Microdosing Essentials & Contraindications

Microdosing is used for a wide variety of reasons. It may be that people want to connect more deeply with creativity, or that they want to make a change and are looking for a tool to do so. Connecting with the heart, the senses and the world around can be the key to a profound uplift. In general, most people are experiencing positive changes and more joy in life. Is this something you are interested in? Then first ensure that you are fully aware of all that is involved in the process.

Pros and Cons

Before you decide to get started, it is essential to be aware of the pros and cons that you may experience when Microdosing Psilocybin. Although Microdosing can be a fantastic experience for many, it may not be the best idea for everyone to get started. It is therefore important that you are well informed on what to expect.

Psilocybin as a “non-specific mental enhancer

Psilocybin operates as a so called ” non-specific mental enhancer”. This means that the effects mentioned aren’t the same for everyone and that there are many different effects reported. It is therefore recommended to do some thorough research before you get started. Also pay attention to possible effects that are considered to be less positive. Some examples are:

• Feeling of fatigue. This could occur because you are more aware of what is taking place in your mind.
• Mild nausea after ingestion. This will disappear within 30 minutes to an hour in most cases.
• The occurrence of tolerance after prolonged use. It is recommended to stop after 6 to 10 weeks for a minimum of 2 weeks. This gives your system the necessary time to integrate.
• Some people with color blindness may experience slight hallucinations and disturbances in the perceptual field. This could be very distracting to one”s daily activities.
• Increased irritability. Dealing with changes in consciousness can be challenging.
• Some people may experience sensations of being heated which may cause perspiration.

However, these effects are very minor compared to the positive experiences that are being reported. If you suffer from any of these effects it is recommended to stop the program. Do you want to continue? Please consult a professional and discuss your particular situation. Do not expect Microdosing to magically make your problems disappear. It is extremely important that Microdosing is considered to be a tool rather than a direct solution for any specific health issue.

Microdosing and dependence

The risk of addiction is insignificant. Several studies have shown that Psilocybin even has anti-addictive properties. It has already successfully helped many people to overcome persistent dependencies such as addiction to alcohol, tobacco or other synthetic substances. With repetitive use, tolerance occurs in the body causing the substance to have less and less effect. This is why Microdosing is always applied following a predetermined protocol. Make sure to always respect the recommended break after completing a course and you should experience little to no issues of addiction or dependency.

Who shouldn’t Microdose?

For the following group of people, the practice of Microdosing Psilocybin is not recommended. For this group, the use of psychoactive substances can lead to some serious consequences. Not entirely sure about your personal situation and still want to get started with a Microdosing course? Contact an expert and explain your personal situation. Science and literature suggests that the following people may experience permanent harm from Psilocybin use:

• People with severe anxiety and panic attacks
• People with a predisposition to Psychosis
• People with Colorblindness
• People with severe Autistic disorders
• People with Psychotic disorders
• People with Major Depression
• People with HPPD or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception disorder

Microdosing and pregnancy

We strongly advise against the use of Psilocybin during pregnancy. Despite medical literature suggesting that there is minimal risk of harm, it is not wise to experiment with Psychedelic substances during pregnancy, not even with substances that may be harmless.

What do most people do after a course of Microdosing?

Some people stop after a one-time course. They have gone through the experience and can move forward for the time being with insights gained. Others, and this is more common, continue Microdosing occasionally, and do so when they feel it can be of help. There is also a group that repeatedly embarks on a course of action using a suggested protocol. This group often works with a specific objective. With this interactive method the most results are achieved since the success is largely dependent on the commitment and dedication of the individual. The individual works self-consciously on something he or she wants to change or improve. Would you like to know how you can do this for yourself? We have listed a number of key points to help you prepare thoroughly.

Microdosing with drugs & supplements

Unfortunately, it is still quite vague how certain medications and/or supplements will affect the functioning of Psilocybin. Some substances are known to enhance the effects as known from the work of Paul Stamets. Stamets states that the use of Lion’s Mane mushrooms and niacin actually compliments the effects of Psilocybin which allows for the growth of new neurons. All about the advantages and methods of application can be found in the article on Microdosing stacking methods.

To provide you with some clarity, Dr. James Fadiman has created a list of medications and supplements that have no negative effect on the functioning of either one or the other. For all that is known, these dosages do not interfere with the functioning of the drugs, or vice versa, although they can sometimes alleviate the symptoms for which these drugs or supplements are being used. The only major exception so far is lithium, the use of which in combination with Psilocybin is strongly discouraged.

List of Medications & Supplements

The list is put together by Dr James Fadiman and is based on a collection of reports from a collective Microdosing study. Participants in the study reported taking the following medications and supplements without any negative side effects. Please be aware that the list has not been subjected to scientific research so all responsibility rests with the individual. Can’f find your medication or supplement on the list? Not quite sure if this applies to your personal situation? Please contact one of our experts who might be able to help you with your specific question. The list is only indicative for combinations with a Microdose. In higher doses this has a different effect on the functioning of medication which can be dangerous when used simultaneously. Do your research and proceed with caution.

Is there any medication and/or supplement that is not included on the list which works completely fine alongside a Microdose of Psilocybin? If so, send us a message with your experiences.

Resources

• https://sites.google.com/view/microdosingpsychedelics/drugs-and-supplements
• https://www.lastresortrecovery.com/addiction-blog/risks-of-microdosing
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/johns-hopkins-scientists-give-psychedelics-the-serious-treatment/
• https://sites.google.com/view/microdosingpsychedelics/home
• https://www.jamesfadiman.com
• www.goodreads.com