Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are psychedelic drugs that can cause hallucinations and distort a person's perception, emotions, and cognition. While psilocybin has been investigated for its therapeutic potential in treating mental health conditions, it is largely a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law in the US. When combined with other substances, psilocybin can have dangerous interactions. For instance, mixing psilocybin with stimulants can increase the risk of heart attack or seizure due to elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Combining psilocybin with depressants like alcohol and opioids can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, and mixing it with certain psychiatric medications can lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition. Additionally, psilocybin should not be taken with other hallucinogens or antidepressants as this can result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drugs that interact with magic mushrooms | Ice, speed, ecstasy, psychiatric medications, stimulants, hallucinogens, alcohol, opioids, marijuana, antidepressants, LSD, DMT, bufo toad venom, MDMA, cocaine, amphetamines |
| Effects of drug interaction | Increase the chances of a bad trip, panic, relapse or worsening of psychiatric condition, increased heart rate and blood pressure, serotonin syndrome, loss of coordination, confusion, drowsiness, slowed breathing and heart rate, increased risk of accidents and injuries, reduced perceived effects of alcohol, increased drinking, mania |
| Drugs with potential for interaction | MDMA, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms and stimulants
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are psychedelic drugs that can cause hallucinations and distort a person's senses, emotions, thinking, and sense of time. They are often consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
Stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA, increase blood pressure and heart rate. Psilocybin also has this effect, and the combination can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and heart rate, a condition known as hypertension and tachycardia. In extreme circumstances, this combination can cause heart attacks or seizures, even long after the consumption of magic mushrooms, as psilocybin can stay in the system longer than stimulants.
Combining magic mushrooms with stimulants can also increase the chances of a "bad trip" and lead to panic. A "bad trip" is a common term to describe the negative effects of magic mushrooms, which may include frightening experiences such as paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. Impaired judgment during these "bad trips" may lead to risk-taking behaviour, which may then result in traumatic injuries or even death.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of magic mushrooms can also differ significantly. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when consuming any type of drug, including magic mushrooms, especially when mixing with other substances.
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Magic mushrooms and alcohol
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic and psychoactive compound. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties. Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, perceptual changes, and an inability to tell the difference between fantasy and reality. They can also affect a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and behaviour.
Alcohol is a depressant. When combined with magic mushrooms, alcohol can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. This is because both substances act similarly, intensifying the drugs' effects, side effects, and potential risks. For instance, psilocybin may reduce the perceived effects of alcohol, causing the individual to drink more than usual. This combination may also make it more difficult to think clearly.
Although magic mushrooms have low toxicity and a low risk of addiction, they can still be dangerous when mixed with other substances, including alcohol. The effects of mixing mushrooms and alcohol are unpredictable and may vary from person to person. Experts advise against consuming these two substances together.
There is some evidence that psilocybin may be useful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers are studying the benefits of using psychedelics in people with AUD, which may work by modifying neuroplasticity in the brain. 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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Magic mushrooms and psychiatric medication
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing the chemical psilocybin, are hallucinogenic drugs that can cause a person to experience euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. They are currently classified as Schedule I substances by the federal government, meaning they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. However, recent research has shown that psilocybin has significant potential in the treatment of mental and behavioural health disorders.
When taken as a soup or tea, the effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 5-10 minutes and can last for approximately 4-6 hours. The effects include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and feelings of euphoria. The environment in which magic mushrooms are consumed can greatly influence the experience. For example, consuming them in a calm and relaxed setting can contribute to a pleasant experience, while taking them in a noisy and crowded place may result in a negative experience.
While magic mushrooms are largely safe, they can interact dangerously with other drugs, especially stimulants and other hallucinogens. Psilocybin interacts particularly badly with stimulants as both can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which in extreme circumstances can lead to heart attacks or seizures. Combining magic mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. It is important to note that psilocybin may reduce the perceived effects of alcohol, leading to the potential risk of drinking too much.
Magic mushrooms should not be taken with certain psychiatric medications as they may cause a relapse or worsening of the condition. Additionally, combining psilocybin with other serotonergic agents, such as antidepressants, can lead to serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition that can be fatal. Mild cases of serotonin syndrome may include high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, shivering, sweating, and dilated pupils. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming magic mushrooms, especially if taking any prescribed medications.
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Magic mushrooms and antidepressants
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", are psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin, which is converted into the psychoactive chemical psilocin in the body. They can cause hallucinations, perceptual changes, and altered thinking, senses, emotions, and sense of time.
Magic mushrooms can be dangerous when taken with other substances, including prescribed medications and antidepressants. Combining magic mushrooms with stimulants can increase the risk of heart attacks or seizures, as both substances increase heart rate and blood pressure. Mixing magic mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Psilocybin should not be taken with any other substance that acts on serotonin, including other hallucinogens and antidepressants, as this can lead to serotonin syndrome, a dangerous and potentially fatal condition. Serotonin syndrome features high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, shivering, sweating, jerking or twitching, and dilated pupils. Antidepressant users who take magic mushrooms are at a particular risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if they take more magic mushrooms because the initial dose did not have a strong effect.
However, psilocybin has been investigated as a potential treatment for depression, addiction, and other mental health conditions. A small study conducted by researchers at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London compared the effects of psilocybin therapy with a six-week course of a leading antidepressant (escitalopram) in 59 people with moderate to severe depression. The study found that psilocybin reduced depression scores more quickly and to a greater extent than the antidepressant, although the difference was not statistically significant.
While psilocybin may offer an alternative treatment for depression, patients should not attempt to self-medicate with magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, as the studies were conducted with careful safeguards and regulated doses.
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Magic mushrooms and opioids
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, contain psilocybin, a psychedelic drug that can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality. Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the individual, the environment, and the amount consumed.
When it comes to mixing magic mushrooms with other substances, it is important to exercise caution as it can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. Combining magic mushrooms with stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, or MDMA can increase the risk of a ""bad trip"" and lead to panic, increased heart rate, and blood pressure. In extreme cases, it can even cause heart attacks or seizures.
Opioids are depressants, and combining them with magic mushrooms can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. While research on the interaction between psilocybin and opioids is limited, it is believed that psilocybin may enhance the depressing effect of opioids on the central nervous system (CNS). This could result in mild symptoms such as loss of coordination, confusion, and drowsiness, or more severe consequences such as slowed breathing and heart rate, or even respiratory arrest.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms, especially in combination with other substances, can be unpredictable and dangerous. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and individuals should approach their consumption with caution, particularly when mixing with other substances such as opioids.
While magic mushrooms have been associated with adverse effects, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits. Classic psychedelics, including psilocybin, have been linked to reduced cravings and the alleviation of various substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder (OUD). This suggests that magic mushrooms may hold promise as a potential treatment for OUD, a condition that has contributed significantly to mortality rates in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Many drugs interact with magic mushrooms, including other hallucinogens, stimulants, depressants, and antidepressants. These combinations can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Taking mushrooms with stimulants can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. In extreme circumstances, this combination can cause heart attacks or seizures. Both drugs increase heart rate and blood pressure, and can lead to serotonin syndrome in serious cases.
Combining mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. According to some reports, psilocybin may reduce the perceived effects of alcohol, causing the user to drink too much.
Taking mushrooms with antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. Antidepressant users who have taken more mushrooms because they initially didn't feel much effect are at particular risk of serotonin syndrome.
People taking psychiatric medications should not take mushrooms, as a relapse or worsening of the condition could occur.
