Acute Amanita muscaria Toxicity: A Literature Review and Two Case Reports in Elderly Spouses Following Home Preparation
Toxins November 25, 2025 Stanila Stoeva, Ivanesa Yarabanova, Maya Radeva–ilieva et al. 4 citations
Amanita muscaria, or fly agaric, causes uncommon but clinically important mushroom poisoning. Its toxic effects vary widely and stem mainly from ibotenic acid and muscimol. This review covers the mushroom's biochemistry, how it affects the body, and the symptoms of poisoning. It also describes two recent cases of severe poisoning in elderly people. Both patients quickly developed gastrointestinal problems, deep central nervous system depression, and cholinergic signs. They needed intensive supportive care, atropine, and continuous monitoring, and both fully recovered. These cases highlight the need for greater clinical awareness, better public education, and improved readiness to diagnose and treat poisonings from psychoactive wild mushrooms.