Psilocybin and the Effects of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
... tryptamine family (indole C8H7N & ethylamine side chain). Psilocybin is soluble in 20 parts water, while psilocin is only slightly soluble in water. Psilocybin is believed to cause its effects by acting upon nerve cells, or neurons, within the brain. In particular, it acts upon those neurons that utilize a substance named serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, which allows individual neurons to communicate with one another in order that information can be transmitted and processed. Mushrooms are neither physically addicting nor likely to cause psychological dependence. Many people actually find that their desire to use mushrooms goes down for a period of time after use. As with all substances, some people will use them more frequently than they are comfortable with. There is a short period of tolerance after Mushroom use. Using Mushrooms two days in a row is likely to lead to a diminished experience the second day, though spaced 5-7 or more days apart, the experience is just as it was a week ago. Many people experience nausea and/or vomiting during mushroom experiences, especially with higher doses. Other possible negative effects include anxiety and unwanted or frightening thoughts and visions. Mushrooms, though perhaps to a lesser degree than LSD, can precipitate strong, temporary changes in an individual's experience of life and reality. It can be a powerful psychoactive experience, especially at higher doses, which is significantly affected by experiences, set and setting. Recent experiences, especially strong ones, can have a substantial effect on a trip. Physically or psychologically unsettling events in the days before a Mushroom trip can blossom into more serious distress and trauma while tripping. The only way death can occur though, is during a bad trip. No known case has stated because of t...