Can You Overdose on Mushrooms? Understand The Effects and Health Risks

What you will learn

• Mushrooms influence how you process serotonin and temporarily alter mood, thoughts, and perceptions, and can result in hallucinations.
• The effects of magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, begin within 30 minutes and can last for up to six hours.
• Psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance which means it carries a high potential for abuse and has not confirmed medical application.
• Consuming a large number of mushrooms can lead to severe psychological distress, a 'bad trip,' intense fear or anxiety, and can result in harmful behaviors or accidents.

Psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring fungi that contain psilocybin compounds that can be consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. Mushrooms influence the way your brain processes serotonin to temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions, which can include hallucinations, changes in mood, and altered thinking patterns.[1,2]

The effects of mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes of being taken and can last for up to six hours.[3] Your experience with mushrooms can vary in several ways and depend upon several factors, including your individual tolerance, current mindset and environment, and your unique physiological makeup.

While the use of magic mushrooms is not commonly associated with fatal overdoses, there are significant risks, including the potential for poisoning, particularly if misidentified species are consumed, psychological distress, and exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions.

Is It Safe to Take Mushrooms?

Although magic mushrooms are naturally occurring, there is no currently accepted safe dosage for psilocybin—or any drug of potential abuse.[4] The usage of any drug always carries risks, and magic mushrooms are no exception.

According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.5% of people in the U.S. had used psilocybin at some point in their life.[5] There are also currently several studies underway to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin as a tool for combating the symptoms of several mental health disorders. Still, there is a continuing need for further research and more information as to its benefits in this regard.[6]

Psilocybin is currently listed as a Schedule I substance per the Controlled Substances Act [7], meaning that it carries a high potential for abuse with no accepted safety standards or medical uses in treatment on the federal level. However, ongoing research is examining its potential therapeutic uses. Its legality can vary by jurisdiction regarding its use as a therapeutic tool.

What Are the Common Effects of Mushrooms?

After consuming mushrooms, you may experience:

• A sense of euphoria
• Changes in consciousness, mood, thought, and perception
• An increase in introspection
• Dilated pupils
• Visual and/or auditory hallucinations
• Nausea
• Headaches (that sometimes last for up to a day after usage)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Sweating
• Chills

It’s also important to emphasize that several different experiences are possible, as your environment, personality, and body chemistry can all affect the experience.

Is It Possible to Overdose on Mushrooms?

The concept of overdosing on magic mushrooms takes on a different quality when compared to traditional pharmaceutical substances or other illicit drugs. Consuming a large quantity of mushrooms containing psilocybin can lead to severe psychological distress, characterized by a ‘bad trip’ with intense fear or anxiety, and in rare cases, can result in harmful behaviors or accidents. Additionally, there is a risk of consuming toxic varieties of mushrooms mistaken for psilocybin-containing ones, which can have fatal physical consequences.

Furthermore, you may accidentally place yourself at risk if you are under the influence of mushrooms in circumstances that are dangerous or in which your altered state may lead to increased risk.

Mushroom Overdose vs. Mushroom Poisoning

Mushroom overdose and mushroom poisoning are both potential risks of taking psychedelic mushrooms. These may be very different experiences, though. The risk of mushroom overdose is primarily psychological, resulting in paranoia, panic, and psychosis. People who mistake other types of mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms face the additional risk of mushroom poisoning.

According to the National Center for Biotechnological Information, there are roughly 100 types of toxic mushrooms in the wild. [8]These mushrooms can be mistaken for edible mushrooms or magic mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning can result in various physical side effects ranging from uncomfortable to deadly. Side effects will vary depending on the type of mushroom accidentally ingested:

• • Amanita Phalloides: Also known as death caps, these are some of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. After ingesting these mushrooms, individuals may begin experiencing stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Within 48 hours, liver damage occurs, and in severe cases, a liver transplant is required. Death is possible within a week of ingesting Amanita phalloides.
  • Galerina Marginata: Sometimes called deathly galerina or funeral bell, these types of mushrooms are often mistaken for magic mushrooms due to their similar appearances. Like death caps, the galerina marginata can cause liver toxicity and death.
  • Chlorophyllum Molybdites: Not usually deadly, chlorophyllum molybdites can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. These mushrooms are a common cause of poisoning and may also be referred to as false parasols.
  • Gyromitra: Gyromitra mushrooms are commonly mistaken for other non-toxic types of mushrooms and can cause seizures in individuals who consume them. In some cases, seizures don’t respond to typical anticonvulsant medication.

• • Amanita smithiana: These types of mushrooms are primarily found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Amanita smithiana can cause severe kidney damage. Most people fully recover with prompt medical treatment.

Possible Symptoms of Poisonous Mushrooms

Some mushrooms, like death caps and funeral caps, can be deadly. These toxic mushrooms are easily mistaken for other types, including magic mushrooms. This is a significant risk associated with consuming shrooms, especially when the source is unknown.

Other types of poisonous mushrooms might not cause death, but they could still be associated with adverse effects. Examples of side effects from mushroom toxicity may include: [9]

• Headaches
• Stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Vertigo
• Heart palpitations
• Seizures
• Drowsiness
• Kidney damage
• Jaundice
• Heart murmur
• Fever
• Weakness
• Pain in the extremities
• Cramping
• Skin irritation

Can You Overdose on Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is the chemical compound in magic mushrooms. When ingested, the body converts psilocybin to psilocin. Psilocybin is considered to have low physical toxicity. This means adverse physical side effects associated with many other illicit substances, such as heart problems or trouble breathing, are much less likely with psilocybin mushrooms.

Researchers believe that the amount of psilocybin mushrooms you’d have to take for a physical overdose makes it virtually impossible. You’d have to take 1000 times the typical dose or roughly ten kilograms of mushrooms. [10] This may make the drug appealing to young people or people who want to experiment with drugs. It’s a dangerous misconception that magic mushrooms are devoid of risk.

While psilocybin mushrooms have low toxicity, this doesn’t mean psilocybin is safe for use, though. Consumption of psilocybin can lead to an increased heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with existing heart conditions. High doses of psilocybin can lead to intense psychological symptoms such as panic, paranoia, and even psychosis. [11]

The risk of a fatal overdose with psilocybin mushrooms alone is extremely low. This risk increases significantly when mushrooms are combined with other drugs such as alcohol, cannabis, or opioids, for example.

Another serious and potentially life-threatening risk associated with psilocybin is the risk of accident or injury while under the influence of shrooms. People on magic mushrooms have been known to behave in unpredictable and erratic ways, endangering themselves and others. [12]

Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Taking Mushrooms?

Research into the long-term effects of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is still in its infancy. Some studies suggest that controlled and guided use of these substances might have therapeutic potential, particularly in addressing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of psilocybin fully.

Symptoms and Long-Term Risks

Any substance abuse inevitably comes with risks. Using magic mushrooms is no exception. High doses of magic mushrooms can lead to extreme anxiety and fear, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and loss of muscle control, among other symptoms.

One of the most notable risks of shrooms is the risk of developing Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, or HPPD. [13] This severe cognitive disorder sometimes develops after a “bad trip.” Symptoms of this condition include:

• Flashbacks from the bad trip
• Anxiety
• Depersonalization
• Derealization
• Visual distortions
• Visual hallucinations
• Depression

Symptoms of HPPD can last weeks, months, or even years after taking mushrooms.

HPPD isn’t the only serious risk of mushrooms. Vulnerable populations, including people with a family history of psychosis or psychotic disorders, may be at risk of severe psychological effects. [14] This could include a “psychotic break” or long-term mental health symptoms such as mania, aggression, and even suicide attempts.

When to Seek Medical Help

Using magic mushrooms or psilocybin in a non-clinical setting can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms is highly discouraged. If you or a loved one does take these hallucinogenic mushrooms, it’s important to know when distressing symptoms constitute a mental health crisis or medical emergency. Since mushrooms are typically taken alongside other illicit drugs, the overdose risk may be much higher in some cases.

Here are some examples of side effects or adverse reactions related to psilocybin mushroom overdose or poisoning that may warrant immediate medical attention from a healthcare provider:

• Trouble breathing (i.e., shallow or raspy breathing)
• Chest pain
• Extreme and persistent agitation
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Gurgling coming from the mouth
• Extreme drowsiness
• Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
• Trouble walking or talking
• Pinpoint pupils or dilated pupils
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Attempts to harm or endanger oneself or others
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Paleness or jaundice
• Seizures
• Pain in the extremities
• Muscle weakness or limpness

Any of the signs above could be a sign of a drug overdose or mushroom poisoning. Call 911 and seek medical attention right away. You can also call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222.

Is It Possible to Get Addicted to Mushrooms?

Unlike substances that lead to physical dependence, mushrooms containing psilocybin are not considered physically addictive, as users do not typically develop a physical reliance on these mushrooms. However, there’s a possibility of developing a psychological dependence on mushrooms, where you may begin to seek out these experiences excessively.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), a person can be diagnosed with other hallucinogen use disorder if they meet at least two of the following criteria:[15]

• The hallucinogen is taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was initially intended.
• There is a persistent desire and/or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control psilocybin use.
• A significant amount of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from psilocybin.
• Cravings to use psilocybin.
• Recurring psilocybin use leads to difficulties fulfilling obligations at home, work, or school.
• There is a pattern of continued psilocybin use despite the continual problems caused or aggravated by the drug’s effects (for example, arguing with a loved one about the consequences of using psilocybin).
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are reduced or given up entirely because of psilocybin use.
• Recurrent psilocybin use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (such as while driving).
• Psilocybin use is continued despite knowledge of a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological issue likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the drug.
• Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: There is a need for increased amounts of psilocybin to achieve the desired effect, or there is a measurably diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of psilocybin.

Since no physical symptoms of withdrawal are established for psilocybin, this criteria is not included as it is for other substance use disorders.

What if I Combine Mushrooms With Other Substances?

Combining psilocybin mushrooms with other substances, whether they be legal or illicit, can result in several unpredictable interactions. The effects of both substances may be intensified, leading to heightened experiences that might become overwhelming. Mixing psilocybin with other substances can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia, or even other medical complications.

Alcohol and Mushrooms

Combining alcohol and mushrooms can be a risky proposition. Alcohol intensifies the psychological effects of psilocybin, potentially leading to heightened emotional volatility and decreased control over your experience. Moreover, alcohol’s dehydrating effects can worsen the physical toll of a hallucinogenic experience, leading to potential medical complications.

Cannabis and Mushrooms

Cannabis is another substance that some individuals may look to combine with psilocybin mushrooms to enhance their experience. However, as with alcohol, the combination of cannabis and mushrooms can amplify the intensity of the experience significantly. Such combined effects might lead to distortions of reality, increased sensory alterations, and a feeling of being overwhelmed by the experience.

You Are Not Alone

You are not alone. If you’re struggling with mushrooms or other substance use issues, our team of compassionate and trained medical professionals is here to help you learn new skills and begin the recovery process. We offer a comprehensive outpatient program designed to provide the support you need while allowing you to maintain your day-to-day responsibilities. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact us today to start healing.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more