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Psilocybin mushrooms: Difference between revisions
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==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
[[File:Psilocybin neural connections.jpg|270px|thumbnail|The diagram above demonstrates the neural connections associated with sobriety in comparison to being under the influence of psilocybin as demonstrated through the use of MRI scans. The width of the links is proportional to their weight and the size of the nodes is proportional to their strength. | [[File:Psilocybin neural connections.jpg|270px|thumbnail|The diagram above demonstrates the neural connections associated with sobriety in comparison to being under the influence of psilocybin as demonstrated through the use of MRI scans. The width of the links is proportional to their weight and the size of the nodes is proportional to their strength. The proportion of heavy links between communities is much higher and different in the psilocybin group, suggesting greater integration.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Petri, G.)), ((Expert, P.)), ((Turkheimer, F.)), ((Carhart-Harris, R.)), ((Nutt, D.)), ((Hellyer, P. J.)), ((Vaccarino, F.)) | journal=Journal of The Royal Society Interface | title=Homological scaffolds of brain functional networks | volume=11 | issue=101 | pages=20140873 | date=6 December 2014 | url=https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2014.0873 | issn=1742-5689 | doi=10.1098/rsif.2014.0873}}</ref>]] | ||
{{Further|Serotonergic psychedelic}} | {{Further|Serotonergic psychedelic}} | ||
Psilocybin acts as a [[prodrug]] to psilocin, meaning it is | Psilocybin acts as a [[prodrug]] to psilocin, meaning it is inactive until it is converted into psilocin in the body. Upon entering the body, psilocybin is dephosphorylated to psilocin in the intestinal mucosa by alkaline phosphatase and nonspecific esterase.<ref name="Tyls" /> | ||
Psilocin's [[psychedelic]] effects are believed to come from its agonist activity on serotonin 5-HT<sub>2A/C</sub> and 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptors.<ref name="Tyls" /> While 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor agonism is considered necessary for hallucinogenic activity, the role of other receptor subtypes is much less understood.<ref name="Tyls" /> | Psilocin's [[psychedelic]] effects are believed to come from its agonist activity on serotonin 5-HT<sub>2A/C</sub> and 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptors.<ref name="Tyls" /> While 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor agonism is considered necessary for hallucinogenic activity, the role of other receptor subtypes is much less understood.<ref name="Tyls" /> | ||
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==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
The headspace of psilocybin mushrooms is typically described as extremely relaxing, profound and stoning in style compared to more stimulating [[psychedelics]] such as [[LSD]] or [[2C-B]]. They are also regarded as being less clear-headed than other commonly used [[tryptamines]] such as [[4-AcO-DMT]], [[DMT]] and [[ayahuasca]]. This may be due to the presence of other alkaloids like norbaeocystin. | The headspace of psilocybin mushrooms is typically described as extremely relaxing, profound, and stoning in style compared to more stimulating [[psychedelics]] such as [[LSD]] or [[2C-B]]. They are also regarded as being less clear-headed than other commonly used [[tryptamines]] such as [[4-AcO-DMT]], [[DMT]] and [[ayahuasca]]. This may be due to the presence of other alkaloids like norbaeocystin. | ||
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | {{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Tactile enhancement]]''' - This effect is less prominent than with that of [[LSD]] or [[2C-B]] but is still present and unique in its character. It is repeatedly described as feeling very primitive in its nature often times with the small hairs on the user's arms or legs feeling slightly [[itchiness|itchy]] or even ticklish against the skin. | *'''[[Effect::Tactile enhancement]]''' - This effect is less prominent than with that of [[LSD]] or [[2C-B]] but is still present and unique in its character. It is repeatedly described as feeling very primitive in its nature often times with the small hairs on the user's arms or legs feeling slightly [[itchiness|itchy]] or even ticklish against the skin. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Changes in felt bodily form]]''' - This effect is often accompanied by a sense of warmth or [[Unity and interconnectedness#Unity between the self and specific external systems|unity]] and usually occurs around the peak of the experience or directly after. Users can feel as if they are physically part of or conjoined with other objects. This is usually reported as feeling comfortable in its sensations and even peaceful. | *'''[[Effect::Changes in felt bodily form]]''' - This effect is often accompanied by a sense of warmth or [[Unity and interconnectedness#Unity between the self and specific external systems|unity]] and usually occurs around the peak of the experience or directly after. Users can feel as if they are physically part of or conjoined with other objects. This is usually reported as feeling comfortable in its sensations and even peaceful. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Pain relief]]''' - This effect can be considered as less intense when compared with LSD. Like most psychedelics, this | *'''[[Effect::Pain relief]]''' - This effect can be considered as less intense when compared with LSD. Like most psychedelics, this effect is likely a result of reductions in inflammation as well as from distortions in sensory processing. This effect, while common, is not guaranteed. An increase in pain perception is also possible. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Nausea]]''' - This effect can be greatly lessened or even completely avoided if the individual has an empty stomach prior to ingestion. It is often recommended that one either refrain from eating for approximately 6 to 8 hours beforehand, or eat a light meal 3 to 4 hours before if they are feeling physically fatigued. | *'''[[Effect::Nausea]]''' - This effect can be greatly lessened or even completely avoided if the individual has an empty stomach prior to ingestion. It is often recommended that one either refrain from eating for approximately 6 to 8 hours beforehand, or eat a light meal 3 to 4 hours before if they are feeling physically fatigued. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Changes in felt gravity]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Changes in felt gravity]]''' | ||
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====Hallucinatory states==== | ====Hallucinatory states==== | ||
Psilocybin and its various other forms produce a full range of high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used [[psychedelic]]s. These effects generally include: | Psilocybin and its various other forms produce a full range of high-level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used [[psychedelic]]s. These effects generally include: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Machinescapes]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Machinescapes]]''' | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Emotion enhancement]]''' - This effect can be described as being more prominent, consistent and profound when compared to other traditional psychedelics such as [[mescaline]] or [[LSD]]. This can lead to strong feelings of compassion, urgency and even completely sporadic moments of intense emotional significance that can also be periodically affected by [[enhancement and suppression cycles]]. | *'''[[Effect::Emotion enhancement]]''' - This effect can be described as being more prominent, consistent and profound when compared to other traditional psychedelics such as [[mescaline]] or [[LSD]]. This can lead to strong feelings of compassion, urgency and even completely sporadic moments of intense emotional significance that can also be periodically affected by [[enhancement and suppression cycles]]. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement]]''' - This effect differs from [[MDMA]] and other [[entactogens]] in that it isn't as central to the experience, feels less forced and more natural and is experienced at a less consistent rate. The sociability enhancement in particular only occurs rarely and it appears to be more [[Emotion enhancement|emotional]]. | *'''[[Effect::Empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement]]''' - This effect differs from [[MDMA]] and other [[entactogens]] in that it isn't as central to the experience, feels less forced and more natural and is experienced at a less consistent rate. The sociability enhancement in particular only occurs rarely and it appears to be more [[Emotion enhancement|emotional]]. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Euthymia]]''' - This effect manifests itself acutely for all classical psychedelics when one to three doses are combined with a psychotherapy treatment program. When comparing meta analyses, psychedelic psychotherapy greatly outperforms "gold standard" treatments for several mental health problems. | *'''[[Effect::Euthymia]]''' - This effect manifests itself acutely for all classical psychedelics when one to three doses are combined with a psychotherapy treatment program. When comparing meta-analyses, psychedelic psychotherapy greatly outperforms "gold standard" treatments for several mental health problems. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Language suppression]]''' - This effect can be described as a perceived inability or general unwillingness to talk aloud despite feeling perfectly capable of formulating coherent thoughts within one's internal narrative. It is much more common among inexperienced users. | *'''[[Effect::Language suppression]]''' - This effect can be described as a perceived inability or general unwillingness to talk aloud despite feeling perfectly capable of formulating coherent thoughts within one's internal narrative. It is much more common among inexperienced users. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Analysis enhancement]]''' - This effect is consistent in its manifestation and [[outrospection]] dominant. | *'''[[Effect::Analysis enhancement]]''' - This effect is consistent in its manifestation and [[outrospection]] dominant. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Enhancement and suppression cycles]]''' - This can be described as constant waves of extremely stimulated and profound thinking which are spontaneously surpassed in a cyclic fashion by waves of general thought suppression and mental intoxication. These two states seem to switch between each other in a consistent loop once every 20 to 60 minutes. | *'''[[Effect::Enhancement and suppression cycles]]''' - This can be described as constant waves of extremely stimulated and profound thinking which are spontaneously surpassed in a cyclic fashion by waves of general thought suppression and mental intoxication. These two states seem to switch between each other in a consistent loop once every 20 to 60 minutes. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Feelings of impending doom]]''' - This effect is usually only experienced during the [[Duration#Come up|come up]] phase but typically completely passes or subsides once the primary effects begin. It should be noted that this effect is relatively consistent and normal for psilocybin and related [[tryptamines]] which is why a [[Set and setting|positive and well-informed mindset]] is key. Less regularly this aspect can also occur during the peak but will most often be met | *'''[[Effect::Feelings of impending doom]]''' - This effect is usually only experienced during the [[Duration#Come up|come up]] phase but typically completely passes or subsides once the primary effects begin. It should be noted that this effect is relatively consistent and normal for psilocybin and related [[tryptamines]] which is why a [[Set and setting|positive and well-informed mindset]] is key. Less regularly, this aspect can also occur during the peak but will most often be met afterward with sensations of [[cognitive euphoria|euphoria]], [[catharsis]] or [[rejuvenation]]. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Autonomous voice communication]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Autonomous voice communication]]''' | ||
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*'''[[Cannabis]]''' - Cannabis majorly amplifies the sensory and cognitive effects of psilocybin mushrooms. This should be used with extreme caution, especially if one is not experienced with psychedelics. This interaction can also amplify the [[anxiety]], [[confusion]] and [[delusion]] producing aspects of cannabis significantly. Those who choose to use this combination are advised to start off with only a fraction of their usual cannabis dose, and slow down the pace of their normal intake considerably. | *'''[[Cannabis]]''' - Cannabis majorly amplifies the sensory and cognitive effects of psilocybin mushrooms. This should be used with extreme caution, especially if one is not experienced with psychedelics. This interaction can also amplify the [[anxiety]], [[confusion]] and [[delusion]] producing aspects of cannabis significantly. Those who choose to use this combination are advised to start off with only a fraction of their usual cannabis dose, and slow down the pace of their normal intake considerably. | ||
*'''[[Dissociatives]]''' - Dissociatives can enhance the geometry, euphoria, dissociation and hallucinatory effects of psilocybin mushrooms. Dissociative-induced [[Visual_disconnection#Holes.2C_spaces_and_voids|holes, spaces, and voids]] while under the influence of psilocybin can result in significantly more vivid visuals than dissociatives alone, along with more intense [[internal hallucinations]], [[confusion]], [[nausea]], [[delusions]] and increased risk of [[psychosis]]. | *'''[[Dissociatives]]''' - Dissociatives can enhance the geometry, euphoria, dissociation and hallucinatory effects of psilocybin mushrooms. Dissociative-induced [[Visual_disconnection#Holes.2C_spaces_and_voids|holes, spaces, and voids]] while under the influence of psilocybin can result in significantly more vivid visuals than dissociatives alone, along with more intense [[internal hallucinations]], [[confusion]], [[nausea]], [[delusions]] and increased risk of [[psychosis]]. | ||
*'''[[MDMA]]''' - MDMA enhances the visual, physical and cognitive effects of psilocybin. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable, and it is advised to start with lower dosages than one would take for either substance individually. The toxicity of this combination is unknown, although there is some evidence that suggests this may increase | *'''[[MDMA]]''' - MDMA enhances the visual, physical and cognitive effects of psilocybin. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable, and it is advised to start with lower dosages than one would take for either substance individually. The toxicity of this combination is unknown, although there is some evidence that suggests this may increase the neurotoxic effects of MDMA.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Armstrong, B. D.)), ((Paik, E.)), ((Chhith, S.)), ((Lelievre, V.)), ((Waschek, J. A.)), ((Howard, S. G.)) | journal=Neuroscience Research Communications | title=Potentiation of (DL)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced toxicity by the serotonin 2A receptior partial agonist d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and the protection of same by the serotonin 2A/2C receptor antagonist MDL 11,939 | volume=35 | issue=2 | pages=83–95 | date= September 2004 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nrc.20023 | issn=0893-6609 | doi=10.1002/nrc.20023}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Gudelsky, G. A.)), ((Yamamoto, B. K.)), ((Frank Nash, J.)) | journal=European Journal of Pharmacology | title=Potentiation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced dopamine release and serotonin neurotoxicity by 5-HT2 receptor agonists | volume=264 | issue=3 | pages=325–330 | date= November 1994 | url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0014299994906696 | issn=00142999 | doi=10.1016/0014-2999(94)90669-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Capela, J. P.)), ((Fernandes, E.)), ((Remião, F.)), ((Bastos, M. L.)), ((Meisel, A.)), ((Carvalho, F.)) | journal=Neurotoxicology | title=Ecstasy induces apoptosis via 5-HT(2A)-receptor stimulation in cortical neurons | volume=28 | issue=4 | pages=868–875 | date= July 2007 | issn=0161-813X | doi=10.1016/j.neuro.2007.04.005}}</ref> | ||
*'''[[Alcohol]]''' - This combination is not typically recommended due to alcohol’s potential to cause [[dehydration]], [[nausea]], and [[physical fatigue]] at higher doses. However, this combination is reasonably safe in low doses and, when used responsibly, can "take the edge off a trip" and reduce anxiety in a manner somewhat similar to benzodiazepines. With [[Psilocybin#Psilocybin-containing mushrooms|psilocybin mushrooms]] in particular it is often recommended that the user waits until the [[Duration#Offset|"come down"]] phase to consume alcohol due to the sometimes nauseating effects of mushrooms, especially within the first 2 - 3 hours of the experience. | *'''[[Alcohol]]''' - This combination is not typically recommended due to alcohol’s potential to cause [[dehydration]], [[nausea]], and [[physical fatigue]] at higher doses. However, this combination is reasonably safe in low doses and, when used responsibly, can "take the edge off a trip" and reduce anxiety in a manner somewhat similar to benzodiazepines. With [[Psilocybin#Psilocybin-containing mushrooms|psilocybin mushrooms]] in particular it is often recommended that the user waits until the [[Duration#Offset|"come down"]] phase to consume alcohol due to the sometimes nauseating effects of mushrooms, especially within the first 2 - 3 hours of the experience. | ||
*'''[[Benzodiazepines]]''' - Depending on the dosage, benzodiazepines can slightly to completely reduce the intensity of the cognitive, physical and visual effects of a psilocybin trip. They can be very efficient at largely stopping or mitigating a [[bad trip]] at the cost of amnesia and reduced trip intensity. Caution is advised when acquiring them for this purpose, however, due to the high abuse potential they possess. | *'''[[Benzodiazepines]]''' - Depending on the dosage, benzodiazepines can slightly to completely reduce the intensity of the cognitive, physical and visual effects of a psilocybin trip. They can be very efficient at largely stopping or mitigating a [[bad trip]] at the cost of amnesia and reduced trip intensity. Caution is advised when acquiring them for this purpose, however, due to the high abuse potential they possess. | ||