduce associated anxiety. However, the use of trip killers is potentially dangerous and should be approached with caution, as few clinical studies have examined their efficacy and safety. Instead, it is recommended to create a relaxing and safe environment, include a trusted friend or trip sitter, and stay hydrated to help manage a challenging psychedelic experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to stop a mushroom trip | Drinking water, drinking something sugary, eating a banana, Trip Stopper 3000, music, conversation with a friend, watching a film or series, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, herbal remedies, prescribed sleeping pills |
| How to prevent a bad trip | Take the drug in a relaxing and safe environment, include a friend or "trip sitter", ensure the mindset of the person using the substance is positive, ensure there are no unresolved psychological issues, ensure the environment is comfortable |
| Dangers | Very high doses of psychedelics can cause unpleasant side effects, distress, agitation, and even psychosis. There is little clinical research on trip killers. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid 'trip killers'—they can be harmful
While trip killers can be used to abort or reduce the effects of a bad mushroom trip, they can be harmful and it is advised to avoid them. Trip killers are drugs that either block the direct effects of the psychedelic or reduce the anxiety associated with a bad trip. They are also known as hallucinogen antidotes or hallucinogen antagonists.
There are different types of trip killers, and they work differently depending on the type of hallucinogen. For serotonergic psychedelics, serotonin receptor antagonists, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines, are used as trip killers. Examples of these include risperidone, quetiapine, trazodone, mirtazapine, diazepam, and alprazolam (Xanax). Antipsychotics and benzodiazepines are the most frequently recommended options on social media platforms such as Reddit, but warnings about their potential side effects are rarely included.
Benzodiazepines, for example, can be addictive and have been implicated in overdose deaths. High doses of benzodiazepines can lead to over-sedation, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression. Antipsychotics, such as quetiapine, also carry risks when taken in high doses. The doses of trip killers suggested on social media platforms like Reddit are often higher than clinically recommended doses, which can increase the risks.
Furthermore, trip killers do not exist for all types of hallucinogens. For instance, there are no antidotes for NMDA receptor antagonist dissociatives like ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP). Additionally, while NMDA receptor agonists could theoretically reverse the effects of NMDA receptor antagonists, they can also produce excitotoxic neurotoxicity and convulsions, limiting their medical use.
Instead of turning to trip killers, there are other ways to mitigate a bad mushroom trip. Creating a relaxing and safe environment and having a friend or "trip sitter" present can help. Distracting yourself with music, conversation, or a film or series can also help take your mind off a bad trip. Staying hydrated is also important, and drinking something sugary can help speed up the rate at which your body metabolizes psilocin.
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Seek medical help—consult a toxicologist or psychiatrist
If you are experiencing a bad mushroom trip, it is important to remain calm and remember that the effects will wear off eventually. However, if you are concerned about your physical or mental health, or that of someone else, it is important to seek medical help.
Consulting a toxicologist or a psychiatrist is a good option when dealing with a bad mushroom trip. A medical toxicologist can help manage the physical symptoms and side effects of mushroom poisoning. They can provide advice and guidance on how to mitigate the impact of the mushrooms on your body. This is especially important if you are experiencing severe agitation, anxiety, or psychomotor agitation. In such cases, anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines may be administered to help calm and relax the patient.
Additionally, if there are any indications of suicidal thoughts or intentions, consulting a psychiatrist is highly advisable. A psychiatrist can help manage the mental and emotional impacts of a bad mushroom trip. They can provide support and interventions to help you regain a sense of stability and peace. This is particularly relevant if you are experiencing distress, agitation, or psychosis. Antipsychotics may be recommended by a psychiatrist to help manage these symptoms.
It is important to note that combining certain drugs with psychedelics can have adverse effects and may even be harmful. Therefore, it is crucial to seek professional advice before taking any additional substances to mitigate a bad trip. While benzodiazepines and antipsychotics are often recommended on social media platforms, these substances should only be taken under the guidance of a medical professional.
In the United States, you can contact the regional poison control center by calling 1-800-222-1222. They can provide consultation, referral, and assistance in mushroom identification. Additionally, you can reach out to a mycologist through organizations such as the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) or a local university for expert advice and support.
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Avoid agitation—may require anxiolytics
While it is impossible to immediately stop a mushroom trip, there are ways to bring yourself down to a more comfortable and manageable level. One way to do this is to avoid agitation by taking anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines—the most popular being alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium). These drugs can help to reduce the anxiety associated with a bad trip and can also aid the drug taker to fall asleep. However, it is important to note that benzodiazepines are highly addictive and can lead to overdose if taken in high doses.
If you are experiencing agitation during a mushroom trip, it is recommended to seek help from a friend or "trip sitter". Planning your trip ahead of time can also help to avoid agitation. This includes choosing a safe and peaceful place to trip, ensuring you are in the right frame of mind, and having a plan for what to do if you have a bad trip.
It is also important to be aware of the dangers of taking "trip killers", which are drugs that can either block the direct effects of psychedelics or reduce the anxiety associated with a bad trip. While these may seem like a quick fix, they can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. There have been limited clinical studies on trip killers, and some of the doses suggested on Reddit and other social media platforms are higher than the clinically recommended maximum doses.
Instead of turning to trip killers, there are other ways to distract yourself and reduce agitation during a mushroom trip. Drinking water can be helpful, as it is a welcome distraction and can help to calm you down. Focusing on the sensation of the water in your mouth and throat can bring you out of your head and into your body. Drinking something sugary can also help, as it speeds up the rate at which your body metabolises psilocin. Staying away from caffeine is also recommended, as it can increase feelings of racing thoughts, panic, and anxiety.
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Avoid seizures—use anticonvulsants
While it is important to note that there is no proven method to immediately stop a mushroom trip, there are some techniques that can help bring you down to a more comfortable and manageable level. One way to mitigate a bad trip is to take the drug in a relaxing and safe environment, and to have a friend or "trip sitter" present to look after you for the duration of the trip. Additionally, staying hydrated can be beneficial, as it serves as a distraction and helps to calm you down. Drinking something sugary can also help speed up the rate at which your body metabolises psilocin. It is also recommended to stay away from caffeine, as it can increase feelings of racing thoughts, panic, and anxiety.
However, it is important to exercise caution when considering the use of "trip killers" to end a bad trip. Trip killers refer to additional mind-altering drugs that are taken to either block the direct effects of the psychedelic or reduce the anxiety associated with a bad trip. While they may provide a sense of safety and reduce the chances of a bad trip, there are limited clinical studies on their effectiveness and potential side effects. The most commonly suggested trip killers include Xanax (an anxiolytic), quetiapine (an antipsychotic), trazodone (an antidepressant), and diazepam (an anxiolytic). Other options that have been recommended on social media platforms like Reddit include benzodiazepines (sedatives) and various antipsychotics, but these lack sufficient safety warnings and may have harmful side effects.
It is worth noting that the use of trip killers is an emerging concern, as highlighted by doctors in a research letter published in the Emergency Medicine Journal. The letter analysed relevant threads on Reddit and found that recommendations for trip killers often lacked warnings about potential side effects. Additionally, the authors pointed out that the intensity of a psychedelic drug trip can lead to distress, agitation, and even psychosis. As such, it is important to approach the use of trip killers with caution and to seek professional medical advice before considering their use.
While it may be tempting to seek a quick solution to end a bad mushroom trip, it is important to prioritize safety and well-being. Instead of relying solely on trip killers, consider creating a safe and relaxing environment, staying hydrated, and seeking support from a trusted friend or professional. By combining these strategies, you can help mitigate a bad trip and improve your overall experience. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding how to navigate a challenging trip can enhance your sense of safety and reduce the likelihood of a negative experience.
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Avoid poisoning—consult poison control
Mushroom poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of mushroom poisoning, which can vary from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe manifestations such as liver failure, kidney failure, and neurological issues. In the most severe cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible if you suspect that you or someone you know has ingested poisonous mushrooms.
To avoid mushroom poisoning, it is essential to be extremely cautious when foraging or consuming wild mushrooms. It is difficult to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, as they may have similar colors and morphologies. Therefore, it is recommended to assume that all wild mushrooms are poisonous and to avoid consuming any mushrooms that you are unsure about. Instead, opt for purchasing mushrooms from a trusted source or store. Additionally, be wary of mushrooms growing in lawns, as they may have been exposed to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Mushrooms found in the ground can be particularly dangerous, and cooking them does not guarantee the removal of all toxins.
If you suspect that you or someone else has ingested poisonous mushrooms, immediate action is necessary. First, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention, especially if the person is unconscious, not breathing, or experiencing convulsions. It is important to provide as much information as possible to the medical professionals, including a description of the mushroom's appearance, texture, cap shape, and color, as well as the amount ingested. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom to the hospital or poison control center for identification.
While waiting for medical assistance, there are some measures you can take to help mitigate the effects of mushroom poisoning. Stay calm and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as mushroom poisoning can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. If the person is conscious, encourage them to drink water or a sugary drink, as it can help speed up the rate at which the body metabolizes the toxins. However, avoid giving them caffeine, as it can increase feelings of anxiety and panic.
Remember, the information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice. In any suspected case of mushroom poisoning, always seek immediate medical attention and follow the instructions of trained medical professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no way to immediately stop tripping, there are ways to bring yourself down to a more comfortable level. It is advised to avoid "trip killers", which are additional mind-altering drugs that block the effects of psychedelics, due to their potential dangers. Instead, try drinking water and focusing on the sensation, or consuming something sugary to speed up the rate at which your body metabolises the psilocin.
Natural blends such as valerian and maltodextrin are said to have soothing effects. Bananas can also help to counteract the effects of caffeine.
Distracting yourself with music, a conversation with a friend, or a film or series can help to take your mind off a bad trip.
Bad trips are often characterised by feelings of losing oneself, going crazy, or ego dissolution. They can be caused by a negative mood, unresolved psychological issues, or an uncomfortable environment.
To prevent a bad trip, it is recommended to consume psychedelics in a relaxing and safe environment, and consider having a friend or "trip sitter" present to look after you.
