The Problem of Psilocybin Mushroom Abuse
Norman R. Peden, Stuart D. Pringle, James Crooks
Human Toxicology October 1, 1982 DOI: 10.1177/096032718200100408 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 44 |
| Population | Patients presenting to hospital after ingesting psilocybin-containing mushrooms |
| Duration | 5-week period during an outbreak |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Nausea Vomiting Mushroom poisoning Hallucinogen Mydriasis Ingestion Anesthesia Amnesia Tachycardia |
| Citations | 45 |
| Key findings | The effects of psilocybin-containing mushrooms were short-lived, resolving within 12 hours in all but one patient, and inducing emesis did not hasten recovery. |
Abstract
1 We have reviewed the clinical features and management of 44 consecutive patients presenting to hospital over a 5 week period during an outbreak of ingestion of psilocybin containing mushrooms. 2 Patients presented to hospital usually because of dysphoric effects an average of 3.8 h after ingesting the mushrooms. 3 Mydriasis was present in 40 patients but fewer than half showed other sympathomimetic features - tachycardia, hypertension or hyperreflexia. 4 Twenty-three patients experienced nausea and vomiting. 5 Distortions of perception chiefly visual were frequent as were paraesthesiae and feelings of depersonalization. 6 The effects of the mushrooms were short-lived and had worn off within 12 h in all but one patient. 7 Inducing emesis did not appear to hasten recovery from the effects of the mushrooms.