What Are the Risks of Magic Truffles and Magic Mushrooms?

Bad trip: anxiety, panic and loss of control

During a bad trip, you may become anxious, confused or paranoid. At high doses, hallucinations can become so intense that you can no longer distinguish between reality and the effects of the trip. This can cause panic or a loss of control over your behaviour.

The risk of a bad trip increases with high doses, stress or an uncomfortable environment. You cannot immediately stop a bad trip yourself, but a calm environment and a sober, trusted person can help.

Nausea and vomiting

Magic truffles and magic mushrooms can cause nausea, stomach pain, dizziness and vomiting. These symptoms mainly occur at the beginning of the trip and usually disappear on their own.

Taking too high a dose

The amount of psilocybin varies depending on the species, harvest and individual truffle or mushroom. Sensitivity also differs from person to person. As a result, a dose may have stronger effects than expected. A high dose increases the risk of panic, confusion and a bad trip.

Combining with alcohol, cannabis or medications

Combining magic mushrooms or magic truffles with alcohol, cannabis or other drugs can cause unpredictable effects. Cannabis in particular can intensify or prolong the trip, increasing the risk of anxiety and paranoia.

Medications can also introduce additional risks. Stimulant ADHD medications, for example, may worsen restlessness, anxiety and heart-related symptoms. Painkillers such as tramadol may cause serious interactions. Because many combinations have not been sufficiently studied, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Flashbacks

After using magic truffles or magic mushrooms, you may temporarily re-experience parts of a previous trip while sober. Fatigue, stress, cannabis use or memories of an earlier trip can trigger flashbacks.

HPPD: Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a rare perceptual disorder that can occur after using hallucinogens. For example, you may continue to see flashes of light, moving patterns or visual distortions while sober.

Not every flashback means you have HPPD. With HPPD, recurring or persistent symptoms cause significant disruption to everyday life. How often this occurs specifically after psilocybin use is not precisely known.

Psychosis

Magic truffles and magic mushrooms can trigger psychosis in people who are vulnerable to it. People who have previously experienced psychosis or have a family history of psychotic disorders are particularly at risk. Psilocybin use can also trigger a recurrence of a previous psychotic episode.

Worsening mental health symptoms

Existing anxiety, depressive symptoms or panic attacks may worsen after using psilocybin. Depersonalisation and derealisation can also occur. These experiences can make your own body feel unfamiliar or your surroundings seem unreal. These symptoms usually disappear on their own, but they can be extremely frightening.