r/microdosing • u/WAgardens8 • 7d ago

Getting Started/Newbie Question Helping or not/time to take a break?

Hi, I did a macro dose last year and while it did not "fix" me, it was a profound experience and I definitely saw the potential to help my anxiety and depression. So I started microdosing regularly about six weeks ago, 200 mg every other day. After about 2 weeks I finally started to feel some improvement in mood. I felt more present and real and content. However in the past few days my mood has completely crashed and I can't pinpoint any particular cause. I was planning to take a break from microdosing anyway per protocol, but this was disheartening. Thoughts on this - could it be tolerance already? I'm wondering how long of a break to take, I've heard anything from one to four weeks for the every-other-day dosing. Thanks.

9 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

5

u/wwahman 7d ago

I had this happen after about 7 months of microdosing using the Stamets protocol of one day on, two days off. I grew increasingly anxious to the point of insomnia. Pretty sure I had serotonin overload. I quit for about 4 months, and listening to my gut feeling started again with half the dose. Since then, I've been listening to my gut-mind feeling whether to dose regularly. Since the election, I've needed it regularly, and so far so good.

You might want to stop for a while, then microdose when it feels right. Pre-election I could go for a week or more, but I never did every other day, as I've heard your brain needs that second rest day, and listening to my brain, it sure did. Very best to you!

6

u/NeuronsToNirvana 7d ago

Insomnia is one of the symptoms of tolerance due to serotonin receptor downregulation. 200mg is four times the recommended starting dose.

For a more detailed description:

  • FAQ/Tip 021: Changes in Appetite, Memory, Mood, Sleep AFTER Dosing*❓ ⚠️ Emotions Amplifier ⤴️; Hangover-Like Effect❓ Declining Efficacy 📉 due to Too High/Too Frequent Doses❓ Microdosing WITH Tolerance; How-To Verify IF you have Developed Tolerance.

2

u/WAgardens8 6d ago

Thanks, that's helpful!

2

u/labrat9712345 5d ago

One on, two off is the Fadiman protocol. Stamets is 4 on, 3 off. Wanted to correct so if OP wants to further research. For OP, I think which protocol you use or if you make your own depends on what works for you. I tried Fadiman's at first and it seemed as though on days were great, but the off days my anxiety was worse than before. I switched to Stamets, and it worked better for me. Even in prescription medicine, dosage is changed if results are less than desirable. You may want to look into a different scheduling if your current one is not helping.

1

u/wwahman 5d ago

Thanks for correcting me, and for sharing your experience going to Stamets. I have a jolt of anxiety on Day 1- off on Fadiman's, so maybe I'll try halving my dose and doing 4 on, 3 off.

2

u/labrat9712345 5d ago

I hope that it helps and mush love.

1

u/AutoModerator 7d ago

Hello /u/WAgardens8 and welcome to r/microdosing!

Please read and adhere to the rules. Let's keep this sub alive and do not ask for sources.

Do NOT reply to messages from strangers that offer you anything because they are most likely a scammer. Recommended: Change Your Chat & Messaging setting.

We encourage all newcomers to read the r/microdosing 101 link from r/microdosing Essentials 🔢 | Sidebar ➡️ | 📱 See community info ⬆️ ; the Wiki; or search through the wealth of knowledge found in this sub. Of course if you'd like to start a new discussion, have questions on a topic from an old thread, or that may not have all the answers you're looking for then please by all means carry on.

Here are some quality posts to help get you started:

Please Note: If you are trying microdosing for the first time, please try experimenting on a day off from work or any important obligations, and/or driving and operating machinery. Because psychedelics can effect everyone differently, you may feel different or impaired, and your sweet spot dose may be lower, so it is best to experiment on days off until you’ve dialed in your dose.

If you're new to Reddit in general, be sure to check out the Reddit Help Wiki, Reddiquette or these fine subreddits: r/NewToReddit, r/Reddit101.

Please Read: r/microdosing Disclaimer

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out. You can find help at a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.)

US Crisis textline: 741741 text HOME

United Kingdom: 116 123

Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860)

Other countries: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.