Migraines and cluster headaches are debilitating conditions that affect millions of people around the world. Despite the availability of various treatment options, a significant number of patients continue to suffer from recurrent and severe headaches that significantly impact their quality of life.

Exploratory studies have shown that psilocybin may effectively treat various health conditions.  In recent years, the use of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for migraines too.

In fact the psychedelic mushroom psilocybin has been used by people living with cluster headache to treat head pain and headache frequency for decades. Although Psilocybin has never been officially recognized as a treatment for cluster headache, many in the cluster headache community have reported that, when taken in low doses (AKA “microdosing”), psilocybin mushrooms can alleviate pain and reduce the frequency of attacks.

In this article, we will explore the current evidence supporting the use of psilocybin for migraines and cluster headaches.

Psilocybin and Migraines

A migraine is a type of headache that is usually characterized by intense throbbing pain in one area of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances.

Migraines are thought to be caused by changes in the brain and the way it processes information from the senses. There are several triggers that can cause migraines, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, changes in weather, and lack of sleep.

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology investigated the effects of psilocybin on migraines. The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Dr. Emmanuelle A. D. Schindler at Yale University.

According to Dr. Schindler, psychedelics are “chemically and pharmacologically very similar to existing conventional headache medications.”

The study involved 10 participants who reported experiencing migraines for an average of 19.4 years. The participants received a single dose of psilocybin (0.2 mg/kg) or a placebo.

The results showed that the psilocybin group reported a reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraines, with effects lasting up to two weeks after the dose.

Furthermore, the psilocybin group reported improved emotional well-being, reduced anxiety and depression, and increased quality of life compared to the placebo group.

These findings suggest that psilocybin may have a therapeutic effect on migraines and could potentially provide relief for individuals who do not respond to traditional treatment options.

Psilocybin and Cluster Headaches

Cluster headache is a type of headache that is characterized by recurring, severe headaches that occur in groups or clusters. It is one of the most painful types of headache, and is often described as a sharp, stabbing, or burning pain that is localized to one side of the head or around one eye.

The pain of a cluster headache can last from 15 minutes to several hours, and may occur multiple times per day for weeks or months at a time, followed by a period of remission. Other symptoms of cluster headaches can include red or swollen eyes, a drooping eyelid, sweating, and nasal congestion.

The exact cause of cluster headaches is not known, but it is thought to involve abnormalities in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates the body's natural rhythms.

Psilocybin has been reported to reduce pain and other symptoms of cluster headache after a single or a few doses. In rare cases, it may even lead to complete remission.

Another study conducted investigated the use of psilocybin for the treatment of cluster headaches, a condition that causes severe, recurrent headaches on one side of the head.

Another qualitative study conducted by Dr. John Halpern from McLean Hospital and colleagues, recruited 53 cluster headache patients. Their research found that 22 out of 26 interview subjects experienced aborted attacks after psilocybin consumption. That’s almost an 85% success rate.

41% of interview subjects experienced less frequent and less intense attacks following use of LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, with a whopping 52% of psilocybin users and 7/8 LSD users reporting complete remission. Moreover, 94.74% of the study’s psilocybin users and 80% of LSD journeyers disclosed a significant increase in the length of their remission period.

Microdosing Psilocybin for Migraines

In addition to larger doses of psilocybin, some individuals have reported using microdosing as a means of managing migraines. Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin on a regular basis, with the goal of achieving subtle improvements in mood and cognitive function without experiencing any noticeable psychedelic effects.

While there is currently no scientific evidence to support the use of microdosing for migraines, some individuals have reported positive results. 

Potential Mechanisms of Action

The exact mechanisms by which psilocybin exerts its therapeutic effects on migraines and cluster headaches are still unclear. However, several hypotheses have been proposed. One theory suggests that psilocybin modulates the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to changes in pain perception and mood.

Another theory suggests that psilocybin may have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the brain, which is thought to play a role in migraines and cluster headaches. 

Furthermore, psilocybin may also have a neuroprotective effect, meaning that it may help to protect the brain from damage and reduce the risk of neurological conditions.

It is also worth noting that psilocybin has been shown to increase neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new connections. This may help to explain why psilocybin can have long-lasting therapeutic effects, even after a single dose.

Safety and Legal Considerations

While psilocybin appears to have therapeutic potential for migraines and cluster headaches, it is important to note that it is still classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States and many other countries.

This means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. As a result, it is illegal to possess, distribute, or use psilocybin outside of approved research settings.

Furthermore, the use of psilocybin carries some risks, including potential adverse psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. These risks can be mitigated through proper screening, preparation, and supervision by trained professionals.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the evidence suggests that psilocybin may have therapeutic potential for migraines and cluster headaches. However, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to determine its long-term safety and efficacy.

In the meantime, individuals who are interested in exploring psilocybin as a treatment option should do so only under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional in a legal and approved research setting.

It is also important to note that psilocybin is not a first-line treatment for migraines and cluster headaches, and individuals should first explore traditional treatment options before considering psilocybin as an alternative.