Mushrooms & Antidepressants | Drug Interaction of Psilocybin

There is a growing trend of using magic mushrooms for depression. A lot of people who are already taking antidepressant medications are looking into taking magic mushrooms as an additional treatment. Though studies are exploring this relationship, it raises a concern about the possible interaction of medicine and psychedelic substances. Below is a useful guide for the safe use of magic mushrooms and antidepressants.

How Magic Mushrooms Work

Magic mushrooms contain psychoactive substances called Psilocybin, which gets converted to Psilocin as it is processed in the stomach. The Psilocin will cross the blood-brain barrier and exerts partial agonists effects on brain receptors like 5- hydroxytryptamine, altering normal waking consciousness.

This process causes the visual distortions that one sees, the disintegration of the ego, unconstrained thinking, and other perceptual changes. People also feel more open and connected to the world and other people.

The alteration of several neurotransmitters in the brain causes a significant reduction of depressive symptoms. There are positive changes that last longer compared to using typical medications. Of course, its use is still not legal in most countries.

The problem with magic mushrooms taken with antidepressants is the possibility of overstimulation in the body. There are certain factors to be considered. 

SSRI and Magic Mushrooms

SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. They are the most common prescription drugs for patients suffering from mental illnesses like depression, OCD, Anxiety, and PTSD. They work by temporarily boosting the serotonin levels in the brain.

There is a possibility that the effects of SSRIs and magic mushrooms might overlap when taken together, but there are no sufficient studies that explain the details. Most reports from users mention that SSRIs can reduce the effects of Psychedelics by numbing some experiences of the trip. There is no concrete evidence, but it is better to go under a synthesis review to assess how these treatments affect a person individually. 

MAOI and Mushrooms

MAOI stands for Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, and they are substances that are occasionally used as antidepressants. As the name suggests, they work by inhibiting the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters. These are dopamine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

The process results in a boost of these neurotransmitters. Possible unintended effects are resulting from the combination of these medicines with Psilocybin, and it is recommended to take only small doses of magic mushrooms to avoid serotonin syndrome. 

TCA and Magic Mushrooms

TCA is Tricyclic Antidepressants are also treatments for depression, but they are not commonly used in the west. An example of these third-generation antidepressants is Mirtazapine, which increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

The problem is that they also activate other receptors and block ion channels, causing questionable side effects. They are known to cause fatal effects to the heart, and it is strongly recommended not to mix these with magic mushrooms. It is best to contact a medical professional and recommend a treatment that is safe and effective. 

The Future for Shrooms & AntiDepressants

People suffering from depression are looking for a way to alleviate their situation and have a better life. TCAs should not be taken with magic mushrooms. The other medications do not have enough evidence to cut what is safe clearly and enough.

Though it is essential to overcome mental health problems, antidepressants should be taken separately from magic mushrooms. For more information, visit Magic Mushrooms 101.