Can I microdose while on antidepressants

If you’ve ever wondered how antidepressants interact with psilocybin, or if it’s possible to combine the two, you’re not alone. This might help you understand the essentials, and guide you toward making an informed decision.

 

Why microdosing? Evidence of efficacy

Microdosing psilocybin involves taking very small, sub-perceptual doses to support mood, focus, and emotional balance. Unlike antidepressants, which often take weeks to show effects, microdosing offers an instant but gradual, natural approach that may improve mood and emotional resilience.

In a landmark 2022 study published in Nature Scientific Reports, researchers found that participants who microdosed psilocybin reported significant improvements in mood and mental health, often outperforming results seen in traditional antidepressants. What’s more, the benefits of microdosing extended to areas like focus, creativity, and emotional adaptability, making it a broader tool for mental wellness.

 

How psilocybin and antidepressants work

Psilocybin interacts with our serotonin 2A receptors in the brain, promoting neuroplasticity and enhancing emotional resilience. On the other hand, antidepressants like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing serotonin availability but can sometimes desensitize serotonin receptors over prolonged use. Leaving you feeling, well… not that much at all. They also come with serious side effects such as increased depression, low libido, headache, dizziness, insomnia and weight gain. 

So while antidepressants can stabilize mood, psilocybin appears to encourage emotional flexibility and new ways of thinking, qualities that antidepressants  suppress.

 

Is microdosing safe while on antidepressants

According to a recent study in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, microdosing psilocybin alongside SSRIs is considered safe with the exception of the following; 

• MAOI’s: While SSRIs are safe to combine with microdosing, antidepressants like MAOIs should never be mixed with psilocybin. The risk is an amplification of psilocybin’s effects, which can lead to overwhelming psychological reactions.

• Serotonin Syndrome: A rare but serious condition caused by excessive serotonin levels, It is extremely unlikely to occur when taking microdoses. Cases of serotonin syndrome have only been associated with very high doses of psilocybin or when combined with substances like MAOIs.

Transitioning from antidepressants to microdosing

If you’re considering replacing antidepressants with microdosing, it should be done with care. Abruptly stopping medication can cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, or emotional instability.

Steps to safe replacement:

1. If possible work with a healthcare provider who understands psychedelics and mental health to create a tailored tapering off plan
2. Find a trusted source of psilocybin. Psilocybin truffles are often preferred over dried mushrooms because they contain a consistent 0.1 mg of psilocybin per gram, making them safer and dose-reliable
3. Be accompanied! Microdosing is not a magic bullet but rather an invitation to work with yourself and find out what pushed you to start antidepressants to begin with
4. Be patient with yourself. Tapering off antidepressants can take several months, depending on your medication type and duration of use. Don't expect miracles overnight but rather set long term goals and keep tracking your emotional state and progress. 

Why microdosing may outperform antidepressants

Traditional antidepressants work by stabilizing mood but often leave users feeling emotionally “flat” or disconnected. In contrast, microdosing psilocybin has been shown to:

• Encourage emotional adaptability
• Support creativity and problem-solving
• Reduce feelings of stagnation or emotional numbness

 

This makes microdosing particularly appealing for those who feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, anxiety, or emotional rigidity. Peri and menopause women also report finding new life quality with a microdose regime, phasing away from antidepressants.

“Mindful Microdosing is a true game changer and a true gift. In the now 7 weeks of microdosing, I've experienced a huge change in every aspect of my life. A wonderfully upleveled self esteem, higher energy levels, calmness and focus. As a woman with ADHD and in the midth of her perimenopausal adventure...I'm just so grateful!"

Karolina Zagorowski after the Mindful Microdosing Program

Why starting with a program matters

If you have tried microdosing before but did not feel the needle moving chances are you did not have an active support tool to work with. Mabel’s Microdosing Program provides:

• Step-by-step guidance: 5 audio classes and exercises to support safe and beneficial integration of microdosing into your routine.
• Tracking progress: A journal to monitor your mood, energy, and emotional insights over time.
• Community connection: A network of like-minded individuals sharing their journeys, insights, and encouragement.

By combining psilocybin truffles with a program, you’re setting yourself up for sustainable mental wellness with the tools to reflect, grow, and adapt. 

 

A balanced approach to healing

Microdosing isn’t just about replacing medication, but rather about building a deeper connection to your mental health and well-being. With patience, trusted resources, and a structured approach, the journey can lead to profound and lasting improvements.

As Dr. Alan Davis, a leading psychedelic researcher, aptly puts it:

“Microdosing is less about the substance and more about how you integrate it into your life with intention and care.”

 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not medical advice.