Posted by Flash (62.6.212.85) on April 20, 2000 at 17:20:47:
In Reply to: flash : What shroom thing? (Still new here) (NT) posted by rcw on April 20, 2000 at 13:56:46:
Hi,
I'm not new - I've been here on and off for 3 years.
If you look back through the archives you can find out all about the shroom thing.
If I type it all out again I'll go blind! I must have told the story at least 20 times.
Anyway here is a brief summary:
Two of the most frequently used CH treatments are Ergotamine and Methysergide.
Both belong to the chemical class of 'Ergot Alkaloids' these are derived from the naturally occuring substance Ergot.
Ergot was responsible for ST Anthony's Fire, and may have been linked to accusations of Witchcraft because of it's hallucinogenic properties.
Ergotamine is a headach abortive. It works by rapidly constricting the blood vessels. It's effects are short lived. It treats the symotoms of CH.
Methysergide (Sansert and other brand names) is a headache prohylactic (preventative), it works by slowly consticting the blood vessels, it's effects are long term but not permanent.
There is a third Ergot alkaloid that works through a different mechanism. It's metabolates mimic Serotonin, it prevents entire CH episodes. It's name is LSD.
LSD lacks the dangerous side effects of Ergotamine and Methysergide. It does however have a weak vascular constrictor effect that can abort headaches.
LSD was originally extracted from Ergot during the search for a migraine treatment. It proved successful, but within 10 years recreational abuse had destroyed it's reputation.
LSD is less toxic than caffiene.
One 1/4 a street hit of LSD can prevent Ch for up to 12 months.
Another drug with similar properties is Psilocilin.
Psilocilin is one of the metabolates of LSD. It closely resembles Serotonin.
Most psycho active mushrooms contain either Psilocilin, or Psilocybin a substance than metabolises into Psilocilin (most contain both).
In the UK the Liberty Cap mushroom contains Psilocybin. 12 Liberty Cap mushrooms boiled in water for 10 mins, the mushrooms strained out and the water ingested, will help prevent entire episodes of CH.
Several people using this board have tried this treatment sucessfully. Most of them no longer visit the board, presumjably because the treatment works.
Most specues of psycho active mushrooms are easily confused with other speices to the untrained eye. Some of those other species are dealy poisonous.
Hope this answers your question.
Flash