Is microdosing safe?

Microdosing with psychedelics is safe for most people.

Much research has been done on the health risks associated with the use of psilocybin (paddos, truffles), LSD and other psychedelics. Almost all studies have found little to no risk to mental or physical health and zero risk of addiction with these substances.

With microdosing you only take very small amounts, so you can assume that any risks are even lower. Provided you stick to the prescriptions and dosage you should not expect any problems.

If you take more than the prescribed dose, the risk increases slightly. How much more the risk increases depends entirely on how much you consume and with which psychedelic. But even with large quantities, the risk is still low.

Also read:
Is microdosing with psychedelics safe?

If you are healthy and fit and not on any medication, you can start microdosing with confidence.

If you are on medication, consult a doctor if possible to make sure the medications you are taking do not interact with the drug you want to microdose with (there is a lot of information online on this topic).

If you have psychological symptoms, if you suffer from psychosis or a mental disorder, if you have epilepsy or if you are under treatment, be extra careful when microdosing psychedelics. Always consult a doctor, therapist or other professional (*) before you (possibly) start microdosing.

Also read:
Microdosing, or not microdosing?

People with mental disorders and a predisposition to schizophrenia or psychosis, for example, should be extra careful when using psychedelics (even when microdosing!).

Do you still want to microdose? Contact your doctor, therapist or other professional before you start. The use of psychedelics with the aforementioned symptoms can have serious (mental) consequences.

Also read:
Microdosing guide
Microdosing for psychological symptoms

Psychedelics have been known to trigger seizures (however, this is rare).

Do you still want to microdose? Then check with your doctor or other professional before you start. Using psychedelics with epilepsy can have serious consequences.

Also read:
Microdosing guide
Psychostimulants and Epilepsy

Tinnitus (tinnitus) may temporarily get worse. Once the drug wears off, the side effect also disappears.

The risks of combining psychedelics and pain medication depend on the type of medication. For paracetamol and ibuprofen, there are no known interactions. This does not mean that there are no risks.

For heavier pain medications such as oxycodone or tramadol, the risks may be greater. Of these, the combination is known to potentially increase the risk of stroke.

Also read:
Interaction with other agents

Combining psychedelics with other drugs or medications can be dangerous. If you are on medication and are considering microdosing, always consult a doctor or other professional first, and/or do your own research.

Combinations and the reactions they can cause include:

Combination with amphetamines
Amphetamines (such as "speed") are stimulants. When combined with psychedelics, they can be quite dangerous. People may start acting strangely and may injure themselves or others in the process.

Combination with cannabis
The combination of psychedelics with cannabis is considered very pleasant by experienced cannabis users. If you are not so experienced with cannabis, this combination is not recommended - or be extremely careful with it. It can cause confusion and uncontrolled behavior.

Combination with cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant. When combined with psychedelics, it can cause hallucinations, paranoia and delusions. The dangers are similar to those of amphetamines.

Combination with alcohol
Alcohol tends to weaken the effects of psychedelics.

Combination with antidepressants
Mixing lithium and/or tricyclic antidepressants with psychedelics can be fatal in rare cases.

Combining with anti-epileptics
Combining psychedelics with anti-epileptics is unwise. Anti-epileptics have a dampening effect, so combining them with psychedelics can have unpredictable and dangerous consequences. Furthermore, psychedelics can trigger seizures in people who are prone to them.

Combination with antihypertensive drugs
No research has been done on interactions between psychedelics and antihypertensive drugs. The combination is rejected because of the expected adverse effects.

Combination with antipsychotics
If you suffer from psychosis, it is a bad idea to use psychedelics (including microdosing).

Combination with pain medication
The risks of combining psychedelics and pain medication depend on the type of medication. For paracetamol and ibuprofen, there are no known interactions. This does not mean there are no risks. For heavier pain medications such as oxycodone or tramadol, the risks may be greater. For these, the combination is known to potentially increase the risk of stroke.

Never microdose in combination with Tramadol or Lithium!

Also read:
Interaction with other agents

If you take too high a dose (for example, if you forgot you had already taken your microdose and take it again) then the effects of the drug you are microdosing with may become noticeable physically and/or mentally.

Effects you may then begin to feel include hot/cold waves through your body, mild hallucination, temporary confusion (for example, simple actions suddenly become very complex) and nausea/fatigue (with psilocybin).

- Becoming laughable, mentally/physically agitated, confused and/or paranoid, anxious, overwhelmed
- Nausea (with psilocybin), distortion of vision and sound - hallucinations and "tripping"
- Euphoric, in awe of the people and things around you
- Suddenly becoming emotional

Everyone reacts differently to psychedelics. Your experience is influenced by the amount you consume, the environment (calm, restless, peaceful, etc.) and the people who are with you. The more comfortable you feel, the better it will fall. If you are in a bad mood, worried or depressed, psychedelics may be able to amplify those feelings - especially when taking an (unexpectedly) larger dose.

To slow down your trip, you can do the following

- if you're hot enough look for the fresh air
- if you're cold, find a warm place
- avoid crowded places or then go to a place where you feel most comfortable
- a shower can sometimes help
- drink herbal tea
- high dose of vitamin C (2000-5000mg), and/or grapefruit

You can also stop your trip with a "downer" such as Xanax, but we strongly advise against it.

See also:
How to Stop an Acid Trip (Double Blind Mag.)