What is microdosing? Ketamine, mushrooms and what you need to know

In one example the researchers conducted a randomized controlled study, which represents the strongest type of evidence because it weeds out the placebo effect. The researchers took 34 patients and randomized half of them to receive psilocybin and half to placebo. There are no studies that support microdosing as a method to maintain weight loss.

Tirzepatide microdosing example

There’s uncertainty around the effectiveness of microdosing compounded versions of GLP-1s and a lack of research on the safety of this method. That means questions remain on how your body may react to a smaller dose than what your healthcare provider prescribed. Finally, it is important to understand that there isn’t yet definitive proof that microdosing is at all helpful, or even that it is safe in the long term. With these points in mind, it is fair to say that psychedelic drugs are becoming better understood, and are undergoing a resurgence of research and a more widely accepted use. We don’t know as much about safety as we might have learned if not for the War on Drugs, which curtailed much of the research into psychedelics starting in the late 1960s. This research has been renewed over the last five to 10 years, and many medical centers are conducting research on psychedelics.

But if you decide to try it, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. They won’t get rid of the risk completely, but they can lower it. And even though it may seem like everyone on social media is talking about microdosing GLP-1s, you shouldn’t microdose your medication (or adjust your dosage) without consulting your healthcare provider first. The general idea around microdosing GLP-1s is that you intentionally take a reduced amount of a medication. The primary reason is to make the drug last longer and, therefore, save money.

Microdosing means taking a tiny fraction of a full dose of psychedelic substances, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD or “acid”) or psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms). Please note that the FDA does not review compounded medications for safety or effectiveness. For prescription items, NiceRx will schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. If approved, your prescription can be filled at one of our partner pharmacies.

Does microdosing GLP-1 actually work?

• Some early evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may affect cognitive function by influencing neurotransmitter activity and reducing inflammation in the brain.
• Track your body weight, changes in blood sugar levels, appetite changes, and side effects carefully, and consult with your doctors if you have any questions.
• Do not attempt to microdose or alter your prescribed medication regimen without seeking medical advice.
• Scientists use “blind” studies to help them figure out if the placebo effect is taking place.

Some studies indicate a very real and significant benefit from microdosing, whereas others are much less convincing and show little to no benefit. Microdosing GLP-1 medications is trending on social media because it promises fewer side effects at lower costs. However, there is no scientific research to support these benefits specifically with the compounded medications. The practice of microdosing GLP-1 medications is mainly experimental and off-label. To ensure safety, always follow your healthcare provider’s prescription, whether it is for standard FDA-approved doses or for microdosing with proper monitoring in place.

Recommended doses for microdosing for each substance

However, the modern microdosing movement began when a psychologist, James Fadiman, in 2011, described microdosing methods and personal experiences from people in his book “The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide”. His work helped bring microdosing into public discussion and inspired new research into its possible benefits. Microdosing involves consuming a dose below the standard therapeutic dose to achieve certain benefits and minimize the risk of side effects. In contrast, standard dosing is approved by the FDA and supported by the various clinical trials, while microdosing is not FDA-approved. There isn’t a single, clearly recognized definition of microdosing for any psychedelic drug, and this complicates attempts to perform consistent research. One definition is approximately 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose.

• Scott Butsch, MD, explains why it’s not a recommended practice.
• Consult with your healthcare provider, and they may adjust, switch, or stop the medication.
• You can adopt these and possibly add other habits or qualities that you would like to track.
• From there, you can gradually decrease the dose until you’ve found your sweet spot.
• Due to high demand, these medications are sometimes not available in the market.

The Every Other Day Protocol

Check costs and insurance coverage before starting GLP-1 therapy, especially if you’re considering microdosing to save money. Many insurance plans, manufacturer savings cards, and patient assistance programs cover only standard and FDA-approved doses. Do not skip or cut the dose on your own to avoid side effects. Instead, consult with your health care provider to adjust the standard titration schedule more slowly if required. In contrast, people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require strong glucose control need a standard GLP-1 dosing schedule to manage their sugar levels and to prevent complications.

Benefits of Microdosing

In the Netherlands, it’s possible to purchase fresh ready-to-use microdosing truffles that are vacuum-sealed in portions of 6 ×1 gram. There is no need for a scale, capsules, or even drying the truffles. Simply store them in the fridge and take between 0.5 and 2 portions (depending on your sweet spot).

GLP-1 receptor agonists are powerful prescription medications that should always be used under the guidance of your healthcare provider. The standard microdose range is between 0.05g and 0.3g of dried psilocybin mushrooms. Proponents say that the practice improves mental health, reduces anxiety, and may even help keep the person focused or creative throughout the day.

Health Conditions

It’s worth noting that even in placebo-controlled and blind studies, some people correctly guess that they were given the placebo. This is particularly common in studies on microdosing, possibly because many of the people microdosing mushrooms for anxiety who volunteer for such studies have microdosed before. This makes it even harder for scientists to untangle how much of a role the placebo effect plays. Scientists use “blind” studies to help them figure out if the placebo effect is taking place. This means that the participants – and sometimes the researchers themselves – don’t know if they got a drug or a placebo. Studies that use these methods tend to find few, if any, differences between people who took the microdose and those who took the placebo.

Those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses (or people with a family history of these conditions) could be at higher risk. But it’s generally considered to be 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose. A psilocybin microdose is typically about 0.3 grams of dried mushroom.

Many factors, including your current mental and physical health condition, play a role in the effects of psychedelics. If you or a loved one are considering microdosing, speak with your healthcare provider and/or a mental health provider about your risks. In addition, monitor the clinical benefits of the medication, such as mild appetite suppression, weight changes, or changes in your blood sugar levels. Your doctor will make a dose adjustment slowly according to your body’s response and tolerance. There is no scientific data that supports microdosing semaglutide or tirzepatide. However, your healthcare provider may prescribe microdosing depending on your body tolerance.