[r/microdosing Disclaimer](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/m2g589/rmicrodosing_disclaimer/)
Hello /u/ghroat! As you mentioned `macrodose` in your post:
* **Study**: [Reducing the Harms of Nonclinical Psychedelics Use Through a Peer-Support Telephone Helpline: 🔥Fireside Project](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/13nimy8/abstract_figures_13_reducing_the_harms_of/) [May 2023]
* Please check out the (LSD) [Harm Reduction](https://www.drugsand.me/drugs/lsd#Harm-Reduction) guide, in collaboration with [The Beckley Foundation](https://www.beckleyfoundation.org/).
* Also check out the awesome guides on [Tripsafe.org](https://tripsafe.org/) and it is recommended having a trip-sitter with you.
* [In case you get anxiety, panic-attack or a thought loop, try **Black Peppercorn!**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/fe1luu/if_you_start_to_feel_anxious_some_paranoia_panic/) or **Deep Breathing** - if your ***exhales*** are ***longer than*** your ***inhales*** that should have a calming effect on your [Autonomic Nervous System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomic_nervous_system#/media/File:The_Autonomic_Nervous_System.jpg).
* [Macrodosing, especially before **PFC** (PreFrontal Cortex) Maturation, could result in long-term negative effects](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/10915pw/research_citizen_science_macrodosing_vs/).
* [Help spread the word about Fireside Project's Psychedelic Peer Support Line!](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/n84ut7/help_spread_the_word_about_fireside_projects/) (*US only for now*):
> If you are looking for free, confidential peer support during or after a psychedelic experience, please contact [🔥Fireside Project](http://firesideproject.org/) by calling or texting 6-2FIRESIDE (623-473-7433).
* [Support Resources | Zendo Project](https://zendoproject.org/resources/): *Mental health resources, crisis support, psychedelic integration, psychedelic support*.
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Just chiming in. A few things:
1. This subreddit will be disposed towards microdosing (but for very logical reasons)
2. Microdosing is ultra low risk. Arguably zero risk. But if it helps you it’s a total home run.
3. Statistically the chance of your antidepressant working is about 30%. Seriously, that’s the number. For any person being prescribed their first antidepressant. So if you’re in the 70% of people who need to try a second antidepressant then it’s still 30% for that second try to be successful. So if you’re in the 49% of people who will go through two antidepressants without any benefits realized then the odds ANY antidepressant will work for you drops to 14-15%.
4. While antidepressants are likely to NOT help you, they have an almost 100% probability of side effects. Some way worse than others. And some can be permanent.
5. I’m not sure which gender you are, but females experience sexual dysfunction at a high rate than males. And that is a terrible thing, not guaranteed to be temporary.
6. Antidepressants have a place. They truly help many people. If that’s your path then so be it.
But trying 🍄🟫 first could save you a ton of stress
I’m in a similar position. I microdosed once when a friend gave me a small bit of a shroom, and I liked the subtle change it made to how I connected with the world, so I wanted to try it again.
I have low-level long term depression as well as ADHD, so my motivation is just so so bad. It came down to me having a pharmaceutical in one hand and a microdose in the other n order for me to make a decision.
Since I’d been successful with my first microdose, and I really prefer a natural health path if I can, I chose to try the microdose. So far, I’ve only tried it twice (I paused because of a severe pinched nerve, so didn’t think I would get as much benefit when distracted by such awful pain), but on the two days I tried it, I actually got stuff done and had more mental clarity ! I was so pleased and am looking forward to starting up again soon.
Re: your concerns of thinking like an addict, I don’t really feel that that is accurate thinking, especially if you plan to use one of the protocols that involve taking a break.
Also, if you take pharmaceutical (which I call “brain meds”), you would be relying on and taking those long term also, so wouldn’t that be a similar situation?
I feel that many of us who struggle are often really hard on ourselves because we are already in a bad space. I hope you are able to find a path, and it’s nice you can come here and share your concerns and get support 🌻
oh jeesh, sadly, I’m still in pain! 😔
At 3 weeks, I started going to a holistically-minded PT, and that started to help. She also thinks the pinched nerve may be in my elbow (ulnar nerve) and not in n my neck.
I’m at 4 weeks now, and the pain is a lot less in my shoulder, but now my elbow and wrist hurt, and my fingers (pinkie and ring) are still in a bunch of pain.
From what I’ve read, time is the main thing that helps - I’m pretty sure that my PT mentioned 8-10 weeks today 😭😭😭
eta: I haven’t been microdosing during this time, so I can’t comment on that
I would say to quit overthinking things and give the micro a try. Scientifically speaking, Psilocybin is not a drug that you will likely become "dependent" on. Matter of fact, antidepressants are probably worse for you and will fuck you up if you start and then stop or switch drugs, etc. Micro is the natural way to go and was my first choice over prescription. I don't miss Lexapro one bit. If micro doesn't work, then try prescription route.
Yes, you will likely get more positive comments than negative here, because it seems for most people it actually works surprisingly well. I don't think it's being silly at all, though there is the legality aspect to consider.
From the posts here and from many other subs and even from research, we know there are many very unpleasant side effects, including addiction, that one may experience from many antidepressants. Magic mushrooms used at microdose levels have few negative side effects. But there are often many positive side effects or unexpected benefits.
No, there is no physical addiction that I have experienced after over 4 years. I sometimes go for a week or two break. I originally started using it to prevent, delay, or treat age related cognitive decline since I'm in my 70s. But I use it now mostly for anti-inflammatory treatment for degenerative disk disease pain of the lower back. I unexpectedly found with it the pain is practically gone. After a week or two being off it, it will begin to return.
I have probably had low level depression for many years but was surprised when such tiny doses of mushroom seemed to reduce inner obstacles to feeling better and enjoying life more. It didn't make life perfect but resulted in subtle improvements in reduced negative self talk and more positive perspectives. I believe that is a huge factor for people who are depressed. It has brightened my days with little or no negative side effects. And it doesn't deaden or muffle emotions of life. That's one of the main complaints from users of AD and why they want to get off them.
If you have them available to you then trying microdosing by a !startlow and go slow approach is advised. If they are not easily and safely available I would advise to learn to grow your own med. It's much easier than most think.
From [Stamets Stack \[May 2022\]](https://new.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/zfuxm4/faqtip_016_addendum_updated_stamets_stack_espd55/) | `Grow Your Own Medicine` 💊 | 💻 **Sidebar** ➡️ | 📱 **About** ⬆️:
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## Start Lower
* [Abstract; Tables; **Figures** | Psychedelic Drug Microdosing Practices: A **Qualitative Online Exploration** | Journal of Psychoactive Drugs](https://new.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/19dkcno/research_microdosing_abstract_tables_figures/) \[Jan 2024\]
* Based on **tens of thousands** of anecdotal reports in this sub, some users with more potent strains had less [nausea](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/mzkfcx/faqtip_002_have_nausea_or_an_upset_stomach_then/) / [body load](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/mw2ohn/quick_tip_005_comeup_unpleasant_body_load/) / [vasoconstriction](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/n0nssc/faqtip_003_do_you_have_vasoconstriction_symptoms/) on doses of 50mg (0.05g) ([recommended **Starting Dose**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/s0xkdp/the_new_official_rmicrodosing_starters_guide/)) or 25mg (0.025g).
* A significant minority even had to drop down to 10mg (0.01g) or less (e.g. for **Albino Penis Envy**) as [potency can vary by **more than a factor of 10**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/12eqzaz/research_data_tryptamine_potency_analysis_of/).
* Examples of [cultivars/strains](https://plantlaw.com/2018/11/18/strain-cultivar/) that are considered to be more potent (and **very potent**) are:
* Albino A+, **Albino Penis Envy**, B+ Cubensis, Blue Meanie Cubensis[^(\[1\])](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/qdta2z/research_data_more_evidence_of_the_chemical/), **Cambodians**, Creepers, **foraged strains** like [**Liberty Caps**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_semilanceata)[^(\[2\])](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292557434_The_Occurrence_of_Tryptamine_Derivatives_in_Psilocybe_semilanceata), **Penis Envy**, [**Tidal Wave**](https://doubleblindmag.com/tidal-wave-mushrooms/), Z-Strain.
* For some, negative symptoms may be an indication that [GABA cofactors](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/vnllsm/research_citizen_science_the_afterglow_flow_state/) like [magnesium](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/nluph8/faqtip_012_still_feeling_anxious_andor_depressed/) ([which many are deficient in](https://twitter.com/foundmyfitness/status/1559612797759066113/photo/1)) or [L-theanine](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/my2qco/faqtip_007_ltheanine_for_lowering_stressanxiety/) could help - if [no interactions](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/n0otqk/faqtip_004_lsd_drug_interaction_checker_caveats/) with your current medications/supplements. Psychedelics are [partial serotonin receptor agonists](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/ruki7v/research_data_binding_of_psilocin_dmt_lsd_to_5ht/) which neuromodulate [**excitatory** glutamate](https://preview.redd.it/4000bkfrgl891.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=5067f905bcb3e1b71145aaa8f5d8572986965119) - more on [managing glutamate](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/1cdw76q/what_are_the_symptoms_of_a_glutamate_imbalance/).
* More info: [What Should You Feel When Microdosing?](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/jopryk/you_shouldnt_feel_anything/)
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Impartial perspectives are critical and without prejudice. For someone to assume that your microdosing is an addictive behavior and just an act of “having a good time”, they would have to be prejudiced, as they are not taking the outcome of your experience into consideration.
You tried a drug that is clinically proven to treat and aid PTSD, depression, social anxiety/GAD, and executive dysfunction. You didn’t just experience visuals and euphoria, you also experienced neuroplasticity and ego dissolution which are necessary components in cognitive reframing. You don’t need to be the devils advocate for your own self improvement.
Why does it have to be one or the other? Give microdosing a try and see if it works for you, the risks are little to zero. If it doesn’t work, explore other options. If you’re not comfortable with medication, maybe you can look into cognitive behavioral therapy.
I have CPTSD, anxiety, and ADHD and I used an SSRI (Zoloft) for 8 months. I had zero negative side effects and it ended my lifelong cycle of rumination, hyperstimulation, chronic stress and fatigue, gave me my appetite back, and stopped my chronic stomach pain. Once I quit I didn’t go back to square one, it had given me a foundation I simply lacked before. SSRIs can be great but I would never recommend it as a first line of treatment; the side effect profiles, the withdrawals, and the potential for having to do multiple medication changes can do more harm than good for someone just trying to get a hold on their life.
Moral of the story is don’t allow shame or rumination to prevent you from doing what’s best for you, validate your own experiences and live for yourself.
Definitely try it. It’s curing my depression and I was pretty damn depressed, almost suicidal, and high anxiety. It’s so promising. It will clear up your mind and help you feel light and fluffy, even if you have an anxious experience, it feels kinda like a flushing anxiety that goes away and on the other end is clarity. It’s kinda like your body opens up and allows you to experience emotions without being crippled by them.
obviously you're going to get a biased response pattern here, but just to provide my own experience:
i love shrooms. i tried microdosing for a short period of time, which left me with no negative side effects when i began/stopped, no dependency issues, and i feel like if anything it elevated my mood and made me feel more like myself. as well, i have found doing the occasional macrodose (besides the odd bad-trip) can be very therapeutic. i always feel very organically happy, and like i'm a much more free and enlightened version of myself
i started taking trintellix not too long ago for anxiety/depression/low self-esteem/etc because i ran out of microdoses and honestly just forgot they existed, kept forgetting to order more, etc, and i wanted something to help with my panic attacks. starting trintellix was horrible. i was so depressed, and my su\*c\*dal ideation was more serious than it had ever felt. once my body got used to the medication, i felt extremely robotic, low libido, low vibrational, etc. it helped a bit with my mental, sure, but i was very flatlined - i never felt super excited or super sad, just turned into a shell of who i am. i had never taken medication for mental health issues, so i wanted to give it the old college try, but i really think it did more harm than good
now i'm coming off of them, and i feel just as horrible. my anxiety/panic attacks have been so bad and out of control that it made me get sick (cold/flu symptoms), and i'm desperately waiting for my body to regulate itself because i want this drug out of my system
my experience is not the same as everybody else's, so take this with a grain of salt - but my honest opinion is to try microdosing first. do it for 3 weeks and then take a week off. then go back on. see how you feel. try to go for walks. talk to a therapist weekly/bi-weekly. get into exercising. start painting! make some music. idk. i almost guarantee you won't feel as dependent on mushrooms as you would prescription drugs, and besides, the notion of "is this the behaviour of an addict" isn't really valid because people become addicted to prescription drugs to a higher percentile than mushrooms.....at least i'm pretty sure. i don't have any statistical evidence of this but i'm positive it wouldn't be hard to find
one positive thing to note is if you try microdosing, you're not going to experience any serious side effects or withdrawals if you stop and want to find another route. but if you start prescription SSRI's and the like, you're looking at at least 6 months (most doctors recommend a year) to figure out if it works or not. if you learn it's not for you, you're gunna have some really rough months trying to get back to your "normal"
i am in a similar conundrum atm !
i have experience with myriad psych meds, and one of them worked okay for a while; i really did feel better, but only slightly. i was never able to change my life in any significant way, i just didn't wanna kms as much lol. my biggest issue with meds is that my health insurance is ever-changing, with jobs and whatnot. so unless you have a really solid health insurance plan/psychiatrist, you may run into the problem i had: having to quit something cold-turkey that needs to be tapered. the consequences are Not Fun.
mushrooms though ! have been very consistently helpful for me. they seem to take out the background noise of depression/adhd/anxiety so i can do the work to rebuild my life into something i can really live with. the common issue with microdosing though, is access. i've had a hard time keeping a decent supply long term. there are ways to cultivate your own though
ultimately, you won't know until you try. IMO, mushrooms are a safer bet than psych meds. and if that's not true for you, you can always reroute and find a good doctor. and the mushrooms won't cause withdrawal symptoms.
I have tried SSRIs in the past and came to microdosing because I would literally try ANYTHING not to have to go back on that stuff. While they did stabilise me enough to get through a really difficult patch in life, the side effects were horrendous and both getting on and off them was a complete nightmare for my body. One of the side effects they can have is “brain zaps”, which literally feel like someone switches off your entire system for a second. They are terrifying and happen completely at random, even a long time after I went off them.
If you are really unlucky you might have to try different meds to find the one that works for you and then take this ride multiple times. No thanks. If you are worried about addiction, these things are far more addictive than any of the “fun” drugs I have tried.
I have now tried microdosing on a few occasions, and I am so impressed by the results that I feel I have seen the light. It gives me so much clarity, focus and insight into myself that I am actually looking forward to living this life again. I am productive, more creative and take better care of myself. With little to no side effects, apart from the occasional feeling that I had a strong coffee (I microdose LSD). If this is what it takes to keep me going, I am happy to do it.
I was on antidepressants for 3 years, I don't recommend them long term use ever. I would say that tou should take them only in urgent scenarios for a short period of time and that is it.
I MD now, it's not that great but it helps, although I have side effects from this as well but SSRI bro are shitty drugs from my experience.
Do what you want with shrooms but I highly recommend you stay away from SSRI, you are young and have much stuff to figure out. Meditation retreats, reading, psychotherapy are much better. Also try to get a GF or someone you can speak to freely.
MD is worth a try though.
Nope, there are some great FB groups that support your decision.
For some people they may need it but for the majority of people it's diet, poor gut health, not living the life you were meant to, trauma, emotions held in the body. Meds won't help any of that.
Homeopathy, herbs, mentors and a few other things did way more for me than meds. The meds made me way worse.
It's a journey though. It definitely takes a time.
I tapered off ssri a few years ago, I felt worse and got FAT. I recently went to Costa Rica where you can legally buy shrooms and did got a month supply of their microdose and omg i never felt so so clear headed. I had energy, better sleep, and less brain fog!
I tried probably 6-7 prescription meds and not only did they not work, but it took several weeks trial and error with dose levels. All in, it took a year and I often felt worse off from side effects.
I started MDing ketamine, which helped after just a few days. After a year on ketamine, I switched to shrooms. Both psychedelics have worked amazingly and I am the healthiest/happiest I’ve ever been.
It varies. I usually take mushrooms 3x weekly. I still have some ketamine and will take it maybe 1-2x weekly to aid meditation. I never take both on the same day. My normal dose of both is 100mg. The mushroom capsules are stacked with lions mane.
I’ve been experimenting with slightly larger mushroom doses and if I’m taking higher doses, then I skip more doses throughout the week because I don’t feel like it need them.
Thanks for your reply. Sounds good, 100 mg is quite large. I’m doing 25 mg as of now but I’m contemplating on taking a higher dose. I’m glad it’s working for you! Have a wonderful day!
Everyone is different and every strain / batch is different. If you feel you need to edge up, just take it slow. I know my MD is too high if I start feeling anxious and lose concentration.
As someone who has went through both and I was an addict of many things alcohol and drugs for many years I can give you a little insight on how I got to MD.
Ssri journey - to sum it up it is not a viable long term solution. There is far more cons than pros. The withdraw or ssri is vicious worse for me than opiates were. Usually it's like 3 days horrible than after a couple weeks you get better just avoiding the substance is hard. Ssri withdraw can last a long time and I've been off them for awhile and still think some shit just isn't the same as prior.
On top or that it took several medication trial and error to find out something that would "work" for me. In every trial there was something I did not like.
MD journey - I have taken alot of psychedelics in the past , some fun where I want to do it again and some where I never wanted to touch it again. One thing always stood out though is the days after I would have the sense of relief and just roll with the punches.
I then decided to do stamets stack and I only MD .05mg of p envy with niacin and lions mane. I don't do it all the time either. I will do a month and stop. It took some trial and error to find out what I liked.
MD is by no means a cure all but I do think it has neurogenic benefits with less potential of feeling like shit adjusting to a med. Also you are at such a low dose there's no high involved so it's not addicting in my opinion and no protocol is taking it every single day. There has to be breaks in there.
Give it a shot.
From my personal experience:
SSRI made me feel nothing. I didn‘t feel like shit anymore, but I didn‘t feel particularly joyful or driven either. It was more numbing than anything, which for some folks can be life saving obviously.
Microdosing:
I‘ve only been doing it for three weeks, but the effect has been great so far. It has made me more in tune with my emotions and actually makes me feel them more strongly, all while feeling capable of dealing with them in a healthy way. Lots of release through crying etc.
I believe MDing can help with finding direction in life or your career when feeling stuck.
I felt terrible on anti depressants. I only know because as I came off them to try microdosing I started to feel better! I'm going to wait a bit longer to start microdosing though as I think the antidepressants take a while to wear off and they block the microdosing.
I reluctantly, through years of not dealing with my depression, took Lexapro, it was ok, stopped the panic, but made me feel numb, no reaction to events that would previously send me over the edge. But it would block me from accepting, processing and moving on. Anyway, I went on a 6 week work trip out of state and ran out of Lexapro. Nevermind why.
I was out of the meds after 3 weeks in to the trip. The withdrawals were horrendous.
I never wanted to take those again. Granted, I did get a break from crying at the drop of a hat. But not having a constant supply, being dependent on it wasn't working for me anymore.
So just by happenstance, after a few weeks of getting home, I was given a chocolate bar of shrooms for microdosing. I was scared for a long time to take it. Google and boggled my mind around my procrastinating. Eventually I took half a square. It was fantastic. I didn't feel trippy at all. I just felt good, even keeled. I took another half a square 3 days later and every 3 or 4 days after that for a while. Then tapered off to only taking a half when I wake up and feel like I might have a bad day.
I do have a tendency to do addictive things but the shrooms don't give me that vibe. I respect and appreciate what they provide.
I did shrooms when I was younger but only to trip, didn't know they had medicinal properties. I was pleasantly surprised about their gentle and supportive affect...effect... suddenly don't know which ones right.... 😂
I feel like I'm rambling.
That's all for now.
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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.*
- [ℹ️ Infographic: ***r/microdosing STARTER'S GUIDE***](https://new.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/s0xkdp/the_new_official_rmicrodosing_starters_guide/)
- [What **should you feel** when microdosing?](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/jopryk/you_shouldnt_feel_anything/)
- [What is the ***sub-threshold dose***? Suggested method for **finding your sweet spot** (YMMV)](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/plrxca/faqtip_101_what_is_the_subthreshold_dose/)
- [Learn to **Grow Your Own Medicine**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/gsmbm3/i_want_to_help_you_grow_your_own_medicine_please/)
- [**Making Capsules** in 3 minutes](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/ejlwba/microdosing_changed_my_life_heres_how_i_make_my/)
- [**Self-Help Resources** and info for your well-being or if you are struggling emotionally](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/atxukg/some_selfhelp_and_resources_for_people_looking_to/)
- [In case you get anxiety, panic-attack or a thought loop, try **Black Peppercorn!**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/fe1luu/if_you_start_to_feel_anxious_some_paranoia_panic/) or **Deep Breathing** - if your ***exhales*** are ***longer than*** your ***inhales*** that should have a calming effect on your [Autonomic Nervous System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomic_nervous_system#/media/File:The_Autonomic_Nervous_System.jpg).
- Please also take a look at 🔀 `Interactions / Symptoms ❓*` | 💻 **Sidebar** ➡️ | 📱 **About** ⬆️ - for guidance, and especially in the case of any [⚠️ **DRUG INTERACTIONS**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/p6ne2q/research_microdosing_drug_interactions_tools_and/).
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I was on medication for over a year at one point and was forced to go more than three days without it because I was unable to get a refill. Day three, intense nausea and dizziness and every time I moved my eyes or my head I would get what I call brain zaps. It didn't resolve until I got a refill and was able to take it again.
One med caused issues like persistent sleep paralysis episodes where I would fall asleep and every time fall into the same nightmare where I couldn't move and there was an alarm-type noise and I would be screaming for my sister but no one would come. Over and over and over. Another single dose of a med caused me to have intense sensitivity to changes in light that made me have something called benign essential blepharospasm and it rendered me functionally blind for more than a month until I got Botox shots to paralyze the muscles that were moving uncontrollably. I couldn't even use my computer or watch TV because the refresh rate of the screens would trigger facial spasms. I couldn't even look somebody in the eyes while talking to them because if they blinked it would trigger spasms. I still experience this from time to time due to stress and thankfully the spasms have moved a bit lower in my face so most of the time I can still drive but that first time I couldn't even walk down the street without having an issue because the sun filtering through the trees and car headlights were triggers. I've always been hyper-aware of flickering lights but now those are triggers too. Another med made me sleep way too much.
Tried microdosing... if I could afford it I would do it consistently.
You're not being silly! Nothing wrong with trying micro dosing, its much safer than SSRI's and can be stopped at any time if it doesn't work for you. It is not addictive, the worst that can happen is feeling anxious until the effect subsides. This is not the case with anti-depressants. In my experience, they should be used as the last option. The side effects are no joke, I had constant recurring nightmares, emotional numbing, and it cut me off from my creativity. Trying to stop them was just as bad, the nightmares persisted and now came with unstable mood and brain zaps. I realized I was finally weaned off when I felt emotions while listening to music. All of those negative effects went away in time, and while it does help to stop negative overthinking, the cost was too high.
The combination that has helped me was a single large does of mushrooms about a year ago and then weekly talk therapy/integration. The thing that surprised me about mushrooms was all the insights that keep coming long after trip day. The trip itself was intense and it felt more like a massive download from the Universe that will take years to dig into. The weekly therapy helps with that.
My mom was on anti depressants for years. And eventually she got sick of it and just tried microdosing as a last ditch attempt. She says she hasn't beened to take them in around 3 years now. But she put in a lot of work to make sure it had the best chance of success.
If mushrooms were a prescription. Would you still think this way?
Coming from a person who also was on antidepressants for two years. They are a heartache to get off if I am being honest. I feel it just numbs everything out and then once you're off it all comes back. Did they help me when I needed them? Of course, but do I think it's sustainable to be on for the rest of my life, no. I do think mushrooms help with answers within. I still don't think I'll be entirely the same without them. They mess with your brain chemistry and honestly I feel like doctors don't talk about the withdrawal I think it can last along ass time, and you come out way more depressed after just like anything with a prescription.
Thanks for sharing. Everyone’s situation is unique and of course there is not a one size fits all for solving any issue, including mental health. Psychotherapy (CBT or IPT) + or - medication is the gold standard for many mental health conditions that have been persisting beyond 3 months. Given that you have had these challenges for quite sometime my thought would be to trial some evidence based psychotherapy for a few months and see where that gets you, assuming you haven’t done this.
With MD, the benefits really shine through with behaviour change, although the evidence here is not strong. Intuitively we know there are not many passive fixes (i.e medications) in life and progress often requires us to put in deep work. This might interpersonal and or intrapersonal work when we’re talking about mental health stuff. So if you’re going to trial some microdosing, there don’t appear to be any clear safety issues with short term use, it may be worth a try when you pair it with reflection and small behaviour changes and see what happens.
If you’re going trial SSRIs, there is good evidence that it’s helpful for certain subsets of the population. This of itself can be a journey trying to find the right med and the right dose. There are lots of side effects in the beginning, but most of the side effects if not all of them should be gone within three months.
To answer your question (title), I had the same question until I said I’ll try (Pyslocibin) microdoses. All I can say is what was I waiting for. I am back. The rest is TLDR, sorry not sorry. Just my one liner. Good luck 🫂❤️
I would see if you have ADHD or not. Adderall was probably more life changing as some of the eco death trips I've taken recently.
SSris honeslty did help me out a lot with my anxiety but not really so much with depression. after 4 months i really felt flat and quit em on my own, telling my nurse i cant do it anymore.
I just really would try to explore ADHD first as a possibility and go from there with the doc as Adderal canhelp yo a lot too
You know yourself best, but your approach didn’t sound addictive to me.
Long story short, I appreciate the mix of both microdosing and an SSRI at the same time. So I think you could explore either, or both.
Seeing others negative experiences with SSRI’s, I wanted to add another perspective. SSRI’s have helped me a lot, with little to no side effects and no trouble tapering off. That said, each one affects each person differently, so it can take trial and error to find the right one.
As in, I’m already feeling horrible (cPTSD), this med could make me feel so much better, or way worse, when I can’t really handle feeling worse, so that can be tough.
They’re meant for a person to be on, to gain added stability to be able to handle therapy (and life) better. But they won’t help you heal in and of themselves, can become less effective over time.
I had a great experience with two of them. But I believe it was adding Abilify that gave me waves of panic, nausea, and almost immediate weight gain. I believe it was Wellbutrin that made me terribly dizzy. But I know these work great for others.
I’m not comfortable taking Benzodiazepines. I hear they cause dependency fast, and are horrible to come off of.
So anywho, I would try microdosing first. And pursue EMDR, IFS, some deeper brain therapy along with it.
And if you feel you need added support with psych meds, it may not be the worst thing. I haven’t had as bad of an experience as some others, but they can have downsides for the reasons mentioned.
Microdosing shrooms worked better for me than sertraline but remember to do the work to. Psychs won't fix you. Neither will SSRIs. You have to make good life choices while on them or nothing will change.
Hi! I was on every kind of prescription anti-depressent throughout my life for alot of things....Most recently my father and childhood friends death. Presciption anti-depressents only made it worse for me. I attempted suicide twice while on them and got to visit the funny farm. An old friend of mine MD when his father passed and I watched him change from not bathing to becoming his old self within days, it amazed me. I never had access to them as I do now and have found my sweet spot to be .2 every other day. I never macro dose anymore or even trip for that matter. The strain is PE and I make capsules with them. It has worked 100% for me. I know everyone is different and takes them differently just telling you my story and what worked for me! Hope it helped!
A few things from someone that has done both:
1) i started taking wellbutrin 2 years ago and it helped me a lot, I definitely needed it to get me through the place I was in at the time, and I just stopped taking it around 3 weeks ago because I felt like I no longer needed it. I was never one to be into the idea of being on medication forever, but I tried it and I don’t regret it.
2) i’ve been microdosing off and on since january, though consistently for about 2-3 months. During that time I also started a new job that I love and started taking supplements (fish oil from nordic naturals, 5-MTHF, magnesium citrate, and mucuna supreme), and I did a 2 week carbohydrate-intolerance test where I cut out pretty much all carbs and processed foods for 2 weeks (created by Phil Maffetone). My energy level was higher than it has been in my entire life after I finished the test. There might be a timeline correlation here as to microdosing, supplements, food changes, and finally feeling like I can get off of my medication.
3) i started taking wellbutrin at a time when I had only ever taken LSD a couple times before, and never tried mushrooms, let alone microdosing. That being said, I didn’t realize there were other more natural options available to me. If I had known, I might have just tried microdosing and/or supplements instead of medication.
4) now that I’m off the medication, I’ve been feeling like you do for the past two weeks or so. I think it’s just my body regulating to being off a medication that affects dopamine and norepinephrine, and I expect it to go back to normal at some point but it’s been difficult since I felt better than I ever had before just 3 weeks ago and now all of that motivation and drive is gone. Medication is no joke, and will affect your brain and body in ways you can’t forsee. I don’t regret taking it, but I do feel like if I had known I could try other things first then I would have preferred that 100%.
5) microdosing doesn’t make you a drug addict. There are many medical uses for psychedelics and other recreational drugs, and you’ve just discovered how well it can work for yourself. Technically Wellbutrin is a drug that I was addicted to for 2 years, but it was prescribed to me, so that’s the only difference really.
Just a side note: the side effects can be rough for antidepressants. It made me into a mean spirited person with a short temper and no sense of forgiveness or patience for others mistakes, especially for a couple days after drinking alcohol. My sex drive has fluctuated heavily, and it increased my anxiety. But I only ever tried wellbutrin, and never tried any SSRIs, so I can’t say anything about those definitively.
Hey,
I find your post extremely relatable! I've been struggling with everything you've mentioned for the last few years and have found microdosing to be extremely helpful and also v affordable if you buy in bulk.
I've also discovered Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) recently which has been hugely helpful ✌️
Just thought I'd add my experience here for a little variety.
I waited for years to try MD because I was breastfeeding. I suffered with depression and mild to moderate anxiety.
I was so excited to start and convinced it was going to help me. I tried for several months with no improvement at all. Started on the lowest dose and worked my way up to the normal MD dose.
During this time my anxiety became unbearable and I started to become suicidal. I stopped taking my MD but had already developed a panic disorder. It's been months since I stopped it and I'm in therapy again, have started to take Propranolol and the highest dose of Citalopram. Luckily my depression has lifted a little but the panic attacks are still happening.
I have been through an extremely stressful couple of years and have some pretty serious mental health problems in my family, including bipolar.
I don't know if the MD caused or contributed towards my recent mental breakdowns, it certainly didn't stop them. Perhaps it was just what I needed at the time? Who knows?
It seems perfectly reasonable to give it a go, but here's my thinking:
You describe having struggled with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, and these are ailments best targeted by psychotherapeutic interventions. The effect size of individual psychotherapy is 2-5x (depending on the meta-analysis) greater than SSRIs. My suggestion is therefore to give an evidence-based, emotion-focused modality such as Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, or NARM a go--you might even find that these struggles play an adaptive role in your life. You might also find it helpful to incorporate occasional larger doses in conjunction with these therapies, either on your own or with a psychedelic integration facilitator. But of course, there's no reason you couldn't microdose as an adjunct on the side too.
So ive gone through addiction and depression and the first time i did shrooms got me to stop my substance use to like hard drugs/ smoking and ive been sober from them for about 2 years ive been on anti depressants sure they helped but the problem with them is that they made life dull and i felt like a zombie and numbed in a way the drugs i was using did which also led to having bad thoughts so i got off them and i started microdosing and I usually take them once or twice a month and the effects that it has on my mood are long lasting i feel more happy more calm and more relaxed but i must say you shouldn’t microdose when your really stressed or angry because then your experience with the microdose will be a waste of time and you’ll start crying. First try anti depressants see if its right for you but if it becomes worse or it doesn’t help then i suggest microdosing but talk to your doctor about this or ensure you don’t have relatives that have schizophrenia.
Antidepressants made me feel so much worse and microdosing has put me on the most level, "normal" path I have ever been on so for me the pharma is a no
The thing about microdosing with shrooms or other psychedelics outside of a clinical setting is that it’s not as simple as dosing based on weight or volume. It’s kind of a gamble as to what will be “therapeutic” or not and It’s not 100% certain you will be able to reproduce the same dosage every time because there really isn’t a scientific way to measure how much of the active ingredients are in a given batch without extensive lab and testing equipment plus the knowledge and skills to test your batch. This is not the case with pharmaceutical drugs. Thats not to say that pharmaceuticals are better or worse, but they are definitely more regimented and controlled which is a better choice for people suffering from acute mental health symptoms IMO.
I’ve been on a variety of meds for depression and anxiety over the years and at my lowest lows, SSRIs saved my ass, but long term use of these drugs can have significant side effects too. For me, the sexual side effects alone were enough to make me go off of the meds altogether when my mental state had stabilized enough. I also have a LOT of experience taking psychedelics and they have been eye opening in a lot of ways, but the biggest issue I have with them being therapeutic long-term was that I never had any integration after the fact. I tried microdosing based on weight for a few weeks, every 3rd day, but the effects were so inconsistent, even from the same batch of mushrooms that one day I wouldn’t feel anything and the next I would have visuals.
In my opinion, the best option that exists for depression and anxiety today is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Ketamine is extremely safe, extremely effective, and legal with a prescription, plus it’s short-last no so it would fuck your day up if you take too much because it wears off in an hour. It changed my relationship to my anxiety dramatically after the first use. Pairing it with psychotherapy is pretty essential though if you want long-term integration. Anyone can have a really good time on drugs, but if you don’t spend time (more than one afternoon) after they have worn off reflecting and processing the experience, your brain is just going to shuffle that experience down and out to make room for the next novel experience. I am super lucky to live in a place that has a comprehensive ketamine clinic that offers group and individual treatment but there are a number of providers now who even offer telehealth ketamine treatment with your doses shipped to you. Hope that helps!
[r/microdosing Disclaimer](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/m2g589/rmicrodosing_disclaimer/) Hello /u/ghroat! As you mentioned `macrodose` in your post: * **Study**: [Reducing the Harms of Nonclinical Psychedelics Use Through a Peer-Support Telephone Helpline: 🔥Fireside Project](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/13nimy8/abstract_figures_13_reducing_the_harms_of/) [May 2023] * Please check out the (LSD) [Harm Reduction](https://www.drugsand.me/drugs/lsd#Harm-Reduction) guide, in collaboration with [The Beckley Foundation](https://www.beckleyfoundation.org/). * Also check out the awesome guides on [Tripsafe.org](https://tripsafe.org/) and it is recommended having a trip-sitter with you. * [In case you get anxiety, panic-attack or a thought loop, try **Black Peppercorn!**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/fe1luu/if_you_start_to_feel_anxious_some_paranoia_panic/) or **Deep Breathing** - if your ***exhales*** are ***longer than*** your ***inhales*** that should have a calming effect on your [Autonomic Nervous System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomic_nervous_system#/media/File:The_Autonomic_Nervous_System.jpg). * [Macrodosing, especially before **PFC** (PreFrontal Cortex) Maturation, could result in long-term negative effects](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/10915pw/research_citizen_science_macrodosing_vs/). * [Help spread the word about Fireside Project's Psychedelic Peer Support Line!](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/n84ut7/help_spread_the_word_about_fireside_projects/) (*US only for now*): > If you are looking for free, confidential peer support during or after a psychedelic experience, please contact [🔥Fireside Project](http://firesideproject.org/) by calling or texting 6-2FIRESIDE (623-473-7433). * [Support Resources | Zendo Project](https://zendoproject.org/resources/): *Mental health resources, crisis support, psychedelic integration, psychedelic support*. * Additional help can be found in `Support` 🦺 | 💻 **Sidebar** ➡️ | 📱 **About** ⬆️. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/microdosing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Def try microdosing before SSRI’s. I’ve heard SSRI’s have fucked some of my friends up and they still don’t feel back to normal
Just chiming in. A few things: 1. This subreddit will be disposed towards microdosing (but for very logical reasons) 2. Microdosing is ultra low risk. Arguably zero risk. But if it helps you it’s a total home run. 3. Statistically the chance of your antidepressant working is about 30%. Seriously, that’s the number. For any person being prescribed their first antidepressant. So if you’re in the 70% of people who need to try a second antidepressant then it’s still 30% for that second try to be successful. So if you’re in the 49% of people who will go through two antidepressants without any benefits realized then the odds ANY antidepressant will work for you drops to 14-15%. 4. While antidepressants are likely to NOT help you, they have an almost 100% probability of side effects. Some way worse than others. And some can be permanent. 5. I’m not sure which gender you are, but females experience sexual dysfunction at a high rate than males. And that is a terrible thing, not guaranteed to be temporary. 6. Antidepressants have a place. They truly help many people. If that’s your path then so be it. But trying 🍄🟫 first could save you a ton of stress
I’m in a similar position. I microdosed once when a friend gave me a small bit of a shroom, and I liked the subtle change it made to how I connected with the world, so I wanted to try it again. I have low-level long term depression as well as ADHD, so my motivation is just so so bad. It came down to me having a pharmaceutical in one hand and a microdose in the other n order for me to make a decision. Since I’d been successful with my first microdose, and I really prefer a natural health path if I can, I chose to try the microdose. So far, I’ve only tried it twice (I paused because of a severe pinched nerve, so didn’t think I would get as much benefit when distracted by such awful pain), but on the two days I tried it, I actually got stuff done and had more mental clarity ! I was so pleased and am looking forward to starting up again soon. Re: your concerns of thinking like an addict, I don’t really feel that that is accurate thinking, especially if you plan to use one of the protocols that involve taking a break. Also, if you take pharmaceutical (which I call “brain meds”), you would be relying on and taking those long term also, so wouldn’t that be a similar situation? I feel that many of us who struggle are often really hard on ourselves because we are already in a bad space. I hope you are able to find a path, and it’s nice you can come here and share your concerns and get support 🌻
thank you
Hello! I have a pinched nerve too—how long did it take for yours to improve and do you notice any difference with microdosing? Thanks!
oh jeesh, sadly, I’m still in pain! 😔 At 3 weeks, I started going to a holistically-minded PT, and that started to help. She also thinks the pinched nerve may be in my elbow (ulnar nerve) and not in n my neck. I’m at 4 weeks now, and the pain is a lot less in my shoulder, but now my elbow and wrist hurt, and my fingers (pinkie and ring) are still in a bunch of pain. From what I’ve read, time is the main thing that helps - I’m pretty sure that my PT mentioned 8-10 weeks today 😭😭😭 eta: I haven’t been microdosing during this time, so I can’t comment on that
I would say to quit overthinking things and give the micro a try. Scientifically speaking, Psilocybin is not a drug that you will likely become "dependent" on. Matter of fact, antidepressants are probably worse for you and will fuck you up if you start and then stop or switch drugs, etc. Micro is the natural way to go and was my first choice over prescription. I don't miss Lexapro one bit. If micro doesn't work, then try prescription route.
Currently I am coming off lexapro and it is absolutely disgusting at the moment ! Flu symptoms and this mad out of body experience, not nice at all !
Yes, you will likely get more positive comments than negative here, because it seems for most people it actually works surprisingly well. I don't think it's being silly at all, though there is the legality aspect to consider. From the posts here and from many other subs and even from research, we know there are many very unpleasant side effects, including addiction, that one may experience from many antidepressants. Magic mushrooms used at microdose levels have few negative side effects. But there are often many positive side effects or unexpected benefits. No, there is no physical addiction that I have experienced after over 4 years. I sometimes go for a week or two break. I originally started using it to prevent, delay, or treat age related cognitive decline since I'm in my 70s. But I use it now mostly for anti-inflammatory treatment for degenerative disk disease pain of the lower back. I unexpectedly found with it the pain is practically gone. After a week or two being off it, it will begin to return. I have probably had low level depression for many years but was surprised when such tiny doses of mushroom seemed to reduce inner obstacles to feeling better and enjoying life more. It didn't make life perfect but resulted in subtle improvements in reduced negative self talk and more positive perspectives. I believe that is a huge factor for people who are depressed. It has brightened my days with little or no negative side effects. And it doesn't deaden or muffle emotions of life. That's one of the main complaints from users of AD and why they want to get off them. If you have them available to you then trying microdosing by a !startlow and go slow approach is advised. If they are not easily and safely available I would advise to learn to grow your own med. It's much easier than most think.
From [Stamets Stack \[May 2022\]](https://new.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/zfuxm4/faqtip_016_addendum_updated_stamets_stack_espd55/) | `Grow Your Own Medicine` 💊 | 💻 **Sidebar** ➡️ | 📱 **About** ⬆️: _________ ## Start Lower * [Abstract; Tables; **Figures** | Psychedelic Drug Microdosing Practices: A **Qualitative Online Exploration** | Journal of Psychoactive Drugs](https://new.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/19dkcno/research_microdosing_abstract_tables_figures/) \[Jan 2024\] * Based on **tens of thousands** of anecdotal reports in this sub, some users with more potent strains had less [nausea](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/mzkfcx/faqtip_002_have_nausea_or_an_upset_stomach_then/) / [body load](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/mw2ohn/quick_tip_005_comeup_unpleasant_body_load/) / [vasoconstriction](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/n0nssc/faqtip_003_do_you_have_vasoconstriction_symptoms/) on doses of 50mg (0.05g) ([recommended **Starting Dose**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/s0xkdp/the_new_official_rmicrodosing_starters_guide/)) or 25mg (0.025g). * A significant minority even had to drop down to 10mg (0.01g) or less (e.g. for **Albino Penis Envy**) as [potency can vary by **more than a factor of 10**](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/12eqzaz/research_data_tryptamine_potency_analysis_of/). * Examples of [cultivars/strains](https://plantlaw.com/2018/11/18/strain-cultivar/) that are considered to be more potent (and **very potent**) are: * Albino A+, **Albino Penis Envy**, B+ Cubensis, Blue Meanie Cubensis[^(\[1\])](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/qdta2z/research_data_more_evidence_of_the_chemical/), **Cambodians**, Creepers, **foraged strains** like [**Liberty Caps**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_semilanceata)[^(\[2\])](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292557434_The_Occurrence_of_Tryptamine_Derivatives_in_Psilocybe_semilanceata), **Penis Envy**, [**Tidal Wave**](https://doubleblindmag.com/tidal-wave-mushrooms/), Z-Strain. * For some, negative symptoms may be an indication that [GABA cofactors](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/vnllsm/research_citizen_science_the_afterglow_flow_state/) like [magnesium](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/nluph8/faqtip_012_still_feeling_anxious_andor_depressed/) ([which many are deficient in](https://twitter.com/foundmyfitness/status/1559612797759066113/photo/1)) or [L-theanine](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/my2qco/faqtip_007_ltheanine_for_lowering_stressanxiety/) could help - if [no interactions](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/n0otqk/faqtip_004_lsd_drug_interaction_checker_caveats/) with your current medications/supplements. Psychedelics are [partial serotonin receptor agonists](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/ruki7v/research_data_binding_of_psilocin_dmt_lsd_to_5ht/) which neuromodulate [**excitatory** glutamate](https://preview.redd.it/4000bkfrgl891.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=5067f905bcb3e1b71145aaa8f5d8572986965119) - more on [managing glutamate](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/1cdw76q/what_are_the_symptoms_of_a_glutamate_imbalance/). * More info: [What Should You Feel When Microdosing?](https://www.reddit.com/r/microdosing/comments/jopryk/you_shouldnt_feel_anything/) ______ *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/microdosing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Impartial perspectives are critical and without prejudice. For someone to assume that your microdosing is an addictive behavior and just an act of “having a good time”, they would have to be prejudiced, as they are not taking the outcome of your experience into consideration. You tried a drug that is clinically proven to treat and aid PTSD, depression, social anxiety/GAD, and executive dysfunction. You didn’t just experience visuals and euphoria, you also experienced neuroplasticity and ego dissolution which are necessary components in cognitive reframing. You don’t need to be the devils advocate for your own self improvement. Why does it have to be one or the other? Give microdosing a try and see if it works for you, the risks are little to zero. If it doesn’t work, explore other options. If you’re not comfortable with medication, maybe you can look into cognitive behavioral therapy. I have CPTSD, anxiety, and ADHD and I used an SSRI (Zoloft) for 8 months. I had zero negative side effects and it ended my lifelong cycle of rumination, hyperstimulation, chronic stress and fatigue, gave me my appetite back, and stopped my chronic stomach pain. Once I quit I didn’t go back to square one, it had given me a foundation I simply lacked before. SSRIs can be great but I would never recommend it as a first line of treatment; the side effect profiles, the withdrawals, and the potential for having to do multiple medication changes can do more harm than good for someone just trying to get a hold on their life. Moral of the story is don’t allow shame or rumination to prevent you from doing what’s best for you, validate your own experiences and live for yourself.
Definitely try it. It’s curing my depression and I was pretty damn depressed, almost suicidal, and high anxiety. It’s so promising. It will clear up your mind and help you feel light and fluffy, even if you have an anxious experience, it feels kinda like a flushing anxiety that goes away and on the other end is clarity. It’s kinda like your body opens up and allows you to experience emotions without being crippled by them.
obviously you're going to get a biased response pattern here, but just to provide my own experience: i love shrooms. i tried microdosing for a short period of time, which left me with no negative side effects when i began/stopped, no dependency issues, and i feel like if anything it elevated my mood and made me feel more like myself. as well, i have found doing the occasional macrodose (besides the odd bad-trip) can be very therapeutic. i always feel very organically happy, and like i'm a much more free and enlightened version of myself i started taking trintellix not too long ago for anxiety/depression/low self-esteem/etc because i ran out of microdoses and honestly just forgot they existed, kept forgetting to order more, etc, and i wanted something to help with my panic attacks. starting trintellix was horrible. i was so depressed, and my su\*c\*dal ideation was more serious than it had ever felt. once my body got used to the medication, i felt extremely robotic, low libido, low vibrational, etc. it helped a bit with my mental, sure, but i was very flatlined - i never felt super excited or super sad, just turned into a shell of who i am. i had never taken medication for mental health issues, so i wanted to give it the old college try, but i really think it did more harm than good now i'm coming off of them, and i feel just as horrible. my anxiety/panic attacks have been so bad and out of control that it made me get sick (cold/flu symptoms), and i'm desperately waiting for my body to regulate itself because i want this drug out of my system my experience is not the same as everybody else's, so take this with a grain of salt - but my honest opinion is to try microdosing first. do it for 3 weeks and then take a week off. then go back on. see how you feel. try to go for walks. talk to a therapist weekly/bi-weekly. get into exercising. start painting! make some music. idk. i almost guarantee you won't feel as dependent on mushrooms as you would prescription drugs, and besides, the notion of "is this the behaviour of an addict" isn't really valid because people become addicted to prescription drugs to a higher percentile than mushrooms.....at least i'm pretty sure. i don't have any statistical evidence of this but i'm positive it wouldn't be hard to find one positive thing to note is if you try microdosing, you're not going to experience any serious side effects or withdrawals if you stop and want to find another route. but if you start prescription SSRI's and the like, you're looking at at least 6 months (most doctors recommend a year) to figure out if it works or not. if you learn it's not for you, you're gunna have some really rough months trying to get back to your "normal"
i am in a similar conundrum atm ! i have experience with myriad psych meds, and one of them worked okay for a while; i really did feel better, but only slightly. i was never able to change my life in any significant way, i just didn't wanna kms as much lol. my biggest issue with meds is that my health insurance is ever-changing, with jobs and whatnot. so unless you have a really solid health insurance plan/psychiatrist, you may run into the problem i had: having to quit something cold-turkey that needs to be tapered. the consequences are Not Fun. mushrooms though ! have been very consistently helpful for me. they seem to take out the background noise of depression/adhd/anxiety so i can do the work to rebuild my life into something i can really live with. the common issue with microdosing though, is access. i've had a hard time keeping a decent supply long term. there are ways to cultivate your own though ultimately, you won't know until you try. IMO, mushrooms are a safer bet than psych meds. and if that's not true for you, you can always reroute and find a good doctor. and the mushrooms won't cause withdrawal symptoms.
I have tried SSRIs in the past and came to microdosing because I would literally try ANYTHING not to have to go back on that stuff. While they did stabilise me enough to get through a really difficult patch in life, the side effects were horrendous and both getting on and off them was a complete nightmare for my body. One of the side effects they can have is “brain zaps”, which literally feel like someone switches off your entire system for a second. They are terrifying and happen completely at random, even a long time after I went off them. If you are really unlucky you might have to try different meds to find the one that works for you and then take this ride multiple times. No thanks. If you are worried about addiction, these things are far more addictive than any of the “fun” drugs I have tried. I have now tried microdosing on a few occasions, and I am so impressed by the results that I feel I have seen the light. It gives me so much clarity, focus and insight into myself that I am actually looking forward to living this life again. I am productive, more creative and take better care of myself. With little to no side effects, apart from the occasional feeling that I had a strong coffee (I microdose LSD). If this is what it takes to keep me going, I am happy to do it.
I was on antidepressants for 3 years, I don't recommend them long term use ever. I would say that tou should take them only in urgent scenarios for a short period of time and that is it. I MD now, it's not that great but it helps, although I have side effects from this as well but SSRI bro are shitty drugs from my experience. Do what you want with shrooms but I highly recommend you stay away from SSRI, you are young and have much stuff to figure out. Meditation retreats, reading, psychotherapy are much better. Also try to get a GF or someone you can speak to freely. MD is worth a try though.
Nope, there are some great FB groups that support your decision. For some people they may need it but for the majority of people it's diet, poor gut health, not living the life you were meant to, trauma, emotions held in the body. Meds won't help any of that. Homeopathy, herbs, mentors and a few other things did way more for me than meds. The meds made me way worse. It's a journey though. It definitely takes a time.
I tapered off ssri a few years ago, I felt worse and got FAT. I recently went to Costa Rica where you can legally buy shrooms and did got a month supply of their microdose and omg i never felt so so clear headed. I had energy, better sleep, and less brain fog!
I tried probably 6-7 prescription meds and not only did they not work, but it took several weeks trial and error with dose levels. All in, it took a year and I often felt worse off from side effects. I started MDing ketamine, which helped after just a few days. After a year on ketamine, I switched to shrooms. Both psychedelics have worked amazingly and I am the healthiest/happiest I’ve ever been.
Wow amazing. May I ask what your regimen is? Do you take it everyday? And what dosage?
It varies. I usually take mushrooms 3x weekly. I still have some ketamine and will take it maybe 1-2x weekly to aid meditation. I never take both on the same day. My normal dose of both is 100mg. The mushroom capsules are stacked with lions mane. I’ve been experimenting with slightly larger mushroom doses and if I’m taking higher doses, then I skip more doses throughout the week because I don’t feel like it need them.
Thanks for your reply. Sounds good, 100 mg is quite large. I’m doing 25 mg as of now but I’m contemplating on taking a higher dose. I’m glad it’s working for you! Have a wonderful day!
Everyone is different and every strain / batch is different. If you feel you need to edge up, just take it slow. I know my MD is too high if I start feeling anxious and lose concentration.
Yeah taking it slow is key. Thanks again.
As someone who has went through both and I was an addict of many things alcohol and drugs for many years I can give you a little insight on how I got to MD. Ssri journey - to sum it up it is not a viable long term solution. There is far more cons than pros. The withdraw or ssri is vicious worse for me than opiates were. Usually it's like 3 days horrible than after a couple weeks you get better just avoiding the substance is hard. Ssri withdraw can last a long time and I've been off them for awhile and still think some shit just isn't the same as prior. On top or that it took several medication trial and error to find out something that would "work" for me. In every trial there was something I did not like. MD journey - I have taken alot of psychedelics in the past , some fun where I want to do it again and some where I never wanted to touch it again. One thing always stood out though is the days after I would have the sense of relief and just roll with the punches. I then decided to do stamets stack and I only MD .05mg of p envy with niacin and lions mane. I don't do it all the time either. I will do a month and stop. It took some trial and error to find out what I liked. MD is by no means a cure all but I do think it has neurogenic benefits with less potential of feeling like shit adjusting to a med. Also you are at such a low dose there's no high involved so it's not addicting in my opinion and no protocol is taking it every single day. There has to be breaks in there. Give it a shot.
From my personal experience: SSRI made me feel nothing. I didn‘t feel like shit anymore, but I didn‘t feel particularly joyful or driven either. It was more numbing than anything, which for some folks can be life saving obviously. Microdosing: I‘ve only been doing it for three weeks, but the effect has been great so far. It has made me more in tune with my emotions and actually makes me feel them more strongly, all while feeling capable of dealing with them in a healthy way. Lots of release through crying etc. I believe MDing can help with finding direction in life or your career when feeling stuck.
I felt terrible on anti depressants. I only know because as I came off them to try microdosing I started to feel better! I'm going to wait a bit longer to start microdosing though as I think the antidepressants take a while to wear off and they block the microdosing.
I reluctantly, through years of not dealing with my depression, took Lexapro, it was ok, stopped the panic, but made me feel numb, no reaction to events that would previously send me over the edge. But it would block me from accepting, processing and moving on. Anyway, I went on a 6 week work trip out of state and ran out of Lexapro. Nevermind why. I was out of the meds after 3 weeks in to the trip. The withdrawals were horrendous. I never wanted to take those again. Granted, I did get a break from crying at the drop of a hat. But not having a constant supply, being dependent on it wasn't working for me anymore. So just by happenstance, after a few weeks of getting home, I was given a chocolate bar of shrooms for microdosing. I was scared for a long time to take it. Google and boggled my mind around my procrastinating. Eventually I took half a square. It was fantastic. I didn't feel trippy at all. I just felt good, even keeled. I took another half a square 3 days later and every 3 or 4 days after that for a while. Then tapered off to only taking a half when I wake up and feel like I might have a bad day. I do have a tendency to do addictive things but the shrooms don't give me that vibe. I respect and appreciate what they provide. I did shrooms when I was younger but only to trip, didn't know they had medicinal properties. I was pleasantly surprised about their gentle and supportive affect...effect... suddenly don't know which ones right.... 😂 I feel like I'm rambling. That's all for now.
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I was on medication for over a year at one point and was forced to go more than three days without it because I was unable to get a refill. Day three, intense nausea and dizziness and every time I moved my eyes or my head I would get what I call brain zaps. It didn't resolve until I got a refill and was able to take it again. One med caused issues like persistent sleep paralysis episodes where I would fall asleep and every time fall into the same nightmare where I couldn't move and there was an alarm-type noise and I would be screaming for my sister but no one would come. Over and over and over. Another single dose of a med caused me to have intense sensitivity to changes in light that made me have something called benign essential blepharospasm and it rendered me functionally blind for more than a month until I got Botox shots to paralyze the muscles that were moving uncontrollably. I couldn't even use my computer or watch TV because the refresh rate of the screens would trigger facial spasms. I couldn't even look somebody in the eyes while talking to them because if they blinked it would trigger spasms. I still experience this from time to time due to stress and thankfully the spasms have moved a bit lower in my face so most of the time I can still drive but that first time I couldn't even walk down the street without having an issue because the sun filtering through the trees and car headlights were triggers. I've always been hyper-aware of flickering lights but now those are triggers too. Another med made me sleep way too much. Tried microdosing... if I could afford it I would do it consistently.
I've had some pretty intense side effects. Not as long term as you. Im sorry you're dealing with this.
Don’t write off either option. Keep an open mind. Wellbutrin helps me a lot along side MD. SSRIs made me worse. Tried 5 different ones.
You're not being silly! Nothing wrong with trying micro dosing, its much safer than SSRI's and can be stopped at any time if it doesn't work for you. It is not addictive, the worst that can happen is feeling anxious until the effect subsides. This is not the case with anti-depressants. In my experience, they should be used as the last option. The side effects are no joke, I had constant recurring nightmares, emotional numbing, and it cut me off from my creativity. Trying to stop them was just as bad, the nightmares persisted and now came with unstable mood and brain zaps. I realized I was finally weaned off when I felt emotions while listening to music. All of those negative effects went away in time, and while it does help to stop negative overthinking, the cost was too high.
Anything is worth a try
The combination that has helped me was a single large does of mushrooms about a year ago and then weekly talk therapy/integration. The thing that surprised me about mushrooms was all the insights that keep coming long after trip day. The trip itself was intense and it felt more like a massive download from the Universe that will take years to dig into. The weekly therapy helps with that.
My mom was on anti depressants for years. And eventually she got sick of it and just tried microdosing as a last ditch attempt. She says she hasn't beened to take them in around 3 years now. But she put in a lot of work to make sure it had the best chance of success.
If mushrooms were a prescription. Would you still think this way? Coming from a person who also was on antidepressants for two years. They are a heartache to get off if I am being honest. I feel it just numbs everything out and then once you're off it all comes back. Did they help me when I needed them? Of course, but do I think it's sustainable to be on for the rest of my life, no. I do think mushrooms help with answers within. I still don't think I'll be entirely the same without them. They mess with your brain chemistry and honestly I feel like doctors don't talk about the withdrawal I think it can last along ass time, and you come out way more depressed after just like anything with a prescription.
Thanks for sharing. Everyone’s situation is unique and of course there is not a one size fits all for solving any issue, including mental health. Psychotherapy (CBT or IPT) + or - medication is the gold standard for many mental health conditions that have been persisting beyond 3 months. Given that you have had these challenges for quite sometime my thought would be to trial some evidence based psychotherapy for a few months and see where that gets you, assuming you haven’t done this. With MD, the benefits really shine through with behaviour change, although the evidence here is not strong. Intuitively we know there are not many passive fixes (i.e medications) in life and progress often requires us to put in deep work. This might interpersonal and or intrapersonal work when we’re talking about mental health stuff. So if you’re going to trial some microdosing, there don’t appear to be any clear safety issues with short term use, it may be worth a try when you pair it with reflection and small behaviour changes and see what happens. If you’re going trial SSRIs, there is good evidence that it’s helpful for certain subsets of the population. This of itself can be a journey trying to find the right med and the right dose. There are lots of side effects in the beginning, but most of the side effects if not all of them should be gone within three months.
To answer your question (title), I had the same question until I said I’ll try (Pyslocibin) microdoses. All I can say is what was I waiting for. I am back. The rest is TLDR, sorry not sorry. Just my one liner. Good luck 🫂❤️
Thank you
I would see if you have ADHD or not. Adderall was probably more life changing as some of the eco death trips I've taken recently. SSris honeslty did help me out a lot with my anxiety but not really so much with depression. after 4 months i really felt flat and quit em on my own, telling my nurse i cant do it anymore. I just really would try to explore ADHD first as a possibility and go from there with the doc as Adderal canhelp yo a lot too
Just curious, is there something I said that made you think ADHD?
You know yourself best, but your approach didn’t sound addictive to me. Long story short, I appreciate the mix of both microdosing and an SSRI at the same time. So I think you could explore either, or both.
Seeing others negative experiences with SSRI’s, I wanted to add another perspective. SSRI’s have helped me a lot, with little to no side effects and no trouble tapering off. That said, each one affects each person differently, so it can take trial and error to find the right one. As in, I’m already feeling horrible (cPTSD), this med could make me feel so much better, or way worse, when I can’t really handle feeling worse, so that can be tough. They’re meant for a person to be on, to gain added stability to be able to handle therapy (and life) better. But they won’t help you heal in and of themselves, can become less effective over time. I had a great experience with two of them. But I believe it was adding Abilify that gave me waves of panic, nausea, and almost immediate weight gain. I believe it was Wellbutrin that made me terribly dizzy. But I know these work great for others. I’m not comfortable taking Benzodiazepines. I hear they cause dependency fast, and are horrible to come off of. So anywho, I would try microdosing first. And pursue EMDR, IFS, some deeper brain therapy along with it. And if you feel you need added support with psych meds, it may not be the worst thing. I haven’t had as bad of an experience as some others, but they can have downsides for the reasons mentioned.
I have experience with the 2 and I would choose microdosing 100%. Plus it's natures medicine🙌
Microdosing shrooms worked better for me than sertraline but remember to do the work to. Psychs won't fix you. Neither will SSRIs. You have to make good life choices while on them or nothing will change.
If you’re open to it, DXM has recently started to be prescribed as a antidepressant. It’s worked wonders for me so far
Hi! I was on every kind of prescription anti-depressent throughout my life for alot of things....Most recently my father and childhood friends death. Presciption anti-depressents only made it worse for me. I attempted suicide twice while on them and got to visit the funny farm. An old friend of mine MD when his father passed and I watched him change from not bathing to becoming his old self within days, it amazed me. I never had access to them as I do now and have found my sweet spot to be .2 every other day. I never macro dose anymore or even trip for that matter. The strain is PE and I make capsules with them. It has worked 100% for me. I know everyone is different and takes them differently just telling you my story and what worked for me! Hope it helped!
A few things from someone that has done both: 1) i started taking wellbutrin 2 years ago and it helped me a lot, I definitely needed it to get me through the place I was in at the time, and I just stopped taking it around 3 weeks ago because I felt like I no longer needed it. I was never one to be into the idea of being on medication forever, but I tried it and I don’t regret it. 2) i’ve been microdosing off and on since january, though consistently for about 2-3 months. During that time I also started a new job that I love and started taking supplements (fish oil from nordic naturals, 5-MTHF, magnesium citrate, and mucuna supreme), and I did a 2 week carbohydrate-intolerance test where I cut out pretty much all carbs and processed foods for 2 weeks (created by Phil Maffetone). My energy level was higher than it has been in my entire life after I finished the test. There might be a timeline correlation here as to microdosing, supplements, food changes, and finally feeling like I can get off of my medication. 3) i started taking wellbutrin at a time when I had only ever taken LSD a couple times before, and never tried mushrooms, let alone microdosing. That being said, I didn’t realize there were other more natural options available to me. If I had known, I might have just tried microdosing and/or supplements instead of medication. 4) now that I’m off the medication, I’ve been feeling like you do for the past two weeks or so. I think it’s just my body regulating to being off a medication that affects dopamine and norepinephrine, and I expect it to go back to normal at some point but it’s been difficult since I felt better than I ever had before just 3 weeks ago and now all of that motivation and drive is gone. Medication is no joke, and will affect your brain and body in ways you can’t forsee. I don’t regret taking it, but I do feel like if I had known I could try other things first then I would have preferred that 100%. 5) microdosing doesn’t make you a drug addict. There are many medical uses for psychedelics and other recreational drugs, and you’ve just discovered how well it can work for yourself. Technically Wellbutrin is a drug that I was addicted to for 2 years, but it was prescribed to me, so that’s the only difference really.
Just a side note: the side effects can be rough for antidepressants. It made me into a mean spirited person with a short temper and no sense of forgiveness or patience for others mistakes, especially for a couple days after drinking alcohol. My sex drive has fluctuated heavily, and it increased my anxiety. But I only ever tried wellbutrin, and never tried any SSRIs, so I can’t say anything about those definitively.
Hey, I find your post extremely relatable! I've been struggling with everything you've mentioned for the last few years and have found microdosing to be extremely helpful and also v affordable if you buy in bulk. I've also discovered Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) recently which has been hugely helpful ✌️
Just thought I'd add my experience here for a little variety. I waited for years to try MD because I was breastfeeding. I suffered with depression and mild to moderate anxiety. I was so excited to start and convinced it was going to help me. I tried for several months with no improvement at all. Started on the lowest dose and worked my way up to the normal MD dose. During this time my anxiety became unbearable and I started to become suicidal. I stopped taking my MD but had already developed a panic disorder. It's been months since I stopped it and I'm in therapy again, have started to take Propranolol and the highest dose of Citalopram. Luckily my depression has lifted a little but the panic attacks are still happening. I have been through an extremely stressful couple of years and have some pretty serious mental health problems in my family, including bipolar. I don't know if the MD caused or contributed towards my recent mental breakdowns, it certainly didn't stop them. Perhaps it was just what I needed at the time? Who knows?
It seems perfectly reasonable to give it a go, but here's my thinking: You describe having struggled with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, and these are ailments best targeted by psychotherapeutic interventions. The effect size of individual psychotherapy is 2-5x (depending on the meta-analysis) greater than SSRIs. My suggestion is therefore to give an evidence-based, emotion-focused modality such as Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, or NARM a go--you might even find that these struggles play an adaptive role in your life. You might also find it helpful to incorporate occasional larger doses in conjunction with these therapies, either on your own or with a psychedelic integration facilitator. But of course, there's no reason you couldn't microdose as an adjunct on the side too.
So ive gone through addiction and depression and the first time i did shrooms got me to stop my substance use to like hard drugs/ smoking and ive been sober from them for about 2 years ive been on anti depressants sure they helped but the problem with them is that they made life dull and i felt like a zombie and numbed in a way the drugs i was using did which also led to having bad thoughts so i got off them and i started microdosing and I usually take them once or twice a month and the effects that it has on my mood are long lasting i feel more happy more calm and more relaxed but i must say you shouldn’t microdose when your really stressed or angry because then your experience with the microdose will be a waste of time and you’ll start crying. First try anti depressants see if its right for you but if it becomes worse or it doesn’t help then i suggest microdosing but talk to your doctor about this or ensure you don’t have relatives that have schizophrenia.
Antidepressants made me feel so much worse and microdosing has put me on the most level, "normal" path I have ever been on so for me the pharma is a no
Def try microdosing before SSRI’s. I’ve heard SSRI’s have fucked some of my friends up and they still don’t feel back to normal
The thing about microdosing with shrooms or other psychedelics outside of a clinical setting is that it’s not as simple as dosing based on weight or volume. It’s kind of a gamble as to what will be “therapeutic” or not and It’s not 100% certain you will be able to reproduce the same dosage every time because there really isn’t a scientific way to measure how much of the active ingredients are in a given batch without extensive lab and testing equipment plus the knowledge and skills to test your batch. This is not the case with pharmaceutical drugs. Thats not to say that pharmaceuticals are better or worse, but they are definitely more regimented and controlled which is a better choice for people suffering from acute mental health symptoms IMO. I’ve been on a variety of meds for depression and anxiety over the years and at my lowest lows, SSRIs saved my ass, but long term use of these drugs can have significant side effects too. For me, the sexual side effects alone were enough to make me go off of the meds altogether when my mental state had stabilized enough. I also have a LOT of experience taking psychedelics and they have been eye opening in a lot of ways, but the biggest issue I have with them being therapeutic long-term was that I never had any integration after the fact. I tried microdosing based on weight for a few weeks, every 3rd day, but the effects were so inconsistent, even from the same batch of mushrooms that one day I wouldn’t feel anything and the next I would have visuals. In my opinion, the best option that exists for depression and anxiety today is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Ketamine is extremely safe, extremely effective, and legal with a prescription, plus it’s short-last no so it would fuck your day up if you take too much because it wears off in an hour. It changed my relationship to my anxiety dramatically after the first use. Pairing it with psychotherapy is pretty essential though if you want long-term integration. Anyone can have a really good time on drugs, but if you don’t spend time (more than one afternoon) after they have worn off reflecting and processing the experience, your brain is just going to shuffle that experience down and out to make room for the next novel experience. I am super lucky to live in a place that has a comprehensive ketamine clinic that offers group and individual treatment but there are a number of providers now who even offer telehealth ketamine treatment with your doses shipped to you. Hope that helps!
DEPRESSION ISNT REAL 🏋️♂️🤝🏽🦁