Microdosing: Overview, Benefits, Risks

All medical content on this blog is created using reputable, evidence-based sources and is regularly reviewed for accuracy and relevance. While we strive to keep our content current with the latest research and clinical guidelines, it is intended for general informational purposes only. No, Zepbound pens are single-use devices designed for once-weekly administration and should never be split, shared, or reused. Attempting to divide doses may lead to dosing errors, contamination, or device malfunction. Sheridan holds an MBChB (MD) from the University of Pretoria and an MPhil in Applied Ethics (Bioethics) from Stellenbosch University, where he focused on compassionate clinical responses to substance use disorders (SUD).

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• Such studies may not give a full depiction of the practice, since most of these participants already expect to have a good experience so their feedback may be biased.
• Compounding is the «process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of a patient,» per the Food and Drug Administration.
• Now microdosing has hundreds of thousands of proponents worldwide—the r/microdosing subreddit alone has almost 150,000 users.
• Lower doses modulate the CB1 receptor, while high doses overstimulate it.
• It is believed that microdoses of substances like LSD or psilocybin may stimulate neurogenesis, the growth of new neurons, leading to enhanced cognitive function and creativity.

This means that people who received placebos—inactive drugs or substances—benefited as much as those who were actually taking psychedelics. There are some interesting therapeutic possibilities for microdosing, which are reinforced by enthusiastic reports in surveys of people who microdose (Johnstad, 2018). But while there is some scientific evidence to back these anecdotes up, there aren’t enough quality microdosing studies for scientists to agree on whether it’s safe or effective.

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How to Microdose: A Step-by-Step Beginner Method (Expanded & Detailed)

Apart from legality, the key factors around safe microdosing are substance, dosage, and effects. For Psilocybe cubensis, the classic magic mushroom, a typical microdose is 0.1 to 0.3 grams, although that amount may be smaller for people with clinical issues. Psilocybin truffles are usually milder, so you may require a slightly higher dose.

Get the facts on microdosing mushrooms

If you have a mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, microdosing might not be for you. Most of the claims about microdosing don’t come from scientific evidence. Instead, they come from anecdotal evidence, the observations of people who have microdosed. There are a few studies that support anecdotal evidence, but many of them are unblinded. That means there’s a good chance that the placebo effect influenced the results. But others found no difference between people who microdose and those who don’t.

Psilocybin is derived from magic mushrooms, while LSD is a synthetic compound. Both substances interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, influencing mood, creativity, and mental clarity. One study found that microdosing helped to improve patients’ mental health, according to self-reported perspectives. Patients indicated that they had increased productivity and Halfway house creativity along with decreased depression and anxiety. Some of the reported effects of microdosing mushrooms include improved mood, creativity, and productivity, as well as increased feelings of connection to oneself and others. There isn’t a single, clearly recognized definition of microdosing for any psychedelic drug, and this complicates attempts to perform consistent research.

• Ketamine is a very safe drug when used appropriately, under the supervision of appropriately-trained professionals, but it is still a very serious drug with potential adverse side-effects.
• A 2023 review suggests that microdoses of psilocybin could help to enhance creativity in adults.
• That said, some research suggests repeated microdosing of psilocybin can cause valvular heart disease, so people with cardiac conditions and heart valve problems should be aware of this possible side effect.

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The drugs typically must be illegally obtained and are unregulated, meaning the drug’s contents and dosage is not what is microdosing verified. Though microdosing is rising in popularity, many factors can make it risky. Speaking to a healthcare provider or mental health professional before starting a microdosing regimen is essential.