The Problem of Psilocybin Mushroom Abuse

During a five-week outbreak of psilocybin-containing mushroom ingestion, 44 consecutive patients were reviewed. Patients arrived at the hospital on average 3.8 hours after ingestion, usually due to dysphoric effects. Mydriasis occurred in 40 patients, but fewer than half showed other sympathomimetic features like tachycardia, hypertension, or hyperreflexia. Twenty-three patients experienced nausea and vomiting. Visual perceptual distortions, paraesthesiae, and feelings of depersonalization were frequent. The mushrooms' effects were short-lived, wearing off within 12 hours for all but one patient. Inducing emesis did not appear to hasten recovery.

Study at a glance

Abstract

1 We have reviewed the clinical features and management of 44 consecutive patients presenting to hospital over a 5 week period during an outbreak of ingestion of psilocybin containing mushrooms. 2 Patients presented to hospital usually because of dysphoric effects an average of 3.8 h after ingesting the mushrooms. 3 Mydriasis was present in 40 patients but fewer than half showed other sympathomimetic features - tachycardia, hypertension or hyperreflexia. 4 Twenty-three patients experienced nausea and vomiting. 5 Distortions of perception chiefly visual were frequent as were paraesthesiae and feelings of depersonalization. 6 The effects of the mushrooms were short-lived and had worn off within 12 h in all but one patient. 7 Inducing emesis did not appear to hasten recovery from the effects of the mushrooms.