Posted by The effects of mushrooms can depend on many factors. The type of mushroom product, the circumstances of the user, and vendor quality control all matter. Effects are largely subjective, but they’re what most people report when using mushrooms. So there’s also a certain degree of objectivity that accounts for mushrooms’ effects and why people seek them out.
Newbies especially tend to accidentally take too much and encounter negative side effects that turn them off to future experiences. But if you know what the side effects are and how to decrease them or not encounter them at all, you’ll have the best time possible.
It’s important to be in control over your lifestyle supplement, mushrooms included. Read on to learn more about what the side effects are with mushrooms, what causes them, and how to avoid them.
What Kind of Mushrooms Are We Talking About?
- Psychedelic and magic mushrooms:These two similar types of products are very similar because they both cause psychoactive effects in users – they make people high. Magic mushrooms are from Amanita muscaria, and psychedelic mushrooms are synthetic or semi-synthetic formulations that mimic the effects of psilocybin, but are legal.
- “Smart” cognition-enhancing mushrooms: I’m not talking about nootropic mushrooms, which are always real mushrooms like Reishi or Chaga. “Smart” or cognition-enhancing mushrooms have nootropic action, too, but they’re a semi-synthetic or synthetic formula. They may or may not be combined with nootropic mushrooms, and may or may not induce psychoactive effects at higher doses (such as enhanced sensory awareness, introspection, and creativity).
Why or How Do Mushrooms Cause Side Effects?
Unintended reactions can happen from mushrooms – as with any substance – due to individual circumstances, how it generally reacts with the body, or how it interacts with other substances. If you’re sensitive, take a high dose if you’re inexperienced, you didn’t eat anything before dosing, or you bought mushrooms from an unreliable vendor with contaminated or adulterated products, those are other means of experiencing side effects.
Both types of mushroom products can cause similar side effects. Even though the results are different, they still have to go through the digestive system somehow, and then there is the gut-brain connection to consider. What happens in the gut will often affect the mind.
Common Side Effects with Mushrooms
Following are some of the most frequently-reported side effects from psychedelic or magic mushrooms and “smart” mushroom products alike:
- Nausea and possibly vomiting
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depersonalization
These side effects can last through a high “peak” and slowly subside afterwards, making for a horrible several hours. The good news is that you can greatly minimize or eliminate these side effects with controlled dosing and care.
Serotonin Syndrome
Both types of mushroom products work on serotonin receptors in the brain. If you combine either of them with SSRIs or other drugs or medications that increase serotonin (like opioids), you get what’s known as serotonin syndrome. It’s a serious and potentially fatal condition that requires emergency medical treatment.
Also Avoiding Combining with…
Stimulants like coffee are a no-go, especially if you are brand-new to either type of mushroom products. If you are experienced, then you can have them in moderation. If you are taking prescription medications that work as stimulants, consult your doctor before considering mushrooms. You should also avoid mixing with alcohol because of unpredictable and dangerous effects — alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and with mushrooms will try to force you into two different directions.
How to Avoid Mushroom Side Effects
- Choose from a reliable vendor: Research where you’re buying your mushrooms from. Look for safety credentials and data that inspires trust, including independent, third-party testing with Certificates of Analysis and a complete list of ingredients.
- Start low and slow: Chewable tablets have an onset of about 30 minutes, while shots within minutes. Shots are more potent, but tablets last longer. Either way, you should begin with a small fraction of whatever the standard dose says.
- Stay hydrated: The mind and body do strange things when dehydrated, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids that include water and electrolytes. Fresh fruits can supplement your water intake. For quick rehydration with all the electrolytes you need, consider Gatorlyte.
- Eat a light meal and wait at least 15 minutes before dosing: You don’t want to dose mushrooms on an empty stomach, even if you’re experienced. Allow the mushrooms time to steadily affect you rather than overwhelm you by consuming something a little while beforehand.
Not Interested in Tripping at All? Consider Microdosing Mushrooms
Part of the side effects with mushrooms is the risk of inducing hallucinations. Fortunately, there are products that can encourage mental prowess, creativity, and productivity with little risk of unintended reactions.
Mindless Mushrooms by Real Botanicals is a unique product. Rather than choosing between psychedelic or magic mushrooms and smart mushrooms, you get the effects that mimic psilocybin at the micro level with a fractional dose. Microdosing accomplishes greater creativity and productivity at any dose with enhanced sensory awareness and greater mental expansion at higher doses, but without the hallucinations.
You might also be interested in “Fadiman Protocol vs. Stamets Stack: What’s the Best Microdosing Protocol?” and “Microdosing: Who It’s Best for and Why”