[Solved] Insensitive to magic mushrooms?

More and more people are saying that the truffles they take have little effect. It seems that the truffles sold in smart shops are becoming less fresh, or that people are becoming less sensitive to prilocybin; this could be due to medication use, among other factors.

A trick to become more sensitive to magic truffles is to increase omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) play an important role in improving the sensitivity of serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, to which psychedelics also bind. These omega-3 Fatty acids are essential for brain health and have various beneficial effects on neurotransmitter activity.

DHA is an important component of brain cell membranes and helps maintain the integrity and fluidity of these membranes. This is crucial for the function of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and psilocin (the active metabolite of psilocybin). By making cell membranes more flexible, DHA can improve the interaction between serotonin and its receptors, leading to increased sensitivity of these receptors to serotonin.

EPA also has anti-inflammatory properties that can indirectly promote serotonin activity. Inflammation in the brain can disrupt the function of neurotransmitters, and by reducing inflammation, EPA can contribute to better serotonin function and the effectiveness of the truffles.

During our truffle sessions and truffle ceremonies, we provide advice on various aspects, such as nutrition and supplements, to enhance the trip. You can read more about these sessions and ceremonies via the info below:

Many factors come into play. The psilocybin content gradually decreases, so the age of the truffles also plays a role. Furthermore, there is a great deal of variation in the potency of truffles. It remains a natural product.

Furthermore, you may also be dealing with physical differences. Consider, for example, differences in receptor sensitivity, absorption, MAO enzymes, and foods that can counteract or enhance absorption.

The tea we use and make contains extra substances that improve absorption and effectiveness, and sometimes, for very deep trips, we use 1 mg of psilocybin per kg of body weight. In your case, that would be 4 x 15-gram bags of truffles of the same strain. So, 15 grams is not a megadose in that respect.

If you would like to trip under supervision, we will ensure that we use the correct dosage.

If you feel little to nothing from magic mushrooms or truffles during a session, that is not unusual — and it is certainly not the end of your possibilities. Both in the article about the reduced effect of psychedelics as here on the forum This phenomenon is discussed in detail. There are multiple possible causes and solutions, depending on your situation.

Possible causes could be: genetic susceptibility, increased MAO activity (causing psilocybin to be broken down too quickly), use of SSRIs or other medication, deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids, or impaired serotonin receptor function. Additionally, psychological factors such as aphantasia (difficulty conjuring images in one's mind) or certain neurodiverse traits can influence how intensely a trip is experienced.

SSRI medication such as paroxetine, sertraline, or citalopram is specifically mentioned on the forum as a common cause of a flattened trip experience. Although it is safe to have a truffle session while taking SSRIs, does reduce the intensity. In such cases, there are three options: continue with the SSRI and try a higher dose, stop the SSRI (always under medical supervision), or choose another type of therapy such as EMDR or cognitive behavioral therapy.

What can you do to actually experience an effect?
A well-prepared session often makes the difference. Consider increasing omega-3s through diet or supplements, avoiding substances like THC and melatonin in the run-up to your session, and using mild MAO inhibitors such as passionflower (always with care and guidance). The importance of is also emphasized. An healthy lifestyle prior to psychedelic therapy — good sleep, nutrition, and exercise ensure that your brain is optimally sensitive to psilocybin.

Do you want to know if you are experiencing a blockage and what you can do about it? You can indicate this when filling out the form. intake for trip therapy. The team can then provide you with targeted advice regarding your sensitivity, preparation, and any necessary adjustments.

If you are insensitive to magic mushrooms, you can see if adding an MAOI provides any extra benefit. Consider psilohuasca, psiloflora, or even ayahuasca. 

15 grams of truffles is only 1.5 grams of dried mushrooms. This is not very much and you should take more I think.

I also often used truffles and magic mushrooms, but lately they haven't been working as well for me. It does work with concentrated mushroom drops. Because of this, it seems to me that I have become less sensitive to psilocybin.

Always ensure that the mushrooms or truffles are fresh and that you never exceed 70 degrees Celsius when heating. Also, drink as soon as possible after heating, otherwise the effect will become less potent.

In addition to this, personal sensitivity and genetic variations indeed play a role in the intensity of a trip.

What Lee reports (average effect after long breaks and a 15-gram dosage) is indeed not unusual. As both Marcel and Research rightly point out: this is not always due to habit (tolerance), but to much more complex factors.

The omega-3 factor indicated by Marcel is truly crucial. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a structural component of neuronal membranes, not just a supplement. It literally determines the fluidity and responsiveness of your serotonin receptors. Studies show that people with low DHA levels respond significantly more weakly to serotonergic substances. This is not a marginal effect—it can be the difference between a full trip and feeling virtually nothing.

As Olaf correctly states regarding temperature: psilocybin is sensitive to heat, and it degrades above 70-80 degrees Celsius. This can mean significantly reduced potency.

One other factor that is mentioned somewhat less: MAO (monoamine oxidase) genes. Some people naturally have much higher MAO activity, causing psilocybin to be metabolized more quickly. This is genetically determined. For these people, adding mild MAO inhibitors (as Marion and Research suggest) can be truly transformative. Passionflower, harmaline, or in extreme cases, controlled DMT-beaver rat plant mixes (psilohuasca) can compensate for this.

My advice: if you consistently lack sensitivity despite good preparation, proceed in this order: 1) Ensure your DHA/EPA levels are optimal (3-4 weeks of preparation). 2) Check your medications, especially SSRIs, and consult your doctor about possible adjustments. 3) Gradually increase to 1-1.5 mg of psilocybin per kilogram of body weight. 4) Only work with professional guidance.

And: aphantasia (difficulty with imagery) can also play a role, but that is a different aspect of consciousness and does not necessarily have to be problematic – some trip experiences are more kinesthetic than visual.

The key: sensitivity is not the same as 'reacting poorly'. It can be a biopharmacological issue, not a mental problem.

You can have your omega-3 levels (especially DHA) checked, as this directly affects the sensitivity of your serotonin receptors. It is also important that your truffles are fresh and not heated too much, as psilocybin degrades above 70°C. Once you have tried these basic adjustments, you can consider experimenting with mild MAO inhibitors or contacting professional counselors who can assist with dosage adjustments and preparation.