Tripping on shrooms: What does the science tell us?

What are magic mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms (“shrooms”) are hallucinogenic mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe that contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are naturally occurring psychedelic mind-altering compounds. The practice of using magic mushrooms is several thousand years old but is only now being examined scientifically.

How does psilocybin affect the brain?

After ingesting the dried or fresh mushroom, the onset of effects is 20 minutes, the peak is at 3-4 hours, and the total duration is 6–8 hours. Effects vary from one person to another. The experience is influenced by the user’s personality and expectations (the “set”) and surrounding people and environment (the “setting”). A comfortable environment can result in a good trip, whereas a negative environment can lead to a bad trip.

Users experience sensory effects, including visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations. Euphoria as well as mystical and spiritual experiences are possible. Magic mushrooms have been known to alter perceptions of time and space, as well as lead to intensified emotions and the inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

How does psilocybin affect the body?

Physical effects of ingesting psilocybin include nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, sweating, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremors, and incoordination.

Is psilocybin dangerous? Can you overdose on it?

Psilocybin is a serotonin agonist, which means that serotonin toxicity can occur from psilocybin itself or due to interactions with other serotonergic agents. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, emotions, and memory. Too much serotonin can cause serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by mental status effects such as agitation, anxiety, and confusion as well as physical effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure and neuromuscular effects including tremors, muscle stiffness, and twitching.

It is difficult to ingest a large enough number of magic mushrooms to overdose. However, trip-induced panic reactions and psychosis or other disturbing emotional effects occur. For example, a user experiencing a bad trip might jump out of a window or in front of a car. This is why magic mushrooms should not be taken while alone.

Are there long-term effects of taking magic mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms can affect serotonin levels in the brain, which can influence emotions, thinking, and mood. Flashbacks are also associated with long-term use. A flashback is when a user experiences a recurrence of emotions or sensory perceptions that occurred during a prior use. Another long-term effect is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, which can last for weeks and is characterized by recurring visual disturbances.

Are there medicinal benefits of taking magic mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms might have some beneficial medicinal effects, especially for depression. It has also been studied as a potential treatment for mood disorders (such as anxiety), drug dependence, and end-of-life care.

Mental health and magic mushrooms

Magic mushrooms might improve mental health in some people. In others, long-term use can lead to anxiety, depression, and psychotic symptoms. Magic mushrooms can affect behavior and personality. These effects can be positive (such as increased creativity and spirituality) or negative (such as impaired social functioning).

What is microdosing?

Microdosing is taking a small amount of a hallucinogen such as magic mushrooms (psilocybin) on a regular schedule to improve mood and mental health. The dose is usually 5–10% of a normal recreational dose. Microdosing is purported to improve mood, motivation, and sense of well-being as well as decrease anxiety and depression. However, evidence of efficacy is mixed without proof that it is helpful. There are a lot of anecdotal self-reports that it is helpful. The risk of serious adverse effects is low.

Have more questions about magic mushrooms?

Help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

 

Wendy Klein-Schwartz, Pharm.D., MPH
Clinical Toxicologist