Psilocybin or magic mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi that give off hallucinogenic effects when consumed. According to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, cultivating or possessing psilocybin-producing mushrooms for both personal consumption and distribution is illegal. Although these are popular hallucinogenic substances used across the world, as well as decriminalization in Denver in 2019, what are the side effects? Can you overdose on shrooms?
About Shrooms
Magic mushrooms or shrooms are a species of mushrooms that contains the active ingredient psilocybin. They are used for their hallucinogenic effects and belong to the psychedelic drug group. This species of mushroom is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the U.S., South America, and Mexico. The DEA classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I substance. These substances are defined as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”
Shrooms alter an individual’s consciousness and state of mind by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain. Thus, altering your mood and perception. There are many different strains of psilocybin mushrooms with different levels of potency. However, the most common strain is psilocybe cubensis.
Although magic mushrooms grow all over the world naturally in moist environments, the kind most people consume is cultivated by a grower.
What to Expect
Shrooms are consumed by eating or made into tea. Once consumed, people experience a powerful psychedelic journey. Everyone experiences different effects and there are many factors that influence a trip. During a trip, your perception of everything around you changes, senses are heightened, and visually, objects can morph and become distorted as well as hallucinations of geometric or fractal-like paters.
Furthermore, your mind feels as if you have left reality, and time and space become distorted. You may feel a sense of euphoria and be more open to your thoughts and emotions. Many use shrooms to experience more of a spiritual journey. There are studies done for scientific research on psilocybin, however, this is done in a tightly-controlled environment with controlled doses.
The Effects of Shrooms
Any illegal and uncontrolled substance renders harmful side effects. Just as the experience when taking shrooms varies from person to person, so do the side effects. Some of the variables that can alter a person side effects include:
- Size, weight, and health of a person
- First-time use
- Other substances used at the same time (alcohol or other substances)
- The amount taken
- The strength or strain of mushroom
A person starts feeling the effects within the first 30 minutes after eating and lasts between four to six hours. The effects felt after taking shrooms can include:
- Euphoria
- Change in mood, thoughts, and perception
- Dilation of pupils
- Perception changes (visual, time, auditory hallucinations)
- Stomach aches, nausea, or vomiting
- Headaches
- Increased or irregular heartbeat
- Increased body temperature
- Chills/ sweating
After coming down from a mushroom trip, you can experience headaches lasting up to 5 days later. People have also experienced exhaustion, depression, as well as anxiety when coming down from shrooms.
Using Shrooms with Other Drugs
The side effects of taking shrooms while under the influence of other drugs are unpredictable and can be dangerous. Being under the influence or mixing drugs and alcohol while taking shrooms can cause a person to have a bad trip. This can lead to panic attacks and extreme anxiety in the body and mind.
Furthermore, mushrooms should not be taken by someone who is on psychiatric medication. This can cause relapse or worsen the condition of the individual.
Can You Overdose on Shrooms
Overdose is very rare when it comes to consuming shrooms, as well as any life-threatening symptoms. However, if a large amount is consumed someone can experience:
- Agitation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Coma
Although these side effects are possible, they are very rare.
Withdrawal
Studies and research have shown that consuming shrooms on a regular basis does not result in physical dependency. Therefore, it is unlikely that a person will experience withdrawal and withdrawal symptoms after stopping use. However, if someone does experience withdrawal symptoms they can experience some psychological effects, as well as fatigue.
Get Help Now
Whether you or someone you know is struggling with a substance dependency or addiction, there is hope. There are many treatment options that offer different services and programs that are tailored to your needs and goals of recovery. For example, the Harm Reduction Center in Boynton Beach, Florida offers different levels of care depending on your circumstances. We know that treatment should look different for each client and offer support every step of the way.
If you are ready to make the first step towards freedom, contact us today.
