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Microdosing psilocybin for chronic pain: a case series
Matthew Lyes1, Kevin H Yang, Joel Castellanos
1Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
Pain
|September 6, 2022
Summary
Low-dose psilocybin shows promise for chronic pain relief, reducing reliance on traditional painkillers. This case series suggests sub-hallucinogenic psilocybin may offer therapeutic benefits for neuropathic pain management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Psychedelic agonists like psilocybin show efficacy in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction at high doses.
- Limited research exists on psychedelics, particularly at sub-hallucinogenic doses, for chronic pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of low-dose psilocybin in managing chronic neuropathic pain.
- To investigate the efficacy and safety of sub-hallucinogenic psilocybin for pain relief.
Main Methods:
- A case series detailing the experiences of 3 individuals with chronic neuropathic pain.
- Self-administration of low-dose psilocybin, with varying preparations and potencies.
- Assessment of pain relief, analgesic medication reliance, and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- All 3 patients reported robust pain relief and decreased reliance on traditional analgesics.
- Analgesic effects were achieved at sub-hallucinogenic doses with minimal adverse effects.
- Pain relief was enhanced when psilocybin use was combined with functional exercise.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose psilocybin demonstrates therapeutic potential for chronic neuropathic pain.
- Further investigation into psilocybin's role in pain management, including potential plasticity-mediated effects, is warranted.
