Proponents of microdosing claim the practice offers a host of benefits, from enhanced creativity to reduced depression symptoms. But current research suggests there’s not much to support the hype.
Once a relatively unknown practice, microdosing has gone mainstream in recent years.
Some claim that taking small amounts, or microdoses, of psychedelic substances offers a range of mental and physical health benefits. These tiny doses are said to maximize the benefits of psychedelic substances without the uncomfortable side effects they’re traditionally known for.
In reality, microdosing is more complicated than it sounds. For starters, most substances used in microdosing are illegal in many areas. This also means that there isn’t much high quality scientific evidence on the topic.
People also react to these substances differently, making it difficult to create a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Here’s a closer look at what microdosing is, including potential benefits and risks.
Microdosing as an ongoing practice typically refers to taking small doses of psychedelic substances, including:
Some people also include microdoses of non-psychedelic substances, like caffeine and nicotine, in their regimen.
These microdoses are typically taken on a consistent schedule several times a week. Some people cycle on and off, microdosing for a month or two at a time, then taking a break.
Some claim that microdosing helps boost energy levels and enhance focus. Others report improvements to overall well-being. Some people also claim that it helps with certain medical concerns, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- menstrual pain
- substance use disorders
- chronic pain
Research on the effectiveness of microdosing is limited. Much of the existing research relies on self-reported data, which is difficult to validate.
A 2024 review looked at existing controlled trials involving LSD, which means they compared the effects of a microdose of LSD against those of a placebo.
These trials suggest microdosing LSD has mild positive effects on:
- mood
- sleep
- pain perception
- social cognition, or how you process social situations
- reward response, which triggers the release of dopamine
Microdosing showed little to no benefit for increasing creativity or productivity.
Some participants experienced jitteriness, headaches, or anxiety, but no serious side effects were reported.
Expectations vs. reality
These findings echo those of a
Participants in the first study reported some benefits, including decreased depression symptoms and increased focus. These effects were short-lived, disappearing after a day or two.
They also reported increased neuroticism, or a tendency to experience unwanted emotions. The authors suggest this may be due to microdosing increasing the intensity of emotions (both positive and negative).
The second study found that most participants had high expectations about microdosing’s potential benefits. However, their experiences didn’t quite align with those expectations.
For example, many participants expected significant boosts in creativity, but this effect was almost non-existent.
While these studies suggest microdosing may offer subtle, short-lived benefits, all authors emphasized the need for more high quality research done in a controlled setting over a longer period of time across larger participant groups.
While microdosing appears to be relatively safe, it does carry some risks. This is largely due to the illegal status of many psychedelic substances. Without any formal regulation, it’s difficult to know exactly what you’re taking or how potent it is.
For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently
Psychedelics also affect people differently. While microdosing is said to bypass the more extreme effects of psychedelics, such as hallucinations and disorientation, some people may still have unwanted experiences.
It can also be difficult to measure out such very small doses. If you accidentally take more of certain psychedelic substances than intended, more serious side effects can occur, including:
- agitation
- anxiety
- paranoia
- increased or decreased heart rate
While these effects aren’t life threatening, they can be particularly concerning for people with underlying mental health or heart conditions.
While there isn’t much evidence to support the effectiveness of microdosing, psychedelic-assisted therapy
This relatively new therapeutic approach involves the use of psychedelic substances in larger doses under the supervision of a medical professional, typically in combination with psychotherapy.
The exact types of therapy available will depend on your location. A few states have loosened restrictions on certain psychedelics, and others are in the process of doing so. Ketamine-assisted therapy is currently the most widely available form of psychedelic therapy.
Microdosing has become a buzzword with big promises behind it, but there’s not much research to support its effectiveness. Given the lack of regulation for psychedelic substances, the practice also carries risks.
If you’re interested in trying psychedelics, consider talking with a healthcare professional about options for psychedelic-assisted therapy in your area.