A Case Study Series: Utilizing Microdose Mushrooms for Alleviating Chronic Pain

Psilocybin, the psychoactive component of magic mushrooms, is known for inducing a state of euphoria and hallucinations when used recreationally.

In addition to its mind-altering properties, research has been conducted into its potential for providing relief from chronic pain.

This article highlights a case study that investigates the potential of microdosing mushrooms to alleviate chronic pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Pain relief, both immediate and sustained, may be attainable through microdosing mushrooms.
• When consumed in small quantities, psilocybin microdosing usually has less side effects compared to traditional pain medications.
• Psilocybin acts on serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, aiding in pain relief among other effects.

The Study

The research, “Microdosing Psilocybin for Chronic Pain: A Case Series“, was led by Dr. Matthew Lyes and his team from the Division of Pain Medicine at the University of California, San Diego’s Department of Anesthesiology. The research focused on three patients who used small amounts of psilocybin to manage their chronic pain symptoms.

Three Patients, One Common Result – Chronic Pain Relief

Patient # 1

AGE/ GENDER:	37 Male
PAIN TYPE:	Neuropathic pain experienced below the site of a spinal cord injury.
PAIN INTENSITY:	Initial level of 4 to 5/10, increasing to 8/10 later in the day
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE:	250 mg of ground mushroom for less than 6 months
OUTCOME:	Discontinuation of prescribed pain medication, fewer muscle spasms, and improved bowel movement regularity. No signs of rebound pain or withdrawal symptoms were observed.
The patient reported that while his usual medications only managed to diminish the pain, psilocybin effectively eliminated it, reducing his average pain level from 5 to

Case Study: Subject #2

AGE/ SEX:	69-year-old Female
PAIN TYPE:	Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
PAIN INTENSITY:	Usually between 5 and 7 out of 10, but increases with activity and during pain flare-ups
PSILOCYBIN DOSE:	500 mg daily for 7 to 10 days with rest periods (2 to 3 days) spanning a year. Dose increases to 750 mg to 1 gram during pain flare-ups
RESULTS:	Pain reduced by 80% for 3-4 hours, slowly returning to initial levels after 12 hours. Complete pain relief (90%-100%) for 6-8 hours, then returns to initial levels after 18 hours.
The patient experiences a loss of appetite without feeling sick. Disorientation or unsteadiness in walking is observed when the dose is increased (750 to 1000mg).

Case Study: Subject #3

AGE/ SEX:	40-year-old Female
PAIN TYPE:	Lumbar radiculopathy and neuropathic pain
PAIN INTENSITY:	8 out of 10, rising to 10 out of 10 during physical strain
PSILOCYBIN DOSE:	1000 mg from a mushroom chocolate bar every two months.
RESULTS:	Significant pain relief without any psychoactive effects. Increased flexibility and functionality were noted. Pain slowly returns to initial levels over 2-4 weeks. Regular dosing improves pain control.
The patient does not experience any significant physical, cognitive, or behavioural side effects. Her mood appears largely unchanged. She continues her regular dosage of her SSRI for depression management throughout the psilocybin treatment period.

Understanding Pain Management using Psilocybin

Constant somatic and visceral pain signals reinforce specific neural pathways due to peripheral and central sensitization, causing the chronic experience of physical and emotional pain. Psychedelics like psilocybin activate 5-HT2A receptors, potentially resetting brain areas related to neuropathic conditions.

A patient reported enduring pain relief for several weeks. This suggests that direct stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors can lead to a central regulation of pain perception and adaptability.

Potential Adverse Effects of Psilocybin Versus Traditional Painkillers

PSILOCYBIN (Based on Studies)	TRADITIONAL PAINKILLERS
Muscle spasms	Nausea
Decreased appetite	Abdominal discomfort
Confusion	Migraines
Unsteady gait	Dependence
No mood changes	Sleepiness

Possible Future Research Directions for Psilocybin

After analyzing the experiences of three subjects, the research team has identified areas that could benefit from further investigation due to their potential benefits.

1. Small quantities of psilocybin could provide immediate and possibly sustained relief from neuropathic pain, without inducing physical tolerance or dependence.
2. Examine the impact of different treatment approaches when combined with psilocybin. For example, patient # 3 reported an improved analgesic effect when psilocybin was used alongside physical therapy.
3. Even without psychotherapy, small doses of psilocybin could alleviate pain, as demonstrated by this case study. The researchers propose that incorporating psychotherapeutic support could potentially enhance or prolong the therapeutic effects.

Study Limitations

Despite the encouraging findings observed in the subjects, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations identified in the research.

• The limited sample size may not be representative of all individuals experiencing neuropathic pain.
• The study didn’t include any individuals who didn’t respond to psilocybin.
• No evaluations were performed before and after treatment to gauge the effect of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
• Much of the data was self-reported by the subjects.
• The presence of the interviewer and potential biases linked to psilocybin could have influenced the participants’ responses.
• The study did not consider the potential impact of the placebo effect.
• The study did not measure the quantity of psilocybin in each mushroom.

Utilizing Mushrooms for Microdosing

In our study, both Patient #1 and Patient #2 consumed a microdose of psilocybin in a powdered form, which was extracted from dried mushrooms. On the other hand, Patient #3 combined the psilocybin with chocolate. There are various products available for psilocybin microdosing and we have compiled a list of some of these products below.

Dehydrated Mushrooms

Although the study did not disclose the specific strain used, the strain listed below can be a good initiation point for novices.

• Golden Teacher: This is a prevalent and widely recognized strain of psychedelic mushrooms.
• Amazonian Cubensis: This strain is recognized for being novice-friendly and may offer cognitive advantages.
• Cambodian: Microdosing with Cambodian cubensis mushrooms may enhance focus, social awareness, and mood.

Microdose Pills

• Euphoria Psychedelics – Micro Calm Capsules: This concoction comprises Ashwagandha, Reishi, CBD, Valerian root, and Psilocybin Mushrooms, all of which have been scientifically shown to alleviate anxiety and stress.
• Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Champion Lover: This appealing blend provides three dosage choices: 50mg, 100mg, or 250mg of pure psilocybin combined with reishi, cacao, cordyceps, and maca.
• Kind Stranger – Brighten Capsules 250mg: These capsules are filled with the Golden Teacher strain, renowned for promoting mental clarity, enhanced creativity, and improved focus.

Psilocybin for Pain Relief

While scientific investigations into the analgesic properties of mushrooms are still preliminary, anecdotal testimonies and minor case studies are offering promising signs.

Such instances underscore the necessity for more extensive research on the potential health benefits of psilocybin, class=”wp-block-list”>

Ensure a safe, comfortable, and controlled environment for consumption.

Consider having a trusted individual present, especially for first-time users.

Start with a small dose and gradually increase if necessary.

Psilocybin shows promising potential, especially in the realm of chronic pain management.

Before the widespread acceptance of psilocybin as a pain relief method, the hopeful insights from the case study provide optimism for those enduring chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of microdosing psilocybin?

Psilocybin mainly activates a serotonin receptor named “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex, leading to two significant outcomes:

1. Generation of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF)
2. Enhanced “Glutamate” transmission 

Moreover, psychedelics promote connections between brain regions that usually don’t interact much. This distinctive connectivity stems from psychedelics’ ability to reduce the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (DMN), associated with various cognitive functions, such as daydreaming, introspection, and pondering about the past and future. 

What is the most recognized benefit of microdosing mushrooms?

Microdosing may enhance mood, productivity, creativity, and concentration. Its most extensively researched benefit is its effect on mental health.

In November 2022, COMPASS Pathways, a mental health company, unveiled the outcomes of their thorough phase 2b trial, a randomized and double-blind study. Their findings indicated that a single dose of psilocybin resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. Participants who received a higher dose of 25 milligrams showed a continued antidepressant response at the twelve-week follow-up.

A study published in the Psychiatry Research Journal stated that psilocybin is more effective than traditional antidepressant treatments. 

How to determine your dosage?

Start with a 0.1-gram dose of psilocybin mushrooms on day one. If the desired effects are not achieved, you can incrementally increase your dose by 0.05 grams on subsequent microdosing days until you reach your ideal level.

Individuals with a history of using psychotropic drugs may need to increase the dosage to 0.5 grams to achieve the desired effects. 

What precautions should be taken before consuming mushrooms?