Shrooms, LSD, ketamine– psychedelic microdosing is a newer form of treatment that a lot of people have been talking about lately. I know the subject comes up multiple times per week when patients ask me my thoughts about using them for themselves. My answer: Some research looks positive and some does not, but also there is just not a ton of research yet either. As mental health care evolves, I suspect we will start seeing more alternative therapies like microdosing that could help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Let’s dive into the benefits, risks, current research, tips for using psychedelics safely, and how to discuss this option with your healthcare provider.
The FDA has already approved the use of ketamine by injection and nasal spray but this requires close monitoring by a provider and is usually done in an office with a very specific frequency, timing, and dosing schedule.
Benefits of Psychedelic Microdosing
Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances, such as LSD or psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms), typically 1/10th to 1/20th of a recreational dose. The goal is not to experience a full psychedelic trip but to improve day-to-day life. Reported benefits include:
- Better mood- many people will say they experience less symptoms of anxiety and depression
- More Creativity- increased ability to solve problems and think creatively.
- Improved Focus and Productivity- improved concentration, focus, and mental clarity
- Emotional Expansion- feeling more open to relationships and greater emotional resilience
- Decrease in Substance Use: some people have reported less desire and use of substances like alcohol and nicotine.
Remember- if. you’re. tripping. you’re. NOT. microdosing.
How Do Psychedelics Work?
Serotonin
Psychedelics are known to interact with the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors in the brain. Binding to these receptors can balance serotonin activity, which is crucial for helping to balance mood, anxiety, and cognition.
Dopamine
While serotonin is the primary brain chemical affected, psychedelics can also change dopamine levels. Dopamine is associated with reward, motivation, and pleasure. Some research suggests that the improved mood and increased motivation often reported with microdosing might be partially due to the change in dopamine activity.
Glutamate
Psychedelics may also impact the glutamate system, which is involved in brain plasticity and learning. By leveling out glutamate receptors, the brain can form new, healthier connections which can help symptoms of depression and anxiety decrease.
Risks and Considerations
As with anything, microdosing does have its risks:
- Legal Issues: Some of these drugs are straight up illegal and being in possession of them can be risky if you encounter law enforcement.
- Psychological Risks: Some people report increased anxiety, paranoia, depression, low mood, and other negative symptoms after microdosing.
- Health Risks: there is a potential that microdosing with a substance can interact with other medications that you might be taking, cause heart problems, etc
- Regulation: even if you’re getting ketamine lozenges (for example) from what appears to be a “legitimate website,” it is still impossible to guarantee their quality and purity which can lead to subpar products and incorrect dosing.
Current Research
There are several areas of research right now on psychedelics including:
- Clinical Trials: there are several studies that are investigating the effects that psilocybins and LSD have when treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use.
- Neuroplasticity: There is some research suggesting that the use of psychedelics improves the brains ability to adapt and make new connections
- Therapy Combo: There is some research that suggest combining microdosing with ongoing therapy treatment improves outcomes.
Tips for Safe Use
While I know I am NOT your provider, at the end of the day if you make the decision for yourself to try microdosing, nothing your provider says is going to stop you. Therefore I tend to take a risk reduction stance. Here are some things to consider to lower the risk of a bad outcome and make it as safe of an experience as possible:
- Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a very low dose to see how your body is going to respond.
- Keep a Journal: Track your doses, experiences, and any changes in mood or behavior.
- Stay Informed: Continue to educate yourself about the specific substance you are using, including its effects and potential risks.
- Source Safely: Ensure you obtain your product from a reliable and safe source.
- Avoid Mixing: Do not mix psychedelics with other substances, especially alcohol or other psychoactive drugs.
Talking to Your Provider
Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial when considering any new treatment, including microdosing. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Be Honest: Share your interest in microdosing and why you believe it might benefit you.
- Provide Information: Bring credible sources or studies that support your interest.
- Discuss Risks: Acknowledge the potential risks and legal issues involved.
- Seek Guidance: Ask for your provider’s opinion on how microdosing might fit into your overall treatment plan and any possible interactions with your current medications.
- Referrals: You can ask your provider if they know of any clinics in the area that specialize in a specific service- you might need to see a different provider if your current one does not do ketamine.
I would love to hear about your experience with psychedelics and mental health- positive or negative. Please feel free to leave a comment if you’re comfortable doing so.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on MentalHealthDestinations.com is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this website should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical or psychological condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. While the author of MentalHealthDestinations.com is a licensed medical professional, the content on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and your own medical/psychiatric/therapeutic professional should be consulted. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk. If you are in crisis or think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911 immediately. For immediate help with a mental health crisis, consider contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
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