If you’ve ever taken shrooms and ended the trip with a headache, you’re not imagining things. It’s actually a pretty common side effect, even in clinical studies. Some people feel totally fine afterward, while others get a dull ache behind the eyes or even a full-on pressure headache a few hours after the peak.
The good news? It’s usually mild, temporary, and not a sign of anything dangerous. Let’s break down why it happens and what you can do about it.
Why Shrooms Can Cause Headaches
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, which turns into psilocin once it hits your system. Psilocin activates serotonin receptors, especially 5-HT2A, which help control mood, perception, and the way blood vessels behave.
Sometimes those receptors cause your blood vessels to tighten or widen more than usual, which can trigger a headache later on.
A well-known study found that:
“Psilocybin dose-dependently caused delayed, transient headaches in healthy volunteers”
In simple terms: the higher the dose, the more likely you might get a headache.
When the Headache Shows Up
Most people don’t get headaches during the peak. It usually happens a few hours afterward, or even the next morning. It’s called a delayed headache, and research shows it’s one of the most common physical side effects.
Recent clinical trials reported the same thing:
“Headaches were among the most frequent acute adverse effects, typically mild and resolving within 24 hours”
So if you’ve ever wondered why your head hurts after the trip instead of during, that’s why.
What the Headache Feels Like
Not everyone gets the same kind of pain, but people often describe:
- A dull ache behind the eyes
- Pressure in the forehead
- A band-like tension feeling
- Light sensitivity
- General tiredness
It’s nothing like a migraine, but it’s definitely annoying when all you want is to float in the afterglow.
Why Some People Get Them and Others Don’t
A lot depends on your body and habits. You’re more likely to get a headache if:
- You didn’t drink enough water
- You took a larger dose
- You were tense or anxious during the trip
- You didn’t eat much beforehand
- You already get headaches easily
Some people are naturally more sensitive to serotonin-related changes.
Medical News Today puts it simply:
“Psilocybin may cause headaches in susceptible individuals, particularly following higher doses.”
How to Prevent a Shroom Headache
You can’t guarantee you’ll avoid one, but these steps help a lot:
- Drink water before, during, and after the trip
- Eat something light beforehand
- Avoid alcohol or stimulants
- Keep lights soft and calm
- Rest during the comedown
- Try magnesium after the trip (many people swear by it)
Keeping your body relaxed goes a long way.
When to Actually Worry
Headaches from shrooms are almost always harmless. But seek help if you ever have:
- Severe, sudden “worst headache of your life”
- Neurological symptoms
- Headache that lasts more than two days
- Any sign of contamination or poisoning from wild mushrooms
Most people will never see these issues, especially with proper dosing and safe substances.
Quick Takeaway
Yes, shrooms can give you a headache, but usually a mild, temporary one that shows up after the trip. It’s tied to serotonin changes, dose size, hydration, and individual sensitivity. Stay hydrated, take care of yourself, and the afterglow will feel a lot smoother.
Sources
Ross S. et al. – 2024 – Acute Adverse Effects of Therapeutic Doses of Psilocybin – JAMA Network Open
Passie T. – 2011 – Psilocybin dose-dependently causes delayed, transient headaches – Psychopharmacology
Medical News Today – 2024 – Psilocybin and Headache Risk
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