Explore innovative strategies at the intersection of pain management, psychedelics, and analgesics, uncovering potential therapeutic interactions. Delve into the intricate web of strategies and interactions shaping the landscape of pain relief and holistic well-being.
Everyone experiences pain in different ways. Whether it’s physical or emotional, temporary or long-lasting, pain serves as a signal that something is off and requires our attention and care. Exploring effective pain management strategies can help us navigate through these challenging experiences with greater ease and comfort.
In recent years, there has been a remarkable convergence of traditional approaches and innovative paradigms, with an increasing spotlight on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in pain management and their interactions with pain relief medications.
Today, we’re diving into this world of pain management, where ancient remedies and the latest medicines meet. From understanding the varied perceptions of pain among individuals to unraveling the complexities of analgesic medications and psychedelic substances, we offer insights that pave the way for alternative safe pain relief treatments involving psychedelics.
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of pain, discovering how it may impact your psychedelic experience and exploring the potential of psychedelic therapy in pain management. Together, let’s uncover new insights and possibilities for relief.
Download Our Free Psilocybin Sourcing Guide
For harm-reduction purposes, we provide links to online psilocybin vendors, local stores, delivery services, and spore vendors for growing your own medicine at home.
Key Takeaways
-
- Subjectivity in Pain Perception: Pain perception is inherently subjective, emphasizing the need to acknowledge diverse pain types for customized management strategies.
-
- Examining Psychedelics for Pain Management: Psychedelics show promise in managing various pain conditions by altering neurological mechanisms, serotonin levels, and inflammation, offering novel treatment avenues beyond traditional approaches.
-
- Navigating Analgesic-Psychedelic Interactions: Psychedelics and analgesics, while showing promise in pain management, require careful consideration of potential interactions and individual needs for safe and effective treatment.
-
- Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic-assisted therapy near you in the United States.
What is Pain?
Pain can be described as an unpleasant experience that serves as a vital warning signal for potential harm or injury within the body, indicating underlying illness or injury requiring attention and protection for repair. It’s crucial to recognize that pain extends beyond mere physical sensations; it can also encompass mental distress or discomfort.
Each person’s experience of pain is unique, regardless of the underlying cause. This inherent subjectivity underscores the necessity of acknowledging and embracing the diverse nature of pain perception when evaluating and addressing discomfort.
There is still much to learn about how and why people feel pain differently. While acute pain from obvious causes, like a burn or a sprained ankle, is relatively well understood, chronic pain remains a complex and challenging phenomenon.
Based on our current understanding, pain is influenced by a variety of factors that shape our individual experience, from biological aspects like brain function and genetics to psychological factors such as mood and stress, and even social factors like our support systems and experiences with healthcare.
Unfortunately, pain is common in today’s world. According to the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, it’s estimated that approximately 126 million American adults experienced some level of pain within the past three months.
Among them, 25.3 million adults (11.2%) experienced daily pain over the past three months, with 23.4 million (10.3%) reporting “a lot of pain”. Furthermore, nearly 40 million adults (17.6%) reported severe levels of pain.
Despite its discomfort, pain plays a crucial role as one of the body’s essential indicators, signaling potential harm or alerting us to dangers to keep us safe. For instance, pain can help us identify injuries that require medical attention, prompting us to seek treatment, prevent further damage, and avoid activities that could lead to injury.
The sensations associated with pain can vary widely and may include:
-
- Pricking
- Tingling
- Stinging
- Burning
- Shooting
- Aching
- Electric
Again, not everyone experiences pain in the same way, especially considering the various types of pain that exist.
Exploring the Different Types of Pain
1. Acute Pain: Acute pain is typically short-lived and arises suddenly in response to tissue damage or injury. It serves a protective function, alerting the body to potential danger and promoting behaviors that facilitate healing.
This type of pain can result from various factors such as illness, trauma, surgery, and post-operative discomfort. Typically, acute pain resolves within 12 weeks and goes away once the underlying cause is addressed or healed.
Examples of conditions associated with acute pain can include:
-
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Burns
- Cuts
- Fever
- Infection
- Labor and childbirth
- Pinched nerve
- Pulled muscles
- Sprains
2. Chronic Pain: Chronic pain persists beyond 12 weeks, extending long after recovery from an injury or illness. It may persist continuously or recur intermittently, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life and often requiring long-term management strategies.
Unlike acute pain, chronic pain lacks a protective purpose. It may arise from a prior injury or illness, or emerge without a clear cause.
Some examples of conditions associated with chronic pain can include:
-
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Cancer pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle pain
- Neck pain
- Neurogenic pain
3. Neuropathic Pain: Neuropathic pain arises from dysfunction or damage to the nervous system, resulting in abnormal processing of pain signals. This type of pain can persist or occur intermittently and is often characterized by sensations like burning, shooting, or electric shocks.
Examples of conditions associated with neuropathic pain can include diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, spinal cord injury, sciatica, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Neuropathic pain can arise from various causes, including:
-
- Alcohol use disorder
- Amputation
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Shingles
- Spinal nerve compression or inflammation
4. Nociceptive Pain: Nociceptive pain is the discomfort experienced in response to tissue damage, commonly affecting muscles, joints, and bones, and is typically described as dull, achy, sharp, throbbing, or cramping.
Nociceptive pain arises from harmful stimuli detected by nociceptors, which are specialized receptors found throughout the body. Once activated, nociceptors transmit chemical and electrical signals to the brain, where they are processed, informing the body of the presence of discomfort.
Examples of conditions associated with nociceptive pain may include:
-
- Cuts
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Burns
- Damage or blockage of organs, like a kidney stone
- Joint damage from arthritis or sprain
- Repetitive use that strains your muscle
5. Inflammatory Pain: Inflammatory pain stems from inflammation within the body, typically triggered by injury or infection. There are two types of inflammation: acute, which is sudden and short-lived, and chronic, which can persist for extended periods.
When an injury occurs, you may notice skin discoloration, mild pain or tenderness, swelling, warmth or heat radiating from the area, and impaired mobility in the affected body part.
Examples of what can cause inflammatory pain include:
-
- Exposure to substances such as dust or a bee sting
- Infections
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Autoinflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
6. Radicular Pain: Radicular pain occurs when a nerve root becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain that radiates along the path of the affected nerve. This type of pain consists of sensations that travel from the spinal nerve root, either partially or entirely, into the extremity.
Individuals experiencing radicular pain may also notice accompanying symptoms such as tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or electrical sensations like pins and needles, burning, or shock that travel down one extremity.
Examples of conditions associated with radicular pain may include:
-
- Herniated disc
- Radiculopathy
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
7. Psychogenic Pain: Psychogenic pain originates in the brain and is primarily influenced by psychological factors like stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma. Unlike other types of pain, it may not correlate with identifiable tissue damage, manifesting as headaches, body aches, stomach pain, or back pain.
Treatment for psychogenic pain typically involves therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or group therapy. Medications such as antidepressants may also be used, along with mindfulness techniques.
Some examples of psychogenic pain may include:
-
- Headaches
- Muscle pains
- Phantom limb pain
- Stomach pain
Subjective Nature of Pain
One of the defining characteristics of pain is its subjective nature, making it deeply personal and variable among individuals. Factors like age, gender, cultural background, and past experiences greatly influence how pain is perceived and managed.
For instance, a pain level of 10 for one person may not be the same intensity for another. This discrepancy can be especially challenging with pediatric patients, as parents may struggle to gauge their child’s subjective pain experience accurately.
While current pain management strategies, including opioids, offer benefits to many, they may not always be effective and can pose challenges due to the risks of addiction and side effects. However, alternative treatments like psychedelic substances show promise in alleviating pain and enhancing overall well-being, offering safer options compared to traditional approaches.
Understanding Pain Management with Psychedelics
In recent years, there’s been a surge in interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental health and physical ailments. Once mainly associated with counterculture and spirituality, psychedelics are now capturing the attention of researchers and healthcare professionals for their unique effects on the brain and potential therapeutic applications.
Psychedelic substances were studied in the mid-20th century for their potential psychiatric applications, showing promising results in treating conditions such as depression, addiction, PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety in terminally ill patients.
Despite initial optimism, research into psychedelics was largely halted in the 1970s due to political and societal factors, leading to their classification as Schedule I controlled substances, which means they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
However, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in psychedelics as a novel approach to mental health treatment. Research has shown their safety and efficacy in inducing profound alterations in consciousness, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals struggling with mental health disorders.
While the majority of research on psychedelics has focused on their impact on mental health conditions, emerging evidence suggests they also hold promise for managing physical conditions, particularly those associated with pain. Most notably, psychedelics have shown promise in treating symptoms of chronic pain, cluster headaches, migraines, and fibromyalgia.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain isn’t just a passing discomfort—it’s a persistent condition that can deeply affect daily life. Lasting beyond 12 weeks, chronic pain persists long after initial injuries heal, impacting work, relationships, and overall well-being.
Recommended Reading: How Psychedelic Therapy Can Help Treat Chronic Pain
Chronic pain varies greatly among individuals, ranging from dull and achy to sharp and shooting, and may be localized or widespread throughout the body, with the intensity ranging from mild to severe. For some individuals, the pain may come and go, while for others, it remains consistent.
Unfortunately, chronic pain is quite common. In 2021, around 51.6 million adults in the United States—about 20.9% of the adult population—experienced this challenging condition. This prevalence highlights the importance of finding effective ways to manage chronic pain and raising awareness about its significant impact on individuals and society.
Individuals dealing with chronic pain are also more likely to experience other health issues like depression, anxiety, sleep problems, decreased energy levels, and substance abuse, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care and support.
One study found that those with chronic pain are three times more likely to develop depression compared to those without, underscoring the complex relationship between chronic pain and mental health.
So, how exactly do psychedelics work in the brain to help those dealing with chronic pain?
Although not fully understood yet, research suggests that psychedelics primarily mediate their effects by activating the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain, which can lead to alterations in cortical signaling.
This activation may result in the breakdown of connections within the default mode network (DMN) and the formation of new, unexpected connections between brain networks, potentially offering new pathways for pain perception and management.
Additionally, psychedelics have shown potential anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is associated with neuroinflammation and chronic pain conditions. This mechanism could help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, the alterations in perception and mood induced by the psychedelic experience, including feelings of interconnectedness and timelessness, may contribute to their therapeutic effects in managing chronic pain and associated psychological distress.
The “psychedelic afterglow”, experienced after the psychotropic effects wear off, coupled with the altered perception of pain during the psychedelic experience, suggests a potential for long-lasting changes in pain perception and overall well-being.
Here are some ongoing clinical trials investigating the potential of psychedelics in managing chronic pain:
Comment
byu/Psychedelicosteopath from discussion
inChronicPain
Comment
byu/iwanttoendmylife22 from discussion
inChronicPain
Comment
byu/Dave85208 from discussion
inChronicPain
“First thing I noticed on my first mushroom trip a few months ago, was I felt the daily pain melt away before I felt the trip. It absolutely helped me find relief during the experience. 2 weeks later I had the worst back spasms I’ve ever had. Unrelated I’m sure, but I mention it because the pain does come back.
Microdoses can take the edge off for me, but I am really bad at taking care of my back. So with MDing and your exercise combined, you may have way better results. I’m really learning that psycs can be so powerful when it comes to changing for the better, but it isn’t the cure. It’s a tool in a larger toolbox and they must be used together.” – Reddit User
Cluster Headaches and Migraines
Another area where psychedelics show promise in pain management is in the treatment of cluster headaches and migraines.
Recommended Reading: Psilocybin for Cluster Headaches and Migraines
As one of the most severe types of headaches, cluster headaches affect about 0.1% of the population. However, this condition can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a migraine, which is estimated to affect about 10% of the population.
Cluster headaches are excruciatingly painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours per episode. They typically manifest as severe pain on one side of the head, often around the eye or temple, and are accompanied by symptoms like red or watery eyes, nasal congestion, and drooping eyelids.
Migraines, on the other hand, are debilitating headaches characterized by throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. They can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours per episode and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances known as auras.
Research suggests that psychedelics may offer relief by disrupting the neurological mechanisms underlying these conditions, altering serotonin levels and reducing inflammation to potentially interrupt the cascade of events that trigger cluster headaches and migraines.
Here are some ongoing clinical trials investigating the potential of psychedelics in managing cluster headaches and migraines:
“At some point in the past I posted that I have cluster headache disorder and that I took psilocybin mushrooms in an effort to get relief. This is my update 15 months after doing so.
Backstory:
“I have chronic cluster headaches. The condition started when I was in my early teens as a fluttering sensation on one side of my head, first became truly painful around age 17, and has gotten progressively worse every year since.
It comes in ‘seasons,’ in my case I get them in mid-March to mid-May and November-ish like clockwork. During these ‘seasons,’ alcohol is a huge trigger that guarantees hours of excruciating pain. A sudden spike in blood sugar like having only eaten meat and veggies all day and then drinking a milk shake or eating candy is also a trigger. Cigarettes or getting too hot also triggers it.
By my early 20s, I started getting horrible, severe pain whenever anything would trigger a headache during these seasons. It is only on the right side of my head and feels like someone trying to shove a dull knife through my skull, among other things. I can freely drink alcohol and eat sugar and smoke (though I don’t) outside of the ‘seasons’ and not get pain.
By my mid-20s, the condition had worsened so that instead of just having headaches, I had a ‘build up’ starting before the actual ‘season.’ The build-up is growing dull aching pain on the right side of my head, pressure and sharp pains in my right eyeball, and pressure and sometimes burning in the area of my face around my eye. These are called ‘shadows.’
By my late-20s, I was experiencing these ‘shadows’ 24/7 all year punctuated by increasingly frequent headaches that would take me out of commission for hours before letting up. I started accepting the shadow pain as ‘normal’ because it never went away.
It started to interfere with my ability to work and that’s when I became super desperate because I can’t afford to lose my job and I couldn’t keep calling off over ‘headaches.’ People would sort of roll their eyes and act like I was a whiner because it’s ‘just a headache.’ I was worried the severity would keep increasing because I was bordering on the line of not being able to handle the pain at all.
Trying mushrooms:
I got ahold of a handful of tiny magic mushrooms last year. Never tried them before this. The mushrooms were about half the length of my pinky finger. I was nervous about trying them so I only ate three. The effects weren’t very great, the only thing I noticed was that when I moved my phone back and forth in the dark, I could see it tracing in the air. That was cool. The sharp head pain actually got a tiny bit worse on the shrooms, though, so I fell asleep thinking it didn’t work.
The next day I didn’t feel any pain, but it was too early to tell. So I ate another four mushrooms and didn’t get any pain that time.
The results 15 months later:
The headache pain never came back. Not even a tinge of it. I didn’t experience the November 2016 headache season or the March – May 2017 season. Not even a hint of pain. Not the slightest shadow. It was incredible.
It has been 15 months. It is almost September and I’ve just started feeling the shadow again — the dull aching on one side of my head, eyeball pressure, the first tinges of sharp pain, sugar is exacerbating it, my eye waters, etc. So I know that this November won’t be kind to me if I don’t get more mushrooms, but I can also say definitively that magic mushrooms completely cured me for more than a year and all it took was seven tiny mushrooms.
So for me, eating a few mushrooms once a year completely gets rid of a debilitating condition that no prescription has been able to help me eliminate in any significant way. And it takes is one afternoon out of an entire year and costs like $15. Can’t believe that people can get thrown in jail for having these. A little fungus that grows on shit and produces miracles.
-Fin” – Reddit User
Comment
byu/girl_on_the_web from discussion
inClusterHeadaches
Comment
byu/MRgabbar from discussion
inmigraine
“Strain doesn’t matter, the dose is what determines if you’ll hallucinate or not.
I get episodic clusters, luckily I’ve only had 2 cycles that were 5 years apart. My second cycle in 2019 is what got me back into mushrooms.
I can’t say if the mushrooms stopped the actual cycle or if it just ended but I can tell you that everyday I took mushrooms I didn’t have an atack that night. I doses 1g, which didn’t produce any hallucinations just a sense of euphoria” – Reddit User
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Individuals with fibromyalgia often experience these symptoms regularly, and flare-ups can last anywhere from days to weeks.
Recommended Reading: How Psychedelic Therapy Can Help Treat Fibromyalgia
In the United States, it’s estimated that fibromyalgia affects around 3 million adults or about 2% of the population. The condition is more prevalent in women than men and tends to become more common as individuals age.
Psychedelics may provide relief by modulating pain processing pathways in the brain and promoting neuroplasticity. Studies have suggested that psychedelics can induce neurochemical changes that alleviate pain and improve mood and overall well-being in individuals with fibromyalgia.
While research in this area is still in its infancy, preliminary findings are encouraging and warrant further investigation.
Here are some ongoing clinical trials investigating the potential of psychedelics in managing fibromyalgia:
Comment
byu/beardsnflannels from discussion
inFibromyalgia
Comment
byu/CurtD34 from discussion
inFibromyalgia
“I have severe Fibromyalgia, I also have learned to live with the chronic pain and will take pain medication SOS only. But macro dose of shrooms makes my back hurt, pain is so intense that I have cried in pain. Tried it few times with different doses anything above 0.5 g will trigger the pain. Not sure what to make of it.” – Reddit User
Exploring the Interactions Between Analgesics and Tryptamine Psychedelics
Now that we understand the potential of psychedelics in alleviating pain disorders, it’s essential to consider their interactions with traditional pain medications, or analgesics.
Tryptamine psychedelics, one of the major classes of hallucinogenic substances, primarily affect serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor subtype. Examples of these substances include psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and mescaline.
Analgesics are a type of medication that is designed to reduce pain signaling or the experience of pain. They may act on both peripheral and central nervous systems and focus on blocking or modulating pain signaling or inflammatory responses.
There are various classes of analgesics, each with different mechanisms of action and routes of administration. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and acetaminophen, among others.
While some analgesics, such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs, are relatively well-tolerated and may not significantly impact the psychedelic experience, others, particularly opioids and drugs with serotonergic activity, warrant closer examination.
Understanding the interaction between analgesics and psychedelics is crucial for safe and effective pain management, involving considerations of potential synergies, adverse reactions, and alterations in drug metabolism.
Complete List of Analgesic Medication Names
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Drug Class |
| Tylenol | Acetaminophen, Paracetamol | Acetaminophen |
| Aspirin | Acetylsalicylic Acid | NSAID |
| Esgic | Acetaminophen, Butalbital, and Caffeine | Analgesic Combination |
| Trezix | Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Dihydrocodeine | Opioid |
| Elavil | Amitriptyline | Adjuvant Analgesic (Antidepressant) |
| Belbuca | Buprenorphine | Opioid |
| Cataflam, Subutex | Buprenorphine and Naloxone | Opioid |
| Celebrex | Celecoxib | NSAID |
| Tylenol #3 | Codeine | Opioid |
| Cataflam, Voltaren | Diclofenac | NSAID |
| Cymbalta | Duloxetine | Adjuvant Analgesic (Antidepressant) |
| Duragesic | Fentanyl | Opioid |
| Neurontin | Gabapentin | Adjuvant Analgesic (Gabapentinoid) |
| Diacyetlmorphine | Heroin | Opioid |
| Dilaudid | Hydromorphone | Opioid |
| Advil, Motrin | Ibuprofen | NSAID |
| Tivorbex | Indomethacin | NSAID |
| Toradol | Ketorolac | NSAID |
| Lipoderm | Lidocaine | Adjuvant Analgesic (Anesthetic) |
| Mobic | Meloxicam | NSAID |
| Dolophine | Methadone | Opioid |
| MS Contin | Morphine | Opioid |
| Relafen | Nabumetone | NSAID |
| Aleve, Naprosyn | Naproxen | NSAID |
| Tapentadol | Nucynta | Opioid |
| OxyContin, Oxaydo, Roxicodone, Xtampza ER | Oxycodone | Opioid |
| Endocet, Nalocet, Percocet | Oxycodone and Acetaminophen | Opioid |
| Opana | Oxymorphone | Opioid |
| Meperidine | Pethidine | Opioid |
| Lyrica | Pregabalin | Adjuvant Analgesic (Gabapentinoid) |
| Dextromethorphan | Robitussin | Opioid |
| Nucynta | Tapentadol | Opioid |
| Ultram | Tramadol | Opioid |
Interactions Between Non-Opioid Analgesics and Psychedelics
Analgesics such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs are generally well-tolerated and aren’t likely to significantly impact the psychedelic experience, as there is no evidence of dangerous interactions. However, it’s still important to take caution when combining the two and consult with your healthcare provider and a psychedelic guide beforehand.
Acetaminophen works by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) and primarily targets COX-2 in the brain. This inhibition reduces the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that contribute to inflammation and pain sensation.
Acetaminophen is primarily metabolized by the liver, mainly through the pathway involving glucuronidation and sulfation. Some evidence suggests that certain psychedelic substances, particularly those that affect serotonin receptors, may also be metabolized by the liver.
When combining acetaminophen with psychedelics, there may be a potential for interactions due to competition for liver enzymes, which could affect the metabolism of either substance. However, this interaction is not well-documented.
NSAIDs operate by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins in your body. This reduction leads to diminished swelling and alleviation of pain.
Most NSAIDs are highly unlikely to carry risks of drug interactions with psychedelics. Aspirin works similarly to NSAIDs to reduce inflammatory mediators of pain and is also very unlikely to carry risks of drug interactions with psychedelics.
Moreover, the subjective experience of pain and its modulation by analgesics may intersect with the psychological effects of psychedelics. Individuals with chronic pain conditions may bring unique perspectives and vulnerabilities to the psychedelic experience, shaping their responses to these substances in profound ways.
Overall, the interaction between non-opioid analgesics and psychedelics seems to be relatively safe. However, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional and a psychedelic guide beforehand because there can be other factors that could impact your experience, such as other medications or individual health considerations.
“As far as I know TY is a antiplatelate coagulant. (ELI5 Makes blood slightly thinner by reducing its clotting potential)
And advil is an anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling and inflamation)
To my limited knowledge, neither interacts directly with the classic psychedelics. But they can help with body load.
I think you’re right hydration could be your problem. I would nail down what you consume before during and after and try to figure out what works best for you as scientifically as you can.
But I believe there is little to no harm in taking them.” – Reddit User
Interactions Between Opioids and Psychedelics
Opioids, another class of analgesic medications commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain, pose specific considerations when used in conjunction with tryptamine psychedelics.
While the exact mechanism of psychedelic substances is not fully understood, opioids primarily act on opioid receptors to alleviate pain. However, they may also influence serotonin and other neurotransmitter systems implicated in the effects of psychedelics.
The interaction between opioids and psychedelics can vary depending on factors such as the duration of opioid use. Opioids can depress the central nervous system, potentially reducing the effects of psychedelics. This may result in dampened psychedelic experiences or diminished therapeutic effects.
The combination of opioids and psychedelics also raises concerns regarding potential pharmacological interactions and safety considerations. Opioids that block serotonin reuptake, such as tramadol and meperidine, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when used with psychedelics like MDMA or ayahuasca, which also affect serotonin signaling.
Additionally, certain psychedelics, like ayahuasca, contain MAOIs, which can further potentiate serotonin syndrome when combined with opioids.
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by an excess of serotonin in the body. Symptoms may include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity, and in severe cases, seizures and coma.
Moreover, long-acting opioids, such as methadone and fentanyl, may have prolonged effects that could interfere with the duration or intensity of a psychedelic experience.
Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before psychedelic therapy. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance and advice tailored to your specific medical history and needs, helping you make informed decisions regarding pain management and psychedelic use.
“I have taken them 6 hours apart. I’ve also used shrooms for opioid withdrawals. I had a episode of ‘sleep paralysis ‘ last time but it happened whilst I was awake so that was a bit scary. They definitely hit the reset switch on the body.” – Reddit User
“I’m on bupenorpherine for pain management and I don’t notice it when I’m tripping.” – Reddit User
“Hi everyone, i am 26m and was addicted to opiates since I was 20. Percocet to be exact. It got up to the point where I was spending $125 per day. I tried quitting countless time, I literally can’t count how many, over 10. I never got to more than a week. I stumbled up on article about psilocybin and addiction, I figured I’d give it a shot. I needed to change. I got an 8th of Penis Envy from my buddy and ate half for my first time. It was truly a experience.
I don’t know if I’m going to sound crazy but this is my quick trip report, you could say. At first I didn’t feel anything for about 90 minutes, I figured I got some trash shrooms and it wasn’t going to work at all. About 10 minutes later I started feeling really different, a good different. I was having a great time at first, was watching YouTube videos and laughing my ass off. I don’t think I’ve laughed that much in close to a decade.
At one point during my experience, I don’t know what or who it was, but I felt myself having a conversation in my head with what felt like, what I can only do describe, as a teacher. Every problem I was facing in my life and knew I wanted to work out before taking the shrooms started coming up in the “conversation”.
I started thinking about my opiate addiction, and, it’s truly hard to describe, it felt like, I was getting answers. Answers to why I even take the Percs, I basically kept hearing in my head “we’re done with this shit, you don’t need this shit”.
And I couldn’t agree more with I was being “told”. At one point I felt my mind starting to wander and start to want to have fun on the trip, but I swear, it’s like I was told, “you’ll have your time to have fun later with us, but right now you need to sit down and we need to work some things out”. I know I sound crazy, but it’s been 4 months and I truly cannot figure out one reason why I would want to go back to opiates. Life has been great.” – Reddit User
Other Factors
In addition to pharmacological interactions, several other factors may influence the interaction between analgesics and psychedelics in pain management.
“Set and setting”, which encompass the psychological and environmental context of a psychedelic experience, play a crucial role in shaping the therapeutic outcomes of psychedelic therapy for pain.
Essentially, “set” refers to the mindset or psychological state of the individual, while “setting” encompasses the physical environment where the experience takes place. Factors such as comfort, safety, and familiarity can significantly impact the overall experience.
For instance, environments that are adapted to reduce pain and increase comfort, such as the familiar surroundings of your own home, can enhance the therapeutic effects of psychedelic therapy for pain. On the other hand, an uncomfortable environment can detract from the overall experience, potentially diminishing the therapeutic benefits of the treatment.
Individual differences in pain perception, psychological resilience, and coping strategies may also impact the response to combined analgesic and psychedelic treatment regimens.
Furthermore, the regular use of analgesic medications may impact an individual’s response to psychedelics and vice versa. Discontinuing analgesics during psychedelic therapy may exacerbate pain symptoms or lead to withdrawal effects, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring and patient support throughout the treatment process.
Overall, a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between analgesics and psychedelics, alongside individual factors and treatment goals, is crucial for optimizing pain management with psychedelic therapy. Collaboration between healthcare providers, psychedelic guides, and patients is crucial to mitigate risks and maximize therapeutic benefits.
Strategies for Pain Management with Psychedelics and Analgesics
Pain management often requires a multifaceted approach that may include the use of both traditional analgesic medications and emerging therapies such as psychedelics. Understanding how to navigate the potential interactions and optimize the benefits of these treatments is essential for individuals seeking pain relief.
Should I Stop Using Analgesics in Order to Try Psychedelics?
One of the key considerations for individuals contemplating psychedelic therapy for pain management is whether to discontinue their current analgesic medications.
As we know, non-opioid analgesics and psychedelics are highly unlikely to have any negative interactions. However, this decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider and psychedelic guide, weighing the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option.
Discontinuing non-opioid analgesics before starting psychedelic therapy may be advisable in some cases, particularly if there are concerns about other medical issues or if the individual is interested in exploring the full therapeutic potential of psychedelics. However, discontinuing the medication is very unlikely to have any effect on the psychedelic experience.
However, abruptly discontinuing opioid analgesic medications can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms or worsen pain symptoms, emphasizing the importance of consulting your doctor before discontinuing any medication. Your doctor can guide you on tapering off opioids to minimize withdrawal symptoms and manage pain effectively.
Can Psychedelics Be Used in Combination with Analgesics?
The question of whether psychedelics can be safely combined with analgesic medications is another important consideration for individuals seeking comprehensive pain management strategies.
Combining non-opioid analgesics with psychedelics typically does not result in negative interactions or alter the psychedelic experience, so it is generally not advised to discontinue them.
However, opioids should not be used in conjunction with psychedelics. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor before your psychedelic experience to devise a plan, such as how to taper off opioids safely.
Overall, the decision to continue or discontinue analgesic medications following psychedelic therapy should be based on individual needs, treatment response, and ongoing collaboration with healthcare providers.
Should I Continue Using Analgesics After Psychedelic Therapy?
After your psychedelic therapy session, individuals may wonder whether they should continue using their analgesic medications or stop taking them entirely. This decision should be guided by the individual’s response to treatment, as well as ongoing discussions with their healthcare provider and guide.
In some cases, individuals may experience significant improvements in pain symptoms following psychedelic therapy, allowing for a reduction or discontinuation of analgesic medications altogether. However, it is essential to proceed cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider to avoid potential complications or relapse of pain symptoms.
For individuals who continue to experience persistent pain despite psychedelic therapy, maintaining or adjusting their analgesic regimen may be necessary to ensure adequate pain management. Healthcare providers can help individuals navigate these decisions and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of pain.
Effective Tapering Strategies for Analgesics
Tapering off analgesic medications for psychedelic therapy, particularly opioids, requires a thoughtful and individualized approach to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe transition to alternative pain management strategies.
Before initiating a tapering plan, it’s essential to assess whether tapering off analgesics is appropriate for the individual’s situation. Factors to consider include the presence of physical dependence on opioids, the severity of pain symptoms, and the individual’s readiness to explore alternative pain management approaches.
Open communication between the individual and their healthcare provider is an absolute must in making this determination.
Why is Tapering So Important?
Proper tapering of analgesic medications is essential to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smooth transition to alternative pain management strategies. Tapering gradually allows the body to adjust to lower medication doses, reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and promoting a more comfortable tapering process.
While not typically necessary for a psychedelic experience, the tapering process for non-opioid analgesics involves gradually reducing the dosage of analgesic medications over time while closely monitoring for any signs of withdrawal or worsening pain symptoms.
Tapering off opioids requires special consideration due to withdrawal symptoms and rebound pain. Gradual tapering is recommended to minimize discomfort and ensure a successful transition, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to both physical discomfort and psychological distress.
Healthcare providers will develop individualized tapering plans tailored to factors such as the type of analgesic medication, duration of use, and the individual’s response to tapering. These plans may be adjusted based on the individual’s response to tapering and the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Possible Tapering Plans
There are various tapering strategies that healthcare providers may employ, depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
For individuals experiencing physical dependence, healthcare providers may suggest minimizing the use of the medication to the extent tolerable, gradually reducing medication dosage while also addressing withdrawal symptoms.
This strategy aims to minimize discomfort and ensure a safe transition, as withdrawing too much medication too quickly may lead to a “bad trip” and exacerbate withdrawal symptoms.
For individuals who do not have physical dependence on opioids and use them occasionally, it may be recommended to refrain from taking medication several days prior to a psychedelic therapy session.
Additionally, scheduling psychedelic sessions to coincide with periods of lower pain intensity or away from pain flares could be another reasonable approach. This strategy allows for the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics to be maximized while minimizing the risk of any adverse interactions with analgesic medications.
While the exact tapering schedule will vary among individuals, typically the dosage is decreased by 10% per week for those who have taken opioids for a shorter duration, such as weeks to months, or 10% per month for those who have taken opioids for a longer period, such as a year.
Each person is different, and the tapering experience won’t be the same for everyone, so it’s important to work with your healthcare provider, trust your instincts, and ensure you feel comfortable during the tapering process.
“It will nullify the effects of psilocybin but start anyway. Psilocybin will help you taper off of them” – Reddit User
A Guide to Pain Management with Psychedelics & Analgesics
Exploring the synergies between psychedelic therapy and analgesics offers a holistic approach to pain management, empowering individuals to navigate their journey toward relief with informed choices and effective strategies.
-
- Navigating Chronic Pain Management: Discover How Psychedelic Therapy Can Help Treat Chronic Pain as we delve into its mechanisms and therapeutic applications, providing a beacon of hope for those seeking relief.
-
- Unlocking Hope for Cluster Headache and Migraine Sufferers: Journey through the promising research on utilizing Psilocybin for Cluster Headaches and Migraines as we illuminate the path to relief for those suffering from these intense conditions.
-
- Unveiling Hope for Fibromyalgia Patients: Dive into the emerging research on How Psychedelic Therapy Can Help Treat Fibromyalgia as we discuss novel avenues for managing this chronic pain disorder and empowering individuals on their path to wellness.
Get Matched with a Trusted Psychedelic Therapy Provider Near You
Hi there! We sincerely hope that you’ve found valuable takeaways that resonate with your current intentions. To explore research-based education, stay updated with psychedelic news, and benefit from practical how-to articles, we encourage you to head over to our resources page.
If you’re seeking personalized advice and are prepared to take the first step toward a therapeutic psychedelic experience, we invite you to book a consultation with our team of experienced psychedelic concierges.
This consultation is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to be matched with a trustworthy local facilitator. You’ll be seamlessly connected to our rigorously vetted network of psychedelic guides, ensuring potential matches align with your needs.
Psychedelic Passage offers confidence and peace of mind by alleviating the burden of having to guess who’s right for you. If you want to discover how Psychedelic Passage can help you, we empower you to learn more about our services and check out client testimonials from those who’ve gone before you.
Your healing path is uniquely yours, and our commitment is to serve you at every juncture. Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic-assisted therapy near you in the United States.
Learn More About Our Network
Connect with Psychedelic Passage
-
- Listen to our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio
- Subscribe to our Youtube Channel
- Follow us on Instagram, Reddit, and Linked in for bite-sized updates and content.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychedelics and Analgesics
1. Can psychedelic therapy be tailored to address specific types or causes of chronic pain?
Yes, psychedelic therapy can be customized to target various types and causes of chronic pain by adjusting dosage, therapy duration, and therapeutic techniques based on individual needs and pain characteristics. Your guide will help you personalize your psychedelic therapy journey, ensuring it aligns with your unique pain management goals and preferences.
2. What potential challenges or risks might arise when discontinuing analgesic medications before undergoing psychedelic therapy?
Discontinuing analgesic medications, particularly opioids, before undergoing psychedelic therapy can pose challenges such as withdrawal symptoms, rebound pain, and potential risks if not done under medical supervision. It’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals to manage this transition safely.
3. How do the interactions between psychedelics and analgesics vary based on the type and duration of analgesic use?
The interactions between psychedelics and analgesics can vary depending on the type and duration of analgesic use. Factors such as the specific medications, dosage, and individual physiological responses can influence the degree of interaction and potential outcomes.
4. Are there additional strategies available for pain management when integrating them with psychedelic therapy?
Besides psychedelic therapy, additional strategies for pain management may include mindfulness techniques, talk therapy, and lifestyle modifications like exercise and nutrition. Integrating these approaches with psychedelic therapy can enhance overall pain relief and well-being.
5. Is the integration phase in psychedelic therapy necessary when addressing pain?
The integration phase in psychedelic therapy is absolutely essential when it comes to addressing pain, as it allows individuals to process and integrate their psychedelic experiences into daily life. This phase can facilitate long-term changes in pain perception, coping mechanisms, and overall well-being.
References:
-
- Bornemann, J., Close, J. B., Spriggs, M. J., Carhart-Harris, R., & Roseman, L. (2021, October 4). Self-medication for chronic pain using classic psychedelics: A qualitative investigation to inform future research. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.735427/full
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 13). Chronic pain among adults – United States, 2019–2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7215a1.htm#:~:text=During%202021%2C%20an%20estimated%2020.9,Hispanic%20American%20Indian%20or%20Alaska
- Goel, A., Rai, Y., Sivadas, S., Diep, C., Clarke, H., Shanthanna, H., & Ladha, K. S. (2023, October 1). Use of psychedelics for pain: A scoping review. American Society of Anesthesiologists. https://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article/139/4/523/138862/Use-of-Psychedelics-for-Pain-A-Scoping-Review
- K;, B. M. R. W. (n.d.). Depression and pain comorbidity: A literature review. Archives of internal medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14609780/
- K;, H. B. O. (n.d.). Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in man. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17884974/
- Kandel, S. A. (2023, July 4). Cluster headache. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544241/
- Kristin Walter, M. (2022, January 4). Patient information: Migraine. JAMA. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787727
- Lowe, H., Toyang, N., Steele, B., Valentine, H., Grant, J., Ali, A., Ngwa, W., & Gordon, L. (2021, May 15). The therapeutic potential of psilocybin. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8156539/
- Milani, D. A. Q. (2023, July 3). Pain management medications. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560692/
- Nahin, R. L. (2015, August). Estimates of pain prevalence and severity in adults: United States, 2012. The journal of pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562413/
- Person. (2024, January 27). Nociceptive pain: Types, phases, and treatments. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/nociceptive-pain
- professional, C. C. medical. (n.d.). Chronic pain: What is it, causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4798-chronic-pain
- Shah, M. (2023, July 21). Opioid withdrawal. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018, November 14). NIH analysis shows Americans are in pain. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-analysis-shows-americans-are-pain
- Wideman, T. H., Edwards, R. R., Walton, D. M., Martel, M. O., Hudon, A., & Seminowicz, D. A. (2019, March). The Multimodal Assessment Model of Pain: A novel framework for further integrating the subjective pain experience within research and Practice. The Clinical journal of pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6382036/
