worried mom

[acp123]

my son, 16 years old, took magic mushroom (not sure of the dosage) about a month ago. He came home that day in a panicked state, struggling to control his emotions. I tried to comfort and relax him while in this state, after he told me what he took. Since then, he has been experiencing panic attacks at least once per week, which included a very rapid heart beat, having trouble breathing and scewed  sence of reality. I have been reading up on the topic, and I am not sure whether its flashbacks that he is experiencing or coming down from it. i do not think he had anything to eat on that day, and this was his first and only experience with any drug. how long does the effect of the mushroom last, if you had only taken it once? Do I need to seek medical help?

[Pat1956100]

I would get him some help if I were you.  It seems that once some of us experience a panic attack that we have them frequently after that.
They can be very crippling because just the fear of having one sets them off.
It does seem to happen a lot in teens because their first experience with drugs can cause "paranoia" and anxiety.
It's so great that he was able to be honest with you.  

[Amandag78]

Hi, I took a lot mushrooms years ago, and like trips etc. you can have bad ones that you are stuck in forever, rarely but I know people who are. I used to have acid flash backs for years but that was from taking too many. Are you sure he isnt still taking the mushrooms now, that may explain a few things. Maybe hes anxious because of his experience on the mushrooms.  Your son should not be feeling like this 4 weeks after. Yes, it may be beneficial to get him seen by a g.p first, then a referal to a psychiatrist to see if some damage has been caused. I wish you both the best of luck.

[motye51]

I agree with pat, the fear of having one can actually set one off. It's hard to believe but very, very true!

[acp123]

thank you for your comments and advice. i took him to a gp and he has been referred. Now we are only concentrating on getting him better! Thank you once again for your input!