Muscimol (Muscimol (Amanita muscaria))

Category: Psychedelics. Status: Natural compound; legal in many regions.

The main active compound in the Amanita muscaria ("fly agaric") mushroom. Unlike classic psychedelics, it is sedating and dreamlike, working through a different brain system.

How it works

Activates GABA-A receptors (the brain's main calming system), producing sedation, dreaminess and altered perception rather than classic visuals.

Key facts

• Molecular weight: 114.10 g/mol
• Half-life: Several hours
• Bioavailability: Oral
• Storage: Research/reference only.

Dosing overview

• Typical dose: Varies by individual and setting
• Frequency: Occasional
• Duration: Acute effects last 4-8 hours
• Route: Oral

Protocol notes

• Consumed by eating dried, properly prepared Amanita muscaria mushrooms or as an extract.
• Drying or simmering converts the harsher ibotenic acid to gentler muscimol.
• Effects are sedating and dreamlike, so people rest rather than stay active.

Reported benefits

• Different (GABA) mechanism
• Sedating, dreamlike effects
• Long traditional use
• Legal in many places

Possible side effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sedation and confusion
• Twitching
• Amanita also contains toxic ibotenic acid

Compare Muscimol

• Muscimol vs MDMA
• Muscimol vs Psilocybin
• Muscimol vs LSD
• Muscimol vs Ibogaine
• Muscimol vs DMT
• Muscimol vs Ayahuasca

Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.