Magic mushrooms and blood pressure: Effects and Considerations

Many medical studies have addressed hypertension prevention, treatment and management in recent decades. In addition, studies have also re-emerged on the treatment effects of psychedelics, but the effects of psychedelics on hypertension remain relatively insignificant.

However, this new study suggests that classic psychedelic use can cause lowered hypertension rates during life. Exemptions under subsection 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) allow for the legal use of controlled substances like psilocybin for scientific and medical purposes, balancing public health and safety objectives while providing regulatory guidance for clinical trials.

In the last 12 months, psychedelic use had a 12% higher incidence of hypertension. This study provides an essential basis for understanding physical outcomes associated with psychedelic use in clinical settings.

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are a fascinating type of fungi that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. These mushrooms contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which is responsible for their mind-altering effects. In recent years, magic mushrooms have gained popularity for their potential therapeutic benefits, sparking interest in both scientific and medical communities.

There are various species of magic mushrooms, including Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Psilocybe azurescens. Each of these species contains a range of bioactive compounds, such as psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin, which contribute to their psychoactive properties. When ingested, these compounds interact with the brain, leading to altered perceptions, enhanced creativity, and profound spiritual experiences.

How Do Magic mushrooms affect blood pressure?

A large dose of magic mushrooms can increase heart rate, elevated systolic blood pressure, and elevated diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, the increase in sympathetic tone may also lead to an increase in myocardial oxygen demand.

Increasing serotonin levels in the brain affect blood pressure by increasing vasoconstriction. Serotonin is known as a neurotransmitter which regulates mood and behaviour. It has been shown that serotonin receptors are present in the walls of arteries and veins. The activation of these receptors causes vasoconstriction (narrowing) of the blood vessels.

Serotonin and Blood Pressure

The effect of serotonin on blood pressure depends on the receptor it binds to. There are five types of serotonin receptors. These include 5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT3, 5-HT4, and 5-HT6.

• The 5-HT2 receptor is found mainly in the central nervous system. It controls the release of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, histamine, and GABA.
• 5-HT1 receptors are located throughout the body. They control the contraction of smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder, uterus, and bronchi.
• 5-HT3 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system. They control the secretion of hormones from endocrine glands.
• 5-HT4 receptors are located in the central nervous system and regulate appetite.
• 5-HT6 receptors are located in the brain stem and spinal cord. They play a role in regulating sleep patterns.

So, how do magic mushrooms affect blood pressure? According to research, the primary mechanism through which magic mushrooms affect blood pressure is inhibiting serotonin synthesis.

Serotonin inhibits the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, it reduces the movement of the adrenal glands and increases parasympathetic nerve activity.

The increase in cardiac output is a compensatory mechanism that occurs when there is a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. This leads to an increase in venous return and stroke volume. In addition, this increased stroke volume increases left ventricular filling and emptying rates, which increases diastolic function.

Short-term effects such as increased blood pressure and heartbeat may cause harm to people who suffer from cardiovascular disease. However, the long-term effects are not known.

Nevertheless, it is essential to note that these short-term effects do not occur immediately after taking magic mushrooms. The peak effect occurs between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingestion.

Recreational Doses vs Microdosing

Taking magic mushrooms in a recreational dose will likely increase your heart rate and blood pressure while under the effects of Psilocybin.

High dose psilocybin, often used in therapeutic settings, can also elevate blood pressure, similar to recreational doses, but differs significantly from the minimal impact observed with microdosing.

Microdosing, however, has been shown to have potentially positive effects on blood pressure due to changes in the users’ attitudes and stress levels.

Additionally, microdosing has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure

The effects of Psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) on systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been studied. The results are mixed, with some studies showing a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while others show no effect or an increase in blood pressure. There is also evidence that the magnitude of the change depends on the dose and duration of use.

Oral psilocybin administration allows for the conversion of psilocybin to its active form, psilocin, which can affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure, potentially leading to variations in psychological effects experienced by patients.

A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials found that acute administration of Psilocybin decreased systolic blood pressure by four mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg.

There was a significant correlation between dose and reduction in systolic blood pressure. For example, a dose of 200 mg reduced systolic blood pressure significantly more than doses of 50mg or 100mg. This may be because of shrooms’ anti-inflammatory properties.

There were no differences in systolic blood pressures at baseline or after treatment among participants who received a placebo compared with those who received Psilocybin.

A second meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials showed that Psilocybin did not alter diastolic blood pressure.

However, this analysis included only one trial that administered Psilocybin acutely.

Therapeutic Uses of Psilocybin

Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has shown promising potential in the treatment of various mental health conditions. Clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin can produce substantial and sustained improvements in symptoms of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These findings have opened new avenues for the use of psilocybin in mental health therapy.

In addition to its effects on depression and anxiety, psilocybin has also shown potential benefits for addiction and substance use disorders. By promoting introspection and emotional release, psilocybin can help individuals address the root causes of their addictive behaviors. Furthermore, psilocybin has been found to increase feelings of empathy and compassion, which can enhance social and emotional functioning, making it a valuable tool in therapeutic settings.

The Role of Mushrooms in Ameliorating Hypertension

Mushrooms, including magic mushrooms, are not just a culinary delight but also a potential boon for cardiovascular health. Research has indicated that mushrooms may offer health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and improving lipid profiles. The bioactive compounds found in mushrooms, like polyphenols and terpenes, are known to reduce inflammation and enhance cardiovascular function.

Some studies have specifically looked at the impact of mushroom consumption on blood pressure. One study found that regular consumption of mushrooms was associated with lower systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. These findings suggest that incorporating mushrooms into your diet could be a natural way to support cardiovascular health. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits and how they can be best utilized.

Short-term Effects of Magic Mushrooms

The short-term effects of magic mushrooms can be quite varied and depend largely on the dose and individual tolerance. Common effects include feelings of euphoria, altered perception, and changes in mood and cognition. While these experiences can be profound and enlightening, they can also come with some physical side effects.

Psilocybin can cause substantial increases in blood pressure and heart rate, which might be concerning for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Other potential adverse events include nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. However, these effects are typically short-lived and tend to resolve on their own within a few hours. Clinical trials have generally found psilocybin to be well-tolerated, with few serious adverse events reported, making it a relatively safe option when used responsibly.

Long-term Effects of Magic Mushrooms

The long-term effects of magic mushrooms are still a subject of ongoing research, but early findings are promising. Some studies suggest that psilocybin may offer long-term benefits for mental health, including sustained reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety. These benefits could potentially improve social and emotional functioning, making psilocybin a valuable tool for long-term mental health management.

Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that psilocybin may have positive effects on cognitive function, such as improving memory and attention. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of magic mushrooms. As with any substance, the potential risks and benefits should be carefully considered, and further studies will help to clarify the full range of effects that psilocybin can have over the long term.

Risks and effects of using Psilocybin on Major Depressive Disorder Contributing to Blood Pressure changes

A typical mushroom journey makes you feel as though you were unconscious or stuporous. You could have seizures when you don’t respond well to your dosage and feel tired or lethargic. It’s a bit different with micro-dosing vs doing them recreationally.

However, it is still possible for someone to experience a panic attack or anxiety during their trip. Randomized clinical trials have evaluated the adverse effects of psilocybin on mental health and blood pressure changes.

It is important to note that taking Psilocybin should be aware of any mental health issues you might have before taking it. For example, if you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, etc., you shouldn’t take Psilocybin.

If you’re having a bad day, it can make things worse.

If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, stressed out, or overwhelmed, it can exacerbate these feelings.

These feelings are associated with increased blood pressure and hypertension.

Depending upon the situation you are going through, it’s a complete internal journey. It may lead you to withdraw from all things around you. The occurrence of seizures is often associated with the mixing of stimulant drugs with mushrooms.

Please avoid mixing drugs when taking Psilocybin. When someone has epileptic seizures, they can get the blood flowing through a shroom without a problem. However, depending upon the severity of the disease, a shroom can cause an injury to the brain or heart.

Do other psychedelics lower BP or raise it?

Reports have investigated the correlation between classic psychedelic use and hypertension. The studies also revealed that people who had previously tried psychedelic drugs had significantly lower odds of having adverse effects on blood pressure. An analysis of the associations between hypertension in the past year and lifetime use of the significant classes of classic psychedelics, namely tryptamines (DMT, ayahuasca, Psilocybin, LSD, and L-tryptamine).

Furthermore, there was a positive association between lifetime use of Psilocybin and DMT and a negative association between lifetime use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and DMT

However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample sizes involved in the studies.

In addition, the authors noted that the data for classic psychedelics were limited due to inconsistent reporting.

How can I lower my high blood pressure?

There are many ways to lower your blood pressure. You should start with a low-sodium diet, and if you have high cholesterol or diabetes, you may also need to take medication for that.

If you’re not taking any medications, there are several things you can do to help lower your blood pressure:

• Get more exercise (walking is great)
• Eat less salt
• Reduce stress
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid caffeine
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat healthy foods
• Avoid alcohol
• Medications 

Taking Magic Mushrooms With Blood Pressure Medications

Is it safe to take blood pressure medications and psilocybin mushrooms simultaneously?

One user testimonial stated they had been taking medication for high blood pressure (amlodipine) since they were diagnosed with hypertension in 2005. Their doctor said he would like to start them on psilocybin mushrooms, but they were concerned about whether or not this is safe to do while still taking blood pressure medication. Is there any risk of having a bad reaction to both?

You might also want to talk to your doctor about trying some magic mushrooms.

The good thing about magic mushrooms is that they don’t interact with most prescription medicines.

Moreover, they won’t affect your blood pressure either, in small doses.

The only exception is if you are taking certain types of anti-depressants. These include MAO inhibitors, tricyclic anti-depressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Recreational doses of Psilocybin may interact negatively with your current blood pressure medication; please seek advice from a medical professional before using Psilocybin.

Sources:

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.16715

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Effects-of-psilocybin-on-blood-pressure-and-body-temperature-meanSEM-n8_tbl3_9010308

https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20210311/lifetime-psychedelic-use-may-reduce-likelihood-of-hypertension