Psilocybin toxicity

Background

  • A compound found in over 200 mushrooms that has mind altering properties similar to LSD.
  • Commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms". The mushroom are often taken recreationally for the euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. Typically grown in the Pacific Northwest and southern regions of the United States.
  • For a typical dose (1mg) symptoms will last 1-3 hours.
  • Low toxicity with LD50 of 280mg/kg
    • Therapeutic index = 641
Psilocybe semilanceata

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Drugs of abuse

Hallucinations

Serotonin-Like Agents

Enactogens

Dissociative Agents

Plant-based Hallucinogenics

  • Marijuana
  • Salvia
  • Absinthe
  • Isoxazole Mushrooms
  • Hawaiian baby woodrose (Argyreia nervosa)
  • Hawaiian woodrose (Merremia tuberosa)
  • Morning glory (Ipomoea violacea)
  • Olili- uqui (Rivea corymbosa)

Organic causes

Other Toxicologic Causes

Psychiatric Causes [1]

Evaluation

Management

  • Supportive care
  • Place patient in a calm and quiet environment
  • Benzodiazepines for worsening tachycardia/hypertension or agitation

Disposition

  • Discharge when vitals normalize and clinically sober

See Also

References

  1. Visual Hallucinations: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment. PMID PMC2660156