The Effect of Psilocybin Mushrooms on Breathing

One of the questions I get most from people who are taking magic mushrooms for the first time is why they feel the compulsion to breathe so deeply when they ingest a medium-to-large dose (~1 gram and up) of mushrooms. I attempt to answer that question here.

TL:DR

Yes, feeling the need to breathe deeply after taking magic mushrooms is completely(!) normal. The effect on one’s breathing depends on numerous things including the dosage ingested and one’s sensitivity to psilocin. Most people indicate that they’re able to breath unbelievably deeply while using magic mushrooms, even in smaller doses, which they describe as supremely grounding, therapeutic, and helping to relieve stress and anxiety.

Here’s how magic mushrooms effect breathing:

Introduction

Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which has been studied for its effects on the human brain and body. While much of the focus has been on the psychological and neurological effects, psilocybin also impacts various physiological functions, including breathing. Here I explore the effects of psilocybin mushrooms on breathing, considering both the physiological mechanisms and the broader implications for health and therapeutic use.

Understanding Psilocybin and Its Mechanisms

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Once ingested, psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, which primarily affects the serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction leads to altered perception, mood, and cognition. However, psilocybin’s influence extends beyond the central nervous system, affecting the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, including respiration.

Direct Effects on Breathing

Psilocybin’s impact on breathing can be multifaceted. In some cases, users report a sense of enhanced breathing or altered respiratory patterns. These changes are likely due to the compound’s effects on the brainstem, where the respiratory centers are located. The serotonergic activity induced by psilocin can modulate the autonomic regulation of breathing, potentially leading to changes in respiratory rate and rhythm.

1. Increased Respiratory Awareness: Some users of psilocybin mushrooms report a heightened awareness of their breathing. This increased mindfulness can lead to a sensation of deeper, more conscious breathing. Such experiences are often accompanied by a sense of relaxation and a decrease in respiratory rate, reflecting a shift towards parasympathetic nervous system dominance.

2. Respiratory Rate Variability: Psilocybin can cause variability in respiratory rate. While some individuals may experience slowed breathing, others might encounter periods of rapid breathing or hyperventilation, particularly if they are experiencing anxiety or panic during the psychedelic experience. These effects are typically transient and resolve as the psilocybin is metabolized and excreted from the body.

3. Potential for Respiratory Depression: In rare cases, high doses of psilocybin might lead to respiratory depression, a condition where breathing becomes inadequate. This effect is more commonly associated with other substances that affect the central nervous system, such as opioids, but it highlights the need for careful dosing and monitoring in therapeutic settings.

Therapeutic Implications

The effects of psilocybin on breathing have important implications for its therapeutic use, particularly in the context of mental health treatments. Psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown promise in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Understanding its impact on physiological functions like breathing is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

1. Enhancing Breathwork Practices: Given the increased respiratory awareness that psilocybin can induce, there is potential for integrating breathwork practices into psilocybin-assisted therapy. Techniques such as deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and mindful breathing can be used to enhance the therapeutic experience and help manage anxiety or panic during sessions.

2. Safety in Clinical Settings: Ensuring the safety of patients undergoing psilocybin therapy involves monitoring vital signs, including respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for respiratory variability and be prepared to intervene if significant respiratory depression occurs.

3. Reducing Anxiety and Panic: By modulating breathing, psilocybin may help reduce anxiety and panic, which are often characterized by rapid, shallow breathing. Encouraging patients to focus on their breath during challenging moments of the psychedelic experience can help them regain a sense of control and calm.

Conclusion

Psilocybin mushrooms have complex effects on breathing, influenced by their interaction with the brain’s serotonergic system. These effects can range from increased respiratory awareness and variability in breathing patterns to potential respiratory depression in high doses. Understanding these effects is essential for the safe and effective use of psilocybin in both recreational and therapeutic contexts. By integrating breathwork and careful monitoring, practitioners can harness the benefits of psilocybin while minimizing risks, ultimately enhancing the therapeutic potential of this powerful psychedelic compound.