When discussing mushrooms, the concept of overdose is complex because it can refer to two very different scenarios: exposure to genuinely poisonous wild mushrooms or an overwhelming experience from consuming high doses of psychoactive mushrooms. Understanding the distinctions between these situations is important for recognizing the risks involved and responding appropriately.
Toxicity from Poisonous Mushrooms
Consuming certain wild mushroom species can lead to severe poisoning. These mushrooms contain various toxins that can cause significant harm to the body’s organs. Identification of these dangerous species is difficult, even for experienced individuals, making wild mushroom foraging inherently risky.
One of the most dangerous groups of mushroom toxins are amatoxins, found in species like the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides). Amatoxins are highly potent and primarily target the liver and kidneys, causing cell death. Symptoms typically appear after a delayed period of 6 to 24 hours, beginning with severe gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. This initial phase may be followed by a deceptive period of apparent recovery, but liver and kidney damage continues silently, potentially progressing to organ failure and death within several days if not treated.
Other poisonous mushrooms contain different toxins, leading to varied symptoms.
Muscarine
Muscarine, found in species like Inocybe and some Clitocybe, affects the parasympathetic nervous system. Symptoms, often appearing within 30 minutes to 2 hours, can include increased salivation, sweating, tearing, constricted pupils, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a slowed heart rate. While generally not fatal with medical intervention, severe cases can lead to respiratory or circulatory issues.
Ibotenic Acid and Muscimol
Ibotenic acid and muscimol, found in Amanita muscaria, primarily affect the central nervous system. Ingestion can cause neurological effects such as confusion, dizziness, muscle spasms, drowsiness, and hallucinations, typically within 30 to 60 minutes. Although these effects are usually not lethal, they can be disorienting and distressing.
High Doses of Psychoactive Mushrooms
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are generally considered to have low toxicity, and death directly from psilocybin overdose is exceedingly rare. The estimated lethal dose of psilocybin is significantly higher than typical recreational doses, making fatal physiological harm unlikely.
Consuming a high dose of psychoactive mushrooms can lead to an intense experience often described as a “bad trip.” This can involve profound psychological effects such as intense hallucinations, severe anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and disorientation. Individuals may experience a distorted sense of reality, a loss of sense of self, and impaired judgment, which could potentially lead to risky behaviors. The duration of these effects can range from several hours, but some psychological impacts might linger longer.
Factors influencing the experience include the dosage, individual sensitivity, and the set (mindset) and setting (environment) in which the mushrooms are consumed. While not causing organ damage or direct fatality, these experiences can be profoundly challenging and distressing. A small percentage of individuals experiencing a difficult trip may put themselves or others at risk for physical harm, or require emergency medical attention due to severe psychological distress.
Responding to Suspected Mushroom Poisoning or Overdose
If mushroom poisoning is suspected, immediate action is important. For any suspected ingestion of a poisonous mushroom, emergency medical attention should be sought right away by calling 911 or local emergency services. It is also advisable to contact a poison control center, which can provide expert guidance; the national toll-free Poison Help line in the United States is 1-800-222-1222. When speaking with medical professionals, providing honest and complete information about the ingested mushrooms is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Collecting any remaining mushroom samples, or even photos, can significantly aid identification. Treatment for poisonous mushroom ingestion often involves supportive care, which may include gut decontamination with activated charcoal, and addressing specific symptoms like gastrointestinal distress or organ damage.
For an overwhelming experience with psychoactive mushrooms, create a safe and calm environment. Reassuring the individual and reminding them that the effects are temporary can help alleviate anxiety and paranoia. Stay with the person and monitor their well-being. If the distress is severe, prolonged, or if there is any risk of self-harm or harm to others, seeking medical help by calling 911 or consulting a poison control center is necessary. Medical professionals can provide supportive care and administer medications to manage acute psychological symptoms.