It’s always safest not to take drugs. Some edibles sold as psilocybin contain other drugs.
Fly agaric mushrooms can have more risky effects than psilocybin mushrooms.
Ways to reduce risks from psilocybin
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you take mushrooms or psilocybin. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Consider if there is extra risk for you - such as health conditions or how you feel.
There are always risks if you use drugs. But some people may be more at risk than others.
If you or someone in your family has any health conditions or mental health difficulties, you may be more at risk of a drug emergency.
For example, if you have a history of psychosis.
It can be hard to know your level of risk. Some people have health conditions and do not know it.
If you feel low, anxious or stressed, you are more at risk of a negative or challenging experience.
Be with people you trust and look out for each other - do not use alone.
Pick a meeting point and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Start with a small amount and wait 2 hours before you take more.
This is to reduce the risk of an overdose or drug emergency.
The contents or strength of drugs can vary, even in the same batch.
If you start with a small amount, you can:
- see how you react
- stop if you get an effect you did not expect or do not want
It can take up to 2 hours for some effects to happen. If you take too much too soon, it increases your risk.
Take a picture of the mushroom.
This is in case you have unexpected effects. You can show the picture to the medics in an emergency.
But if you have any doubt about the safety of a wild mushroom, do not eat it.
Stay in a safe place away from risks such as heights, roads or water.
This is to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Psilocybin can affect your control of your body and make you less aware of your surroundings.
Try to be in a calm place.
Noisy or busy places can cause an overwhelming experience. For example, at a club or festival.
Plan a safe way to get home.
It is dangerous to drive if drugs are in your system. You could harm yourself or other people. A drug can still be in your system even if you do not feel the effects.
Keep track of what you use.
Leave as long as possible between use. Wait at least a few months to reduce the risk of problems with your mental health and wellbeing.
Know what to do in case of a challenging experience.
If you know what to do during a challenging experience, it could stop a situation getting worse and help you support someone.
But it is always safest to get medical advice if someone has overwhelming or unexpected effects.
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of a drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Mixing psilocybin with alcohol or other drugs
You can never be fully sure of the contents of drugs. Using psilocybin or other mushrooms with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects.
The risk is highest if you mix mushrooms with drugs that can cause hallucinations. For example, cannabis, MDMA, ketamine or LSD.
Urgent advice: Call 01 809 2166 if
you or someone else has eaten wild mushrooms and has:
- tummy cramps
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
01 809 2166 is the Poisons Information Line. It is open from 8am to 10pm every day.
If the line is closed, call a GP out-of-hours service.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else has taken mushrooms and has:
- a seizure (fit)
- severe distress, confusion or panic - they cannot calm down and may be a danger to themselves or others
- severe vomiting
- increased body temperature and cannot cool down
- severe drowsiness or loses consciousness
Stay with the person until help arrives.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about psilocybin use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can get support. This can be when psilocybin use affects your wellbeing or other areas of your life.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie