Psilocybin & the journey experience: physiological and psychological effects

Ingesting psilocybin and experiencing a psychedelic journey produces several effects that are common and often not cause for concern. Simply being aware of what may arise can be supportive. Understanding these effects and possible circumstances is part of journey preparation and integration.

Sometimes just meeting the effects as they come and flowing through them, versus suppressing or reacting, is adequate. Sometimes, there are certain tools that can help navigate these effects. We discuss these during the preparation session.

Side effects are generally transient - they come and go without or persistence, especially when we allow them to flow. Some may not even be noticed. They may arise spontaneously or be an effect of health and lifestyle. Side effects may increase with dosage but some individuals are very sensitive even at low doses.

Physiological

Nausea and anxiety are the most common side effects even for people who do not typically experience these symptoms. These sensations generally begin as soon as consumed (while its digesting and into the "come-up") and last 45 to 90 minutes (until entering the "peak").

It is best navigated with noticing and allowing. Fighting or resisting can lead to increased anxiety or nausea or other symptoms.

Other possible side effects include:

• Nervousness before and early in the journey (it's expected, this is a big experience!)

  • May cause disruptive sleep the night before

• Vomiting (less common and may be induced by eating less than 3 hours before journeying)

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate

• Dilated pupils

• Fluctuation in body temp - cold then warm - shaking/shivering

  • Prepare with layers and blankets

• Crying or sobbing

• Somatic movements or gestures

• Visceral sensations like body tingling, body “high”

• Feeling of body heaviness, moving slowly or with difficulty

• Impaired coordination, trouble walking

  • Prepare with staying seated/laying and receiving assistance to bathroom

• Slow or incoherent speech or difficulty speaking

• Heightened sensory awareness and sensitivity

• Increase or decrease in thirst (or dry mouth)

• Loss of appetite during journey, increased appetite after

Psychological

Perceptual effects like visual and auditory hallucinations and distortions - seeing various colors, shapes, patterns, images, visions; and hearing distorted sounds are hallmark occurrences of the psychedelic journey. However, if you are like me and experience minimal to no hallucinations, it does not mean you will not have an impactful journey. Every brain is different. If hallucinations do not occur, I invite you to notice what thoughts and feelings are stirred.

Other possible side effects include:

• Double vision, synesthesia, narrative visions

• Assorted and intensified emotions including fear, sadness, grief, gratitude, bliss, and ecstasy

• Paranoia

• Looping thoughts (verbally on consciously) and may accompany a physical gesture or movement

• Repressed or suppressed trauma, feelings, or memories coming to the surface

  • These may be forgotten, conscious, or unconscious events from deep within the subconscious or unconscious

• Ego dissolution - thoughts and feelings of dis-identity or feeling like you're dying or going to die

  • This is a hallmark experience that while sounds terrifying, is actually beautiful - it allows greater awareness of your true self

• Mystical visions and encounters

  • This is widely diverse and truly ineffable. I encourage you to leave it up to your higher mind and the mushrooms to reveal, as each journey is unique with infinite possibilities.

• Variation in journey length and intensity

Post-journey effects

Some side effects may occur immediately to a few days post-journey. Your mind, body, and spirit are all going on a journey! The brain is receiving a boost of serotonin and undergoing neuroplasticity. The body is the subconscious mind and intuition so things may manifest or move on a somatic level. The spirit is evolving and realigning with it all. It's best to allow what arises and be kind and patient with yourself.

The most common side effects:

• Headache - drink plenty of water after

• Increased or decreased appetite, bowel movements, fatigue and sleep

• Fluctuation in energy and mood

  • It is common to feel low energy or a bit depressed after even if you have a pleasant journey. You may notice an increase in mood a few days after; ride waves from bliss to depression; or be in a consistent period of bliss and gratitude.

I invite you to notice what thoughts and feelings stir to tune into what is being communicated. We will talk through it all during integration!

I'm looking forward to supporting you in your sacred journey!

Kate

While this blog contains helpful details and we will discuss them in preparation, I strongly recommend consulting with your therapist and/or doctors to ensure you're prepared and it's safe for you. I encourage exploring credible podcasts, books, research and news to become familiar with hallmark journey aspects and psilocybin effects.