Psilocybin (aka "magic mushrooms") and meds. Interaction?

[J220]

Does anyone know if taking "magic muschrooms" has any effect on meds absoption?

The question arose during our support group meeting, that since pscilocybin is metabolized by the liver, if you use it while taking meds, and since meds are also metabolized by the liver, would a reduction in meds absorption take place?

I believe this is the issue with the concern about  taking St. John's Wort, which according to the atripla site says:

"Taking ATRIPLA with St. John's wort or products containing St. John's wort is not recommended as it may cause decreased levels of ATRIPLA, increased viral load, and possible resistance to ATRIPLA or cross-resistance to other anti-HIV drugs."

I doubt this question can be answered in the definitive, given that psilocybin is on the list of "evil" substances, and not much solid data on it is out there, but I promised I would post to ask. Cheers, everyone!

[Miss Philicia]

It's not like anyone is going to take mushrooms on a daily basis like they would St. John's Wort. 

[mecch]

Im with Miss P.
Maybe try a very small hit and see what happens.
Also try writing to the cooler doctors at The Body, that might be a question they might answer.

[Giblarry]

Actually, there is one way 'shrooms might affect you.  They are highly liver toxic, and by taking meds, your liver is probably already on overtime.  So, I'd echo a former poster - consume just a very little and try not to increase too much or do it too often.  Liver failure due to 'shrooms is not pretty.  Some people have survived such an incident, but I wouldn't expect that with HIV. 

Also, you might consider using Milk Thistle in conjunction.  I know there's been some talk about it possibly works against some HIV meds.  Might've been true about an old med or other, but there is no empirical proof that it is harmful in today's climate.  My VA doc is one of the top HIV specialists in the country.  He advises taking it for Hep's.  Though we really don't know if it significantly helps ... it couldn't hurt.

Have a safe trip.
Gib

[J220]

Actually, there is one way 'shrooms might affect you.  They are highly liver toxic, and by taking meds, your liver is probably already on overtime.  So, I'd echo a former poster - consume just a very little and try not to increase too much or do it too often.  Liver failure due to 'shrooms is not pretty.  Some people have survived such an incident, but I wouldn't expect that with HIV.

Actually the mushrooms that contain pscilocybin are not toxic to the liver, only the poisonous kind. There are many people who do end up dead due to taking toxic shrooms when they confuse them with the cubensis type.

I really do appreciate your reply though, thanks so much. Cheers, J.

p.s. I like the comment "have a safe trip"....lol.

[Giblarry]

Actually the mushrooms that contain pscilocybin are not toxic to the liver, only the poisonous kind. There are many people who do end up dead due to taking toxic shrooms when they confuse them with the cubensis type.

I really do appreciate your reply though, thanks so much. Cheers, J.

p.s. I like the comment "have a safe trip"....lol.

LoL.  Great.  Glad you picked up on that. 

As an aging flower child I can tell you that, yes, even 'shrooms containing the psychoactive ingredient are toxic - in high dosages.  But, you're right, that's beside the point because it'd take a lot to poison the liver.  All 'shrooms are, however, processed through the liver and that places an extra load on it.  For that reason, I'd be conservative if I still did those things, which I don't.  Still, I remember with a little shudder of pleasure when I think back on some of the really good trips I've taken. 

Best to you,
Gib

[nemra]

I have done 1g of P. cubensis (so a very mild trip) while on atripla, and it was fine. I am probably going to do aroung 3-4g soon. I'll let you know how it went.

[Jim Allen]

Hi

This is a very old thread from 2009, so its a zombie thread.
I would suggest if its a topic you wish to talk about perhaps opening a new thread instead, I am sure there are active who may have comments or would like to discuss this.

As a general note look everyone and each to his/her own, but just because it works for you does not mean its okay or safe. I drive without a seat belt all the time and no airbag, it works out fine for me than again 1000's will die today doing the same, go figure.  Look we all have our own poison in life, that includes me.

So do think and talk to your doctor (if you have an open doctor) before doing/taking anything.

Jim