Ingestion of magic mushrooms (psilocybin)

Abdomen | Gastroenterology | Ingestion of magic mushrooms (psilocybin) (Disease)


Description

Psilocybin mushrooms are fungi that contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. There are multiple colloquial terms for psilocybin mushrooms, the most common being shrooms and magic mushrooms. Biological genera containing psilocybin mushrooms include Agrocybe, Conocybe, Copelandia, Galerina, Gerronema, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Inocybe, Mycena, Panaeolus, Pluteus, and Psilocybe. There are approximately 190 species of psilocybin mushrooms and most of them fall in the genus Psilocybe.

Symptoms include: hallucinations, incoordination, agitation, nausea, large pupils, and a rapid heart rate.

Causes and Risk factors

Psilocybin mushrooms were used in ancient times. Many native peoples have used mushrooms for religious purposes, rituals and healing. In modern day society they are often used to evoke a high, which is sometimes described as spiritual experience and is often euphoric in nature. Psilocybine causes hallucinations about 30 minutes after an oral ingestion.

Sometimes however, the disorientation of psilocybin and psilocins psychedelic effects may bring on anxiety such as panic attacks, depression and paranoid delusions. However, recent studies conclude that when used properly, psilocybin acts as an anti-depressant as suggested by MRI brain scans.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The patient is protected from harming himself. Intravenous sedation may be needed. ...