Magic mushrooms (available with Offerings) can take you to amazing places, mentally, emotionally, and sometimes even spiritually. But they can also come with some side effects that are worth knowing before you decide to take them.
Psilocybin, the main active compound in shrooms, changes how your brain communicates. That can bring joy, insight, and connection, but also nausea, confusion, or anxiety if you’re not prepared.
Here’s a down-to-earth look at the good, the weird, and the uncomfortable side effects of doing shrooms, based on research from Medical News Today, the Psychedelic Society, and the Journal of Psychedelic Studies.
The Common Short-Term Side Effects
Most of what people feel while tripping falls under normal (and temporary) side effects. They don’t mean anything’s gone wrong, they’re just how the body and mind react to psilocybin.
1. Dilated Pupils and Visual Changes
You’ll notice your pupils get bigger. That’s normal, it’s your nervous system reacting to the compound. With that, you might see colors pop, patterns move, or surfaces shimmer.
“Psilocybin alters how the brain processes light and shapes,” notes Medical News Today (2024).
These visuals can range from gentle breathing walls to full-on kaleidoscopic patterns depending on the dose.
2. Nausea or Upset Stomach
Eating dried mushrooms can upset your stomach because of their tough cell walls (chitin). Many users feel queasy or even throw up early in the trip, especially on an empty stomach.
Drinking mushroom tea or using lemon juice to help digestion can lessen this effect.
3. Yawning and Muscle Tension
You might yawn repeatedly, even if you’re not tired. It’s just your body adjusting to serotonin shifts. Some people also feel mild tension in the jaw or shoulders, kind of like a body buzz.
These fade as the trip progresses.
4. Emotional Ups and Downs
Psilocybin doesn’t just change what you see, it changes what you feel. You might laugh uncontrollably one minute and tear up the next. The Psychedelic Society calls this the “emotional rollercoaster,” and it’s one of the most defining parts of the experience.
“Shrooms bring emotions to the surface. That’s both their power and their challenge.”
The Psychological Side Effects
Not all side effects show up in the body, most are mental or emotional. That’s where the trip can get tricky.
1. Confusion or Disorientation
During the peak, it’s normal to lose track of time, forget what you were thinking, or feel disconnected from reality. It’s temporary, but can feel overwhelming if you’re not ready for it.
This is why “set and setting” (your mindset and environment) matter so much. A calm, safe place helps keep confusion from turning into panic.
2. Anxiety or Panic
Even experienced users sometimes feel waves of fear or worry mid-trip. The Journal of Psychedelic Studies (2024) found that nearly one in four people using psilocybin in a therapeutic setting experienced short-term anxiety or distress.
The key is to remember: it’s part of the process, not permanent. Slow breathing, quiet music, and reassurance from a sober friend help a lot.
3. Ego Dissolution (Losing Sense of Self)
This one sounds scarier than it is. “Ego death” happens when your brain temporarily stops separating “you” from everything else. Some people find it deeply freeing, others find it unsettling.
If it happens, don’t fight it. Let the feeling pass. It usually leads to a deep sense of connection and calm once it fades.
“Ego loss can be peaceful or terrifying depending on the preparation and support available,” notes the Journal of Psychedelic Studies.
After the Trip: The “Next Day” Effects
Once the trip is over, most people feel calm and thoughtful, a phase called the afterglow. But some people feel drained or emotional instead.
1. Fatigue and Emotional Sensitivity
Your brain’s been running a marathon of feelings and visuals. You might feel tired, tender, or quiet afterward. Take it as a sign to rest, hydrate, and eat something nourishing.
2. Headache or Light Dizziness
A small number of people get mild headaches the next day, often from dehydration or tension during the trip. Water and electrolytes usually fix it.
3. Reflective or “Floaty” Feelings
It’s common to feel dreamy or spaced out for a day or two after. That’s your brain processing the experience. Journaling or light conversation helps ground your thoughts.
The Rarer (But Real) Side Effects
Most people don’t experience these, but it’s worth knowing they exist.
1. Flashbacks (HPPD)
A very small group of people report brief “visual echoes” or flashbacks days or weeks later, a condition called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). It’s rare and usually mild.
2. Emotional Distress in Sensitive People
Those with a personal or family history of anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia should avoid psilocybin. The experience can stir up deep emotions or worsen symptoms.
Psychedelic Society stresses: “Psilocybin should be approached with care and respect, especially by those with mental health vulnerabilities.”
3. Bad Trips
Even when everything’s set up right, sometimes a trip just goes wrong. Paranoia, sadness, or confusion can hit out of nowhere. That’s why having a calm environment and a trusted sitter matters so much.
Bad trips usually end safely but can be scary in the moment.
Safety Tips to Avoid the Rough Stuff
You can lower your risk of side effects with a few simple habits:
- Start small, don’t jump into high doses.
- Trip in a safe, quiet space with a trusted friend.
- Avoid mixing substances, especially alcohol.
- Stay hydrated and eat light before dosing.
- Have a positive mindset and clear schedule for the day.
“The right preparation can turn side effects into insights,” says the Psychedelic Society.
Final Thoughts
Shrooms aren’t dangerous for most healthy people, but they do come with side effects, some physical, some emotional, and some deeply personal. Most fade quickly, and the overall experience can be positive if you approach it with respect and preparation.
The best way to handle side effects? Stay calm, stay grounded, and remember that it’s all temporary.
“A psilocybin trip is like weather, it can storm, clear, and leave you seeing the sky differently.”
Summary
Common side effects of psilocybin include dilated pupils, nausea, mood swings, confusion, and anxiety. Rare effects include flashbacks or strong emotional distress. With good preparation, safe settings, and rest afterward, most side effects pass quickly.
Sources
Medical News Today – 2024 – Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms: Effects and Risks
Psychedelic Society – 2024 – Psilocybin: Harm Reduction
Moa Nordin et. al. – 2024 – A Double-Edged Sword: Insights on Negative Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Interventions
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