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barbarian818 t1_itsbkf2 wrote

I'm currently experimenting with psilocybin microdosing to treat depression and anhedonia.

When I started this, there seemed to be early results that supported the idea. Small samples, a lot of anecdotal information. Not much peer reviewed material, but very encouraging all the same.

Since then, I've seen other reports that any beneficial effect might just be the placebo or expectancy effects at work.

So, what's the current understanding in the scientific community? Has it reached a consensus either way?

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psychsafetyalliance OP t1_itscot7 wrote

We've seen some of the reports you mention, and to our understanding, the research is still too new and ongoing to be conclusive.

Microdosing exploded in popularity during COVID lockdown and there are more people doing it than ever before, so we're very curious to see if this could ultimately lead to larger sample sizes for microdosing research and/or more people who'd be willing to take place in microdosing studies, should the funding and interest become available to do more investigation.

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barbarian818 t1_itsf96u wrote

Thank you.

FWIW; I think I'm seeing a small improvement in certain specific symptoms of depression, but no effect on the anhedonia.

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psychsafetyalliance OP t1_itsfrq0 wrote

Hey, if it works for you, suppose that's better than nothing. While we cannot speak to your individual biology, your anhedonia might respond better to different microdosing protocols, which are easy to find online

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barbarian818 t1_itshfr0 wrote

I know. Right now I am doing 200 mg every other day. I plan on staying at that level for at least 6 months before making changes.

My big concern right now is on potency and varying chemistries. I know cannabis can have very different effects depending on the exact strain. I assume that shrooms are similar to that.

Plus, it's my understanding that there is a lot of variation in potency within a strain or even with the same batch

Where I am, I can't consistently get the same strain and there's no chance of having an assay done to gauge potency.

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psychsafetyalliance OP t1_itshxnb wrote

These are all real issues. Damn you, prohibition! You make sensible science so difficult sometimes!

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psychsafetyalliance OP t1_itsiaoo wrote

Though honestly, if you're at the 200mg level, variations in potency are unlikely to make a microdose *too strong*, so if you get a bunch of one batch at one time, grind them all up in a coffee grinder to minimize any variability in potency between stems and caps, and store the powder in a sealed mason jar in the fridge, you should be able to get consistent potency for awhile.

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psychsafetyalliance OP t1_itsija6 wrote

And while there does seem to be some variation in effects between different mushroom strains, we've not seen anything indicating the difference is so major that it's going to make your microdoses markedly differently.

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puddlejumper t1_ittzj56 wrote

Aw man I read your comment and held my breath. I currently have some mushrooms ready to take in an attempt to treat my anhedonia and just can't seem to get in the mind set to take them. Part of me thinks if I take it and it doesn't work, I've lost my last hope.

I did read a study recently that claimed that microdosing is actually purely psychosomatic. In blind tests, the only significant result was that if you thought you had been given psilocybin, then you felt positive effects, regardless if you had actually been given any or not.

Have you tried full trips?

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barbarian818 t1_itu1w0v wrote

I know the feeling of not wanting to use what seems like your last hope.

I haven't tried a full trip. I have a history of what doctors call a paradoxical response to certain psychoactive medications. Basically, anything with a hypnotic effect may instead trigger bad hallucinations and major aggression.

So I hesitate to take a full dose

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elisabeth_laroux t1_itu6a4f wrote

Hey! Your comments reminded me of getting ketamine infusions. If you have a risk of bad hallucinations or aggression, a proper medical setting may be helpful. Most clinics also can prescribe nasal spray or lozenges to use at home, basically microdosing ketamine. I was in the LA area and had very good experiences. Anyway, I wish you luck!

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deviltamer t1_ituvd9o wrote

Donot take them by yourself. Psychedelics donot work in absence of therapy. Therapy is an umbrella term. Therapy is you figuring out what's going on with you, your fears, anxiety, likes dislikes, compulsions obsessions AND then figuring a plan to address them.

Psychedelics are just tools to aid that. A blunt tool at that too.

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