Discussion: Psilocybins & Sleeping pills

[HEISENBERG]

Psilocybins & Sleeping pills​

Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to colloquially as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," contain psychoactive compounds that affect the brain, most notably psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, the substance primarily responsible for the mushrooms' psychedelic effects.

Psilocin binds with high affinity to serotonin (5-HT) receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor subtype, which is widely distributed throughout the brain, including in regions that play critical roles in perception, mood, and thought processes. The activation of 5-HT2A receptors by psilocin is believed to be the primary mechanism underlying the psychedelic effects of psilocybin mushrooms.

One of the most notable findings is the disruption of the default mode network (DMN), a network of brain regions that is typically more active during rest and is involved in self-referential thought processes, such as daydreaming, self-reflection, and the construction of a sense of self. By disrupting the DMN, psilocybin can lead to experiences of ego dissolution and altered states of consciousness.

Psilocybin also increases connectivity between different regions of the brain that do not usually communicate directly with each other. This increased connectivity is thought to underlie the unusual thoughts, sensations, and visual perceptions (hallucinations) that characterize a psychedelic experience.

Sleeping pills, also known as sedatives or hypnotics, are medications prescribed to help individuals with sleep difficulties. They work by acting on the brain and central nervous system to promote relaxation and induce sleep. There are several classes of sleeping pills, each functioning differently based on their specific chemical structure and target receptors in the brain.

• Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, which promotes sedation, reduces anxiety, and facilitates sleep. Lorazepam (Ativan), Temazepam (Restoril), and Diazepam (Valium).
• Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics. These drugs also modulate GABA-A receptors but have a different chemical structure than benzodiazepines. They are designed to have fewer side effects and a lower risk of dependence. Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), and Zaleplon (Sonata).
• Melatonin Receptor Agonists. These medications mimic the action of melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, by binding to melatonin receptors in the brain. Ramelteon (Rozerem) and Tasimelteon (Hetlioz).
• Orexin Receptor Antagonists. Orexin is a neurotransmitter that regulates wakefulness. Orexin receptor antagonists block the action of orexin, which helps to promote sleep. Suvorexant (Belsomra) and Lemborexant (Dayvigo).
• Antidepressants. Some antidepressants can induce sleep as a side effect by altering the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Trazodone, Doxepin (Silenor), and Mirtazapine (Remeron).
• Antihistamines (Over-the-Counter). Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical involved in alertness, thus promoting drowsiness. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Doxylamine (Unisom).

Combining psilocybin with sleeping pills could lead to complex interactions, with effects varying significantly depending on several factors, including the specific type of sleeping medication used. While direct studies on psilocybin and sleeping pills are sparse, insights can be gleaned from the effects of psilocybin alongside other medications and its impact on sleep.

Psilocybin interacts with the brain's serotonin receptors, similar to how some sleeping pills and other medications, like antidepressants, might. This interaction can alter mood, perception, and various physiological functions, potentially influencing sleep patterns. For instance, antidepressants that target serotonin receptors may either reduce the psychedelic effects of psilocybin or modify its impact on mood and perception.

Sleeping pills typically work by inducing sedation or enhancing the natural processes that facilitate sleep. For example, benzodiazepines increase the efficiency of GABA, which might counteract some of the stimulating aspects of psilocybin. However, they could also potentially exacerbate any disorientation or confusion caused by psilocybin. Non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills, like zolpidem (Ambien), act on similar pathways with potentially similar conflicting outcomes.

Psilocybin itself can have varied effects on sleep, ranging from inducing restful sleep in some individuals to causing insomnia and disrupting normal sleep patterns in others. It can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which might lead to changes in sleep patterns. Some individuals might experience restful, deep sleep, while others could encounter insomnia and disrupted sleep. The effects can also depend on the dose of psilocybin taken, the setting in which it's taken, and the individual's prior experience with the substance.

Psilocybin and sleeping pills could influence each other's metabolism in the liver, altering the duration and intensity of their effects. This could potentially lead to prolonged sedation or intensified psychedelic experiences.

Potential Profits:

1. Enhanced Sleep Quality: For individuals experiencing the after-effects of psilocybin, such as increased arousal or altered sleep patterns, certain sleeping pills might help facilitate restful sleep.
2. Reduced Anxiety: In cases where psilocybin induces anxiety or distress, the anxiolytic effects of certain sleeping medications might offer relief, although this is highly dependent on the individual's response to both substances.

However, non-compliance with dosage, lack of experience and individual tolerance can increase the risks of adverse reactions and dangerous conditions.

1. Increased Sedation: Combining psilocybin with sedative-hypnotics can lead to excessive sedation, impairing cognitive and motor functions more than either substance alone.
2. Psychological Distress: For some, the combination of altered states of consciousness from psilocybin with the disorienting effects of sleeping pills could heighten confusion or lead to negative psychological reactions.
3. Serotonin Syndrome: Although rare, there's a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome when combining psilocybin with other substances that affect serotonin levels, especially if those substances include certain types of sleeping pills or supplements that increase serotonin.

Given the complexities of these interactions and the lack of direct research on the combined effects of psilocybin and sleeping pills, caution is advised. Mixing psilocybin with sleeping pills without understanding the ongoing processes and specific goals of combining could lead to unpredictable, disappointing, and potentially harmful outcomes.

Considering the above, we recommend treating this combination with great caution.