Herb & supplement monograph

Fly Agaric Mushroom Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Fly Agaric Mushroom interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Fly Agaric Mushroom is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Fly Agaric Mushroom is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Fly Agaric Mushroom

0 medications have a known interaction with Fly Agaric Mushroom, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Fly Agaric Mushroom. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Fly Agaric Mushroom combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Fly Agaric Mushroom: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Fly agaric is a poisonous, psychoactive mushroom that contains nerve-acting toxins, and it is not a proven or safe dietary supplement. Eating it raw or in unprocessed form can cause serious poisoning, and there is no reliable evidence it treats any medical condition. We strongly recommend avoiding it and talking to a doctor or pharmacist about safer options.

Scientific name
Amanita muscaria
Family
Amanitaceae
Part used
Cap and fruiting body of the mushroom
Common forms
Dried caps, powders, capsules, tinctures, teas (sold by some vendors as a 'microdose' product)
People commonly use it for
  • Relaxation and sleep
  • Pain relief (traditional use)
  • Mood and anxiety
  • Ritual and traditional/folk practices
  • Insect control (historical use as a flykiller)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

This is a poisonous mushroom with toxic, mind-altering compounds and no proven medical benefit.

PregnancyUnsafe

When used orally due to its toxicity; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingUnsafe

When used orally due to its toxicity; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) is the classic red-and-white spotted mushroom often seen in fairy tales and artwork. It grows in forests across the Northern Hemisphere, especially near birch, pine, and spruce trees.

This mushroom is poisonous and psychoactive. It has been used in some traditional and ritual practices, and historically it was soaked in milk to kill flies, which is where the name comes from. In recent years some online vendors have started selling dried caps, powders, and capsules marketed for relaxation or 'microdosing.' These products are not proven safe and are not the same as the well-known psilocybin ("magic") mushrooms.

Uses & effectiveness

People have used fly agaric for relaxation, sleep, pain, mood, and in spiritual or folk rituals. It is important to understand that these are traditional or popular uses, not proven medical treatments.

There is no reliable human clinical evidence showing that fly agaric safely treats any health condition. Most of what we know comes from reports of poisoning, historical accounts, and basic laboratory research. Because the mushroom is toxic and its effects are unpredictable, the possible risks clearly outweigh any unproven benefit.

How it works

Fly agaric contains two main active compounds: ibotenic acid and muscimol. When the mushroom is dried or heated, ibotenic acid changes into muscimol. Muscimol acts on GABA receptors in the brain, which can cause sedation, confusion, and altered perception. Ibotenic acid acts on glutamate receptors and is thought to be more toxic to nerve cells.

The mushroom also contains small amounts of a compound called muscarine, which can affect the body's "rest and digest" nervous system. Because the levels of these compounds vary widely from mushroom to mushroom, the effects—and the danger—are very hard to predict. Much of this understanding is based on laboratory study and poisoning cases rather than carefully controlled human research.

Safety & precautions

Fly agaric is best described as a poison, not a supplement. Eating it—especially raw or poorly prepared—can cause serious poisoning. Effects can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, muscle twitching, seizures, and in severe cases coma.

People should not use this mushroom for self-treatment. This is especially true for children, older adults, and anyone with liver, kidney, heart, or neurological conditions, or mental health concerns.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid completely. The toxins are dangerous and there are no safety studies. There is no safe known dose during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you suspect someone has eaten this mushroom, contact a poison control center or seek emergency care right away. In the United States, you can reach Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Side effects

Reported effects after eating fly agaric include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, drooling, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, and hallucinations. Symptoms often begin within 30 minutes to a few hours.

More serious reactions can include agitation, delirium, muscle twitching, seizures, very low or irregular heart rate, breathing problems, and loss of consciousness. Deaths are rare but have been reported, and severe poisoning is a medical emergency.

Fly Agaric Mushroom: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Fly Agaric Mushroom from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, fly agaric mushroom is poisonous and can cause significant toxicity. Any benefits of therapy may not outweigh the risk of toxicity. Although accidental fly agaric mushroom poisoning is rare because of its distinctive appearance, heavy rains can wash away the distinctive white plaques, causing the mushroom to be mistaken for a different, edible species of mushroom (Amanita caesarea).

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Altered mental status, abdominal pain, confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, hallucinations, mania, nausea, vomiting.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: Airway compromise requiring intubation, cardiac arrest, death.

Reports by condition
Cardiac arrest Cardiovascular

Orally, a cardiac arrest has occurred in a 44-year old male who had ingested 6-10 dried fly agaric mushrooms several hours earlier.

  1. Meisel EM, Morgan B, Schwartz M, Kazzi Z, Cetin H, Sahin A. Two cases of severe Amanita muscaria poisoning including a fatality. Wilderness Environ Med 2022;33(4):412-416.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, initial symptoms of fly agaric mushroom toxicity usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These often occur within 15-90 minutes of ingestion.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Mikaszewska-Sokolewicz MA, Pankowska S, Janiak M, Pruszczyk P, Lazowski T, Jankowski K. Coma in the course of severe poisoning after consumption of red fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). Acta Biochim Pol. 2016;63(1):181-182.
  3. Rampolli FI, Kamler P, Carnevale Carlino C, Bedussi F. The Deceptive Mushroom: Accidental Amanita muscaria Poisoning. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2021;8(3):002212.
  4. Meisel EM, Morgan B, Schwartz M, Kazzi Z, Cetin H, Sahin A. Two cases of severe Amanita muscaria poisoning including a fatality. Wilderness Environ Med 2022;33(4):412-416.
  5. Ebbens EF, Williams SR, Bruccoleri RE, Frazier SB. Neurotoxicity associated with the medicinal mushroom product-Diamond Shruumz: A case report. Toxicol Rep 2024;13:101748.
Epilepsy Neurologic/CNS

Orally, fly agaric mushroom poisoning is associated with suicide attempts, used as a hallucinogen, or accidental ingestion. The effects of fly agaric mushroom peak at 2-3 hours and can last as long as 5 days. Mind-altering effects have occurred with ingestion of 2-4 mushrooms. The mushrooms can also cause drowsiness and sedation.

In one case describing ingestion of a chocolate bar contaminated with fly agaric mushrooms, an adolescent presented with altered mental status, excessive salivation, mydriasis, and myoclonic jerks refractory to benzodiazepines and requiring intubation for airway protection.

Two cases of severe or prolonged coma have been reported after accidental or intentional consumption of fly agaric mushroom. In one case, coma was accompanied by eye discharge, salivation, and seizures. In both cases, the patients recovered over a few days with gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and/or other supportive care.

Death due to fly agaric mushroom ingestion is uncommon but can occur in 5% of users. Toxicity can occur after ingesting a single fly agaric mushroom; however, survival has been reported with the consumption of as many as 20 large mushrooms.

  1. DONALIES, G. and VOELZ, G. [A suicide attempt with fly agaric. On the toxicology of Amanita muscaria. With a contribution to the psychology of the choice of suicide agent.]. Nervenarzt 4-20-1960;31:182-185.
  2. DONALIES, G. and VOELZ, G. [A suicide attempt with fly agaric II. On the toxicology of Amanita muscaria. With a contribution to the psychology of the choice of suicide agent.]. Nervenarzt 1961;32:552-555.
  3. Mikaszewska-Sokolewicz MA, Pankowska S, Janiak M, Pruszczyk P, Lazowski T, Jankowski K. Coma in the course of severe poisoning after consumption of red fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). Acta Biochim Pol. 2016;63(1):181-182.
  4. Meisel EM, Morgan B, Schwartz M, Kazzi Z, Cetin H, Sahin A. Two cases of severe Amanita muscaria poisoning including a fatality. Wilderness Environ Med 2022;33(4):412-416.
  5. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  6. Ebbens EF, Williams SR, Bruccoleri RE, Frazier SB. Neurotoxicity associated with the medicinal mushroom product-Diamond Shruumz: A case report. Toxicol Rep 2024;13:101748.
  7. Rampolli FI, Kamler P, Carnevale Carlino C, Bedussi F. The Deceptive Mushroom: Accidental Amanita muscaria Poisoning. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2021;8(3):002212.
Poisoning Psychiatric

Orally, fly agaric mushroom poisoning is usually associated with suicide attempts or use as a hallucinogen. The effects of fly agaric mushroom peak at 2-3 hours and can last as long as 5 days. The mushrooms can cause auditory and visual hallucinations, delusional thoughts, illusions, and mania, possibly leading to psychomotor agitation and madness.

  1. DONALIES, G. and VOELZ, G. [A suicide attempt with fly agaric. On the toxicology of Amanita muscaria. With a contribution to the psychology of the choice of suicide agent.]. Nervenarzt 4-20-1960;31:182-185.
  2. DONALIES, G. and VOELZ, G. [A suicide attempt with fly agaric II. On the toxicology of Amanita muscaria. With a contribution to the psychology of the choice of suicide agent.]. Nervenarzt 1961;32:552-555.
  3. Mikaszewska-Sokolewicz MA, Pankowska S, Janiak M, Pruszczyk P, Lazowski T, Jankowski K. Coma in the course of severe poisoning after consumption of red fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). Acta Biochim Pol. 2016;63(1):181-182.
  4. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  5. ROCH, M. and MACH, J. P. [Severe prolonged delirium caused by Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) poisoning.]. Praxis. 3-3-1960;49:225-227.
  6. Satora, L., Pach, D., Butryn, B., Hydzik, P., and Balicka-Slusarczyk, B. Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) poisoning, case report and review. Toxicon 6-1-2005;45(7):941-943.
  7. Maung AC, Hennessey M, Kadiyala R. Accidental colourful mushroom poisoning - delirium, delusions and dreams. Clin Med (Lond) 2023;23(4):417-419.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established safe or standardized dose for fly agaric. Because the amount of toxins varies greatly between mushrooms—and because preparation methods are inconsistent—any amount carries a real risk of poisoning.

We do not recommend using this mushroom. Products sold online that claim a "safe microdose" are not regulated and have not been proven safe. If you are considering any product containing Amanita muscaria, please talk to a pharmacist or doctor first and consider safer, evidence-based alternatives.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Fly Agaric Mushroom & Pregnancy

Unsafe

When used orally due to its toxicity; avoid using.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Fly Agaric Mushroom & Breastfeeding

Unsafe

When used orally due to its toxicity; avoid using.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 10 references that drive our Fly Agaric Mushroom monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. DONALIES, G. and VOELZ, G. [A suicide attempt with fly agaric. On the toxicology of Amanita muscaria. With a contribution to the psychology of the choice of suicide agent.]. Nervenarzt 4-20-1960;31:182-185.
  3. DONALIES, G. and VOELZ, G. [A suicide attempt with fly agaric II. On the toxicology of Amanita muscaria. With a contribution to the psychology of the choice of suicide agent.]. Nervenarzt 1961;32:552-555.
  4. ROCH, M. and MACH, J. P. [Severe prolonged delirium caused by Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) poisoning.]. Praxis. 3-3-1960;49:225-227.
  5. Satora, L., Pach, D., Butryn, B., Hydzik, P., and Balicka-Slusarczyk, B. Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) poisoning, case report and review. Toxicon 6-1-2005;45(7):941-943. PubMed
  6. Mikaszewska-Sokolewicz MA, Pankowska S, Janiak M, Pruszczyk P, Lazowski T, Jankowski K. Coma in the course of severe poisoning after consumption of red fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). Acta Biochim Pol. 2016;63(1):181-182. PubMed
  7. Rampolli FI, Kamler P, Carnevale Carlino C, Bedussi F. The Deceptive Mushroom: Accidental Amanita muscaria Poisoning. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2021;8(3):002212. PubMed
  8. Meisel EM, Morgan B, Schwartz M, Kazzi Z, Cetin H, Sahin A. Two cases of severe Amanita muscaria poisoning including a fatality. Wilderness Environ Med 2022;33(4):412-416.
  9. Ebbens EF, Williams SR, Bruccoleri RE, Frazier SB. Neurotoxicity associated with the medicinal mushroom product-Diamond Shruumz: A case report. Toxicol Rep 2024;13:101748. PubMed
  10. Maung AC, Hennessey M, Kadiyala R. Accidental colourful mushroom poisoning - delirium, delusions and dreams. Clin Med (Lond) 2023;23(4):417-419. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fly Agaric Mushroom: Common Questions

Does Fly Agaric Mushroom interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Fly Agaric Mushroom. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Fly Agaric Mushroom interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Fly Agaric Mushroom with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Fly Agaric Mushroom interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is fly agaric the same as a regular 'magic mushroom'?
No. Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, while fly agaric contains different toxins called ibotenic acid and muscimol. They are not the same and fly agaric is considered poisonous.
Is fly agaric safe to eat if I cook or dry it?
Drying or cooking can change some of its compounds, but it does not make the mushroom reliably safe. Poisoning can still occur, so we recommend not eating it.
Can I use fly agaric to help with sleep or anxiety?
Some people use it that way traditionally, but there is no good evidence it works and it can cause serious harm. Safer, proven options are available—ask your pharmacist or doctor.
What should I do if someone eats this mushroom by accident?
Seek medical help right away. In the U.S., call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or call emergency services if the person has severe symptoms like seizures or trouble breathing.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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