Psilocybin is an active compound in magic mushrooms, which are hallucinogens. Small research studies indicate that it may help prevent migraine. However, other results are mixed.
For some people, psilocybin can instead induce headaches. There is also a risk of more serious side effects, such as psychosis.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance that comes from certain types of mushrooms. Indigenous cultures have used these “magic mushrooms” for centuries in their spiritual and religious rituals.
Psychedelics are a class of drugs that produce changes in perception, mood, and cognition (thinking). Psychedelics, also called hallucinogens, cause users to experience visual, auditory, or sensory hallucinations. They can also make people feel as if they are not themselves or in their own body.
Another small study from 2020 asked 14 participants to keep a headache diary. The researchers gave some participants psilocybin, while others had a placebo.
Those who took psilocybin saw a significant reduction in the number of migraine days across 1 week. Researchers also report that there were no serious adverse or unexpected side effects following withdrawal from the substance after the study’s conclusion.
It seems that psilocybin may be a viable option for treating migraine. However, these studies are very small, and researchers have not definitively proven that the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
No, it does not seem that psilocybin causes migraine. However, it may trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.
The same researchers conducted a further study in 2011. They examined the effect of various psilocybin doses on headaches in 18 healthy participants. They found that the compound frequently caused headaches. Furthermore, the incidence, duration, and severity increased in line with the dose. The transient headaches had a delayed onset but lasted no more than a day after administering psilocybin.
The research suggested that the delayed headache may be due to nitric oxide release, which the body naturally produces for many important aspects of health. Its most critical function is to relax the inner muscles of the blood vessels, causing them to widen and increase circulation.
Psilocybin may increase nitric oxide levels, triggering headaches in some individuals. But in people with migraine, the substance may help. In a recent study, researchers found that a single dose of psilocybin reduced migraine frequency for 2 weeks by:
- 25% for 80% of the participants
- 50% for 50% of the participants
- 75% for 30% of the participants
Although this preliminary trial was small, it is promising and may lead to larger studies in the future.
The reasons for these mixed results are unclear. It is not known why some people experience headaches as a side effect while others experience a reduction in them.
Are there risks to taking psilocybin?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that there are health risks linked to taking psilocybin, especially in those taking the substance without medical supervision and outside of a research study. These include:
- engaging in behavior that could cause harm, such as driving dangerously
- experiencing extreme fear, paranoia, anxiety, or panic
- raised blood pressure and heart rate
- experiencing confusion, agitation, nausea, or vomiting
There is also a risk of mental health issues, including psychosis.
Migraine is a complex and potentially debilitating condition. However, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, working with a doctor is important to find the best treatment plan.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help mild to moderate attacks without nausea or vomiting.
- Triptans: Individuals can use sumatriptan, eletriptan, or almotriptan alongside naproxen for moderate to severe attacks.
- Antiemetics: Metoclopramide or chlorpromazine can decrease nausea and vomiting.
- Calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists: This newer class of medications includes rimegepant and ubrogepant.
Preventive migraine treatment focuses on stopping headaches from occurring. These options include:
- Beta-blockers: Medications, such as propranolol and metoprolol, can help reduce blood vessel dilation and nervous system electrical activity.
- Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or desipramine, may help some individuals.
- Calcium channel blockers: Propranolol may change how calcium ions move into muscle cells of blood vessels. This can prevent blood vessel changes relating to migraine and cluster headaches.
- Anticonvulsants: Valproate acid and topiramate can
significantly reduceTrusted Source the likelihood of migraine headache attacks.
CGRP antagonists can also help prevent migraine.
Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent migraine, such as:
- Trying stress reduction: Stress can trigger migraine attacks. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, may help some people.
- Avoiding potential triggers: Keeping a migraine diary to track patterns can help individuals avoid potential triggers, such as certain foods or smells.
- Increasing physical activity: Regular aerobic exercise may reduce the frequency of headaches.
- Getting enough sleep: Sleeping for 7 to 8 hours every day and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help overall health and prevent migraine.
- Quitting smoking: Cigarette smoke is a potential trigger for some people, so quitting smoking, if applicable, may help.
Psilocybin is an active ingredient in magic mushrooms and has therapeutic potential for a variety of conditions. However, some people may experience headaches after taking the substance. It can also cause more serious side effects.
This compound may increase nitric oxide levels, which can cause headaches. However, in individuals with migraine, psilocybin may have some migraine prevention effects.
Migraine is a complex and potentially debilitating condition. While there is no cure, there are several ways to manage it.
