How to Microdose: A Comprehensive Guide to Microdosing
by Katie Simons, PharmD, BCPS
Microdosing is both a tool and an ally in healing and expanding awareness — and like any tool, the way you engage with it shapes the results you experience. The deeper shifts tend to happen when you pair the medicine’s effects with conscious awareness, curiosity, and supportive practices that help you notice, reflect, and grow. The greatest lesson microdosing has for you is the awareness that you are your own best healer and teacher, you just have to remember.
My Microdosing Philosophy
I consider microdosing to serve three grounded, primary purposes:
1. Easier access to emotions
Microdosing acts as an active coping mechanism (unlike most pharmaceuticals, which tend to mute or bypass emotional processing as a passive coping mechanism). It can open a door to what your subconscious and body have been asking you to notice. Sometimes this looks like mood elevation, increased clarity, creativity, and focus. Other times it looks like anger rising to the surface, grief that has been long held finally moving, or deep fatigue asking you to slow down.
The key is that all of these responses are valid. Every nervous system meets the medicine differently, and there’s no “right” way it should look. If you’re used to navigating life with a tight grip of control — thinking your way through every moment — microdosing may feel uncomfortable at first, because it shifts the balance from hyperactive mental control toward emotional presence. This is not a sign that something is “wrong.” It’s an invitation to meet yourself exactly where you are, rather than only where you’d prefer to be.
2. Supporting neuroplasticity
Microdosing can help your brain and nervous system break old patterns and learn new ones. This boost in neuroplasticity makes it easier to process outdated beliefs, shift stuck emotional patterns, and practice new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding to life. Many people also find microdosing genuinely enjoyable, and that’s wonderful. The deeper value often lies in the insights, perspective shifts, and moments of clarity it brings.
That said, sometimes those insights aren’t all sunshine. Microdosing can surface the parts of you that have been quietly waiting in the shadows. Meeting those parts with openness and compassion is part of the medicine’s work.
3. Plants as Teachers
It’s easy to think of microdosing like taking a supplement: measure, swallow, move on. Microdosing isn’t just about chemistry—it’s about relationship. Plants, fungi, and all living beings carry their own form of consciousness. And plants ask us to slow down—the pace of nature is much slower than what the world has become, and we would do well to remember and learn from this. If we approach microdosing as a relationship instead of a transaction, the practice shifts. When we engage with them intentionally, they can serve as teachers, mirrors, and allies.
Each plant has a unique “voice” or quality of presence—subtle, but available to those who listen. Psilocybin mushrooms, for example, often invite us to soften our grip on control, to reconnect with play, curiosity, and the mystery of existence.
Working with plants in this way isn’t about anthropomorphizing or romanticizing them—it’s about respecting that consciousness is not limited to human beings. When you enter into relationship with these organisms, you are opening yourself to lessons that may be profound, simple, challenging, or nourishing. You are not just “using” something — you are listening, learning, and engaging with another form of consciousness.
To microdose with this awareness is to step into partnership. Rather than asking, “What will this do for me?” we begin to ask, “What might this living teacher want me to see?” That subtle shift—from consumption to relationship—often makes all the difference in the depth of experience.
A Note on Self-Sovereignty
Ultimately, you are the authority in your healing process. My role is to offer grounded guidance, not to tell you what your experience “should” be. Use what resonates in this guide, adapt what you need to, and leave the rest. Your relationship with microdosing is yours to shape.
Harm Reduction & Disclaimer
Microdosing is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care, and this guide is for educational purposes only. Always consider your physical and mental health history, current medications, and local laws before deciding to microdose. If you are taking prescription medication or have a mental health diagnosis, consult a knowledgeable, open-minded healthcare professional before starting. I am always happy to chat and consult.
While I do not provide instructions for sourcing or preparing illegal substances, I encourage you to ensure your materials are safe, pure, and accurately measured. Use this guide at your own discretion and responsibility.
Understanding Microdosing
What It Is (and What It Isn’t)
Microdosing is the practice of taking a sub-perceptual or very low dose of a psychedelic substance — most commonly psilocybin mushrooms or LSD — on a structured schedule. The aim is not to have a “trip” or full psychedelic experience, but to create subtle shifts in mood, cognition, creativity, and self-awareness over time. At these doses, you remain fully functional and able to participate in everyday activities.
Microdosing is not a quick fix, an escape from reality, or a way to avoid your feelings. It works best when approached as part of a broader practice that includes intention setting, self-observation, and integration of insights.
Common Substances
Psilocybin mushrooms: The most widely microdosed, known for mood support, creativity, and perspective shifts.
LSD: Popular for focus, problem-solving, and pattern recognition.
Others: Some people explore microdosing mescaline, ayahuasca vine, or cannabis — though these are less common and require different considerations.
(We’ll focus primarily on psilocybin in this guide, but the principles apply broadly.)
How It Works in the Brain
Microdosing primarily interacts with serotonin receptors — particularly the 5-HT2A receptor — influencing mood, perception, and cognitive flexibility. Although it stimulates serotonin receptors, the downstream effects differ from those triggered by serotonin itself. This is because psychedelics act as partial agonists, influencing not just receptor activation but also the timing, pattern, and network-level communication in the brain. This unique interaction can change how brain regions communicate, supporting greater cognitive flexibility and emotional processing.
It also encourages the growth of new neural connections, supporting neuroplasticity and making it easier to break old patterns and learn new ones. Microdosing tones down overactivity in the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN), which can reduce repetitive thought loops and create space for new perspectives. Additionally, it can help regulate the nervous system, fostering a shift toward parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) states and creating more capacity to process emotions and experiences.
Effects Vary
The experience can range from elevated mood and focus to increased emotional sensitivity or fatigue. This variation is normal and often points to what the body and psyche are ready to process or what they need. For example, if your psyche is accustomed to navigating life with a tight grip on control through overactive mental activity, the spaciousness and emotional access that microdosing can bring may initially feel uncomfortable or disorienting. Conversely, if you’re experiencing burnout or overwhelm, microdosing may bring on fatigue as the body’s way of saying, “REST.” Both scenarios are part of the process — invitations to soften, allow, and meet what arises with curiosity and compassion.
Benefits & Limitations
Potential Benefits
Microdosing can offer a range of benefits, though the specific effects vary widely from person to person. These benefits often accumulate over time and are most noticeable when paired with intentional practices.
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Mood support and increased emotional resilience
Reduction in anxiety or depressive symptoms
Improved stress response through nervous system regulation
Cognitive & Creative Enhancement
Greater mental clarity and focus
Enhanced problem-solving and creative thinking
Fresh perspectives on familiar situations or challenges
Self-Awareness & Spiritual Connection
Heightened presence and mindfulness
Greater access to subconscious patterns and beliefs
Deeper sense of connection to self, others, and the natural world
Physical & Somatic Benefits
Increased energy and vitality
Potential reduction in inflammation
More harmonious mind-body connection
Considerations
While microdosing can be profoundly supportive, it is not a really a classic “treatment.” It’s a catalyst — a tool to work with, an ally in healing and expansion. In considering it in this way, we also open the door to changing how we interact with our own health, healing, and growth from something that is “fixed” external to us to a process that is innately internal. All that said, here are some things to consider:
It won’t do the work for you.
Microdosing can open the door to new perspectives, but you still have to walk through it. Without integration practices, insights can fade quickly.
Effects are not guaranteed.
Some people notice significant changes, while others feel little difference. This variability can be influenced by biology, mindset, environment, dosage, concurrent medications, and internal and external resources.
It can bring discomfort.
Accessing suppressed emotions, challenging beliefs, or loosening old control patterns can feel destabilizing at first for some people. This is part of the process, and it requires self-awareness and support.
It has boundaries.
Microdosing is not a replacement for some medical or psychiatric treatments when needed. Certain mental health conditions and medication interactions may make it not the right fit for some individuals.
Side effects, Contraindications & Legal Notes
Possible Side Effects
While microdosing is generally considered low-risk for healthy individuals, it is not without potential challenges or "adverse effects." Possible side effects can include:
Temporary anxiety or unease
Sleep disruption or restlessness
Physical symptoms such as headache, nausea, or digestive upset
Heightened emotional sensitivity that may feel overwhelming
These effects are typically short-lived and resolve when dosage is adjusted or the practice is paused. However, they can be distressing if unexpected, which is why preparation and support are important.
Contraindications
I'm going to go ahead and say it - there are very few absolute contraindications to microdosing, and microdoses are generally far more benign than most pharmaceuticals. That said, there are considerations that should make you pause and ask for input from an informed facilitator or medical professional.
Please reach out for a risk evaluation if the following apply to you:
If you are currently taking psychiatric medications that interact with serotonin (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, certain migraine medications). Some of these are ok to try combining, and some are better not to. It's always advisable to get a personalized assessment.
Have a personal or family history of psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I)
Are pregnant or breastfeeding - There is no systematic data on whether or not this practice is safe, although there is quite a bit of anecdote out there.
Have uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions
If any of these apply to you, it is strongly recommended that you consult a qualified, open-minded healthcare provider before beginning.
Medication Interactions
As mentioned above, certain medications can blunt or alter the effects of microdosing. The commonly cited risk of serotonin syndrome in the context of microdosing is largely theoretical and has not been supported by available studies or data — so I consider that more myth than fact. However, many medications can reduce the effectiveness of microdosing, and a few, such as certain migraine drugs, are best avoided in combination. Always research potential interactions and consult a knowledgeable professional if you are unsure.
Legal Landscape
Psychedelics remain illegal in many countries and regions, with laws varying widely. In some areas, personal possession has been decriminalized or deprioritized for enforcement, while in others, severe penalties remain in place.
Before starting a microdosing practice, familiarize yourself with the laws in your location. While this guide does not provide sourcing instructions, it is essential to ensure that whatever you choose to work with is safe, accurately dosed, and handled responsibly.
Choosing Your Protocol, Dose & Duration
Microdosing isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are several popular approaches, and the best choice depends on your goals, lifestyle, and how your body responds. Here are the most common protocols:
The Fadiman Protocol
Schedule: Dose every third day (Day 1: dose, Day 2: transition, Day 3: normal, repeat)
Why it works: Allows for a clear sense of the afterglow day while minimizing tolerance.
Best for: Beginners or those wanting a clear structure with built-in integration days.
The Stamets Stack
Schedule: Dose four days on, three days off
Additional elements: Often includes a combination of psilocybin, lion’s mane mushroom, and niacin.
Why it works: The continuous days may encourage more rapid neuroplastic changes; the stack is believed to have synergistic effects.
Best for: Those seeking cognitive enhancement or neurological support.
The Microdosing Institute Protocol
Schedule: Dose two days on, one day off (repeat)
Why it works: Offers more frequent dosing than Fadiman without daily use, aiming to balance continuity of effects with reduced tolerance build-up.
Best for: People looking for steady support in mood, energy, or focus, while maintaining regular rest days.
Intuitive Protocol
Schedule: Flexible — you take a dose when it feels right
Why it works: Tailors the practice to your unique rhythms, energy levels, and needs.
Best for: Experienced microdosers or those with strong self-awareness and body intuition.
What time of day to take a microdose
There are some coaches and facilitators out there that insist microdoses should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If that works for you, great. My personal philosophy is that microdoses should be taken at the time during the day when they fit into your schedule. If you find that on the days you microdose, you don’t really want to be in front of your computer, but your job requires computer work, then chances are taking it first thing in the morning won’t really work for you. So play around with what does work, and time your doses and days so that you can spend some time with yourself and, ideally, in nature. I typically recommend avoiding taking microdoses later than 3-4pm as they can keep you awake. Do your best to be consistent in whatever practice fits your life.
And above all, remember this is your journey. There’s no rigid formula you have to follow—just gentle guidance and the freedom to experiment with what feels aligned. Take your time, listen closely to your body and mind, and know that you have full permission to make this practice your own.
Titrating to Your Dose
Finding your “sweet spot” is an essential part of microdosing. Not everyone takes the same microdose. Too much, and you may feel overstimulated or distracted; too little, and you may notice no effect at all. I like to shoot for the dose that is barely perceptible - I can sense a slight shift in my body, and that's it.
How to Titrate:
Start low. For psilocybin, this is often in the 50–100 mg dried-fruit range; for LSD, around 5–10 mcg. Everyone’s sensitivity is different.
Test for a dose or two. Follow your chosen protocol at this starting dose and note any physical, emotional, or cognitive changes.
Adjust gradually. Increase or decrease by small increments (e.g., 50 mg for psilocybin, 5 mcg for LSD) until you find a dose that feels subtle yet noticeable.
Aim for sub-perceptual. You should be able to go about daily activities without impairment, but with an increased sense of presence or insight.
If you overshoot one day, back off. It's not uncommon when titrating to take an increased dose and feel it a bit more than you want to, especially if this is new for you. That's ok - just back down by one increment mentioned above.
Titrating mindfully reduces the risk of overshooting your optimal dose and helps you develop a more attuned relationship with the medicine.
Duration of a Microdosing Cycle
Microdosing is typically done in cycles rather than indefinitely. Most common cycles are between 4-8 weeks. This allows time to experience benefits without overextending. Cycles on the longer end of this range, up to around 12 weeks, may be used for specific goals such as tapering medications, with careful tracking and regular self-check-ins.
Why cycles matter:
Reduces the chance of tolerance build-up
Encourages intentional breaks for integration and reflection
Allows you to assess progress and determine whether to continue, adjust, or pause
After a cycle, it’s recommended to take at least 2–4 weeks off before starting again, giving your nervous system and neurochemistry a reset.
Tips for Choosing
Start with a low dose and a structured protocol to establish a baseline. I, personally, prefer the Fadiman protocol.
Track your mood, focus, and physical sensations to identify patterns. Keep a journal — it's amazing how we can miss the subtle changes over time when we don't keep track.
Adjust frequency and dose gradually based on your experience.
Remember: more is not necessarily better — subtle shifts over time often lead to the most sustainable change.
Preparing for Success
Creating the right foundation before you begin microdosing will greatly increase your chances of having a meaningful, beneficial experience. This preparation phase is about more than logistics — it’s about setting the tone for your journey.
Set Clear Intentions
Microdosing works best when you have a guiding purpose. Your intention can be broad (to live more creatively) or specific (to navigate a career change with clarity). The intention may even spread into a realm of possibly therapeutic (to support the tapering of a medication or diving into anxious/depressive symptoms). Whatever it is, write it down. Revisit it at the start of each dosing day as a reminder of why you’re showing up for this work.
Create a Supportive Environment
Physical space: Notice where your environment may be reflecting your internal landscape — is it calm and clutter free or is it a disastrous mess? Adjusting your environment can support your nervous system and help you notice subtle shifts. Take stock and be aware.
Lifestyle: Align your daily routine to include nourishing meals, hydration, movement, and adequate rest. I highly suggest avoiding alcohol during microdose courses, if possible, as it simply distracts from the work. If you are a regular cannabis user, use this time to bring awareness to your relationship with cannabis, and if you can, take a break while microdosing. Food is medicine too, so take this time to really look at what you are eating — does it actually support your body? Hydrate intentionally, knowing that a dash of salt and lemon juice make water more hydrating. Sleep is essential, so set yourself up for full nights — yes, sometimes this means going to bed earlier. And make sure to move your body!
Build-in conscious life practices: Daily time for self including meditation, breathwork, intentional movement, cold/hot therapy, mantras, and journaling are fundamental to living a conscious life. What better time to start incorporating these practices than while microdosing?
Relationships: Inform trusted friends, a coach, or a therapist about your practice so you have support if needed. One of the biggest things microdosing can teach us is to open back up to connection and trust — with others and, most importantly, with ourselves.
Create ritual: Simple acts — setting an intention, pausing before ingestion, offering gratitude — transform the experience from routine into reverence. Many of us have lost a sense of what is sacred in this life. Here is a practice that can help you remember.
Listen, don’t demand: Instead of expecting heightened focus, creativity, or emotional ease, notice what arises. Sometimes the medicine shows you what needs to be released before you can receive what you’re asking for. Put down the expectations and pick up curiosity.
Dialogue with the experience: Journaling, meditation, or even speaking aloud your reflections invites ongoing conversation with the medicine and with parts of yourself.
Offer reciprocity: Consider how you honor what you’ve received. This could be through mindful choices, tending your environment and relationships, or simply continuing to grow in ways that ripple outward.
Prepare Your Materials
Ensure your doses are accurately measured in advance. If you are making your own, using a coffee grinder to prepare the plant material and an accurate scale to measure is recommended.
Store your materials in a safe, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
Keep a journal for tracking doses, mood, energy, and insights.
Choose Your Practices
Integration begins on day one. Decide which practices you’ll use to engage with the experience, such as:
Breathwork
Meditation
Gentle movement or yoga
Ecstatic dance
Journaling prompts
Nature connection
D — All of the above
Mindset Matters
Approach microdosing with openness, patience, and curiosity. Remember, it’s not about controlling what happens — it’s about meeting what arises. If you start with this mindset, even challenging days become valuable.
When to Work With a Coach or Guide
While many people can microdose effectively on their own using the tools in this guide, there are situations where having a coach or guide is highly recommended. Consider working with a coach or guide if:
You are tapering off psychiatric medications.
You are navigating significant life transitions or high-stress changes.
You are processing trauma, grief, or deep-seated emotional patterns.
You feel overwhelmed or destabilized when strong emotions arise.
Coaching can provide structure, accountability, emotional safety, and personalized strategies to help you navigate challenges and integrate insights.
If your goals are lighter in scope — for example, enhancing creativity, deepening a meditation practice, or exploring personal growth in a generally stable life phase — you may feel confident guiding yourself with this manual and your own chosen practices.
You're Ready to Begin
At this point, you have everything you need to begin your microdosing journey in an informed, intentional, and grounded way. You understand the what, why, and how — now it’s time to step into the experience.
As you move forward, remember:
Listen to your body and your intuition.
Go slowly, and be patient with the process.
Track your experiences so you can notice even the subtle changes.
If you encounter days that feel flat, it may mean your dose is too low, your body needs more rest, or you’re in an integration phase — a time when the medicine is still working, but not in obvious ways. If you feel anxious or overstimulated, consider lowering your dose or adding more grounding practices like breathwork, nature time, or gentle movement.
If anything arises that you’re unsure how to navigate — whether emotional, physical, or practical — please reach out. You can contact me directly at:
Katie Simons, PharmD
Email: theholisticapothec@protonmail.com
Book free Strategy Call here to discuss 12-week coaching program.
I’m here to support you in making your microdosing journey as safe, intentional, and meaningful as possible.
For more information on utilizing microdosing to assist in tapering off psychiatric medications, please read my article on tapering antidepressants with mindfulness and microdosing.
