Psilocybin (Psilocybin (from psilocybin mushrooms))

Category: Psychedelics. Status: Schedule I (FDA Breakthrough Therapy for depression).

The main psychedelic compound in "magic mushrooms," studied for depression, anxiety, addiction and end-of-life distress. In supervised sessions it can produce a profound shift in perspective that many people find long-lasting.

How it works

Converted in the body to psilocin, which activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This temporarily loosens rigid thinking patterns and increases connectivity between brain networks.

Key facts

• Molecular weight: 284.25 g/mol
• Half-life: ~2-3 hours (psilocin)
• Bioavailability: Oral
• Storage: Research/clinical settings only.

Dosing overview

• Typical dose: 10-30 mg in clinical trials
• Frequency: One to a few supervised sessions
• Duration: Acute effects last 4-6 hours
• Route: Oral, in a supervised therapeutic setting

Protocol notes

• In trials, a person swallows a measured dose, then lies down with eyeshades and music while a trained guide stays nearby.
• The session lasts several hours and is bookended by preparation and "integration" talks to make sense of the experience.
• Some people microdose (tiny sub-perceptual amounts every few days), though evidence for microdosing is weak.
• Traditionally, dried mushrooms are eaten or brewed as tea, where dose is much harder to judge.

Reported benefits

• Studied for treatment-resistant depression
• Eases anxiety in life-threatening illness
• Explored for alcohol and tobacco addiction
• Often produces durable improvements after few doses

Possible side effects

• Anxiety or fear during the experience
• Nausea
• Raised heart rate and blood pressure
• Temporary confusion
• Risk of distressing experiences without proper support

Research

• Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression (2022): A single 25 mg dose with psychological support significantly reduced depression scores compared with lower doses.
• Psilocybin-assisted therapy for cancer-related distress (2016): Produced rapid and sustained reductions in anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer.

Compare Psilocybin

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• Psilocybin vs DMT
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• Psilocybin vs 5-MeO-DMT

Community discussions about Psilocybin

• Ayahuasca and treatment-resistant depression research, anyone following this? - 4 comments
• New psilocybin study shows promising results for treatment‑resistant depression - 4 comments
• 4‑AcO‑DMT: My First Run Through and Dose Query - 8 comments
• 4‑AcO‑DMT dosing and experience – any suggestions? - 4 comments
• My first 4‑AcO‑DMT session – how was your experience? - 3 comments
• Ask the community about Psilocybin

Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.