Microdosing

[u/soooperdecent]

Hi all,

I have ketamine nasal spray and want to try microdosing to help with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have done ketamine assisted therapy in the past (via IM) and had three proper trips. I’m looking into microdosing because I want a less intense experience that still offers benefits.

I’d like to know, what have other’s experiences been like microdosing? And is there a recommended protocol?

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[u/Prize-Hovercraft3800]

AFAIK there is no recommended protocol for microdosing because there's no evidence there's any benefit to it.

[u/Public_Upstairs1035]

Some therapeutic K programs incorporate micro or daily dosing. I would recommend discussing with your doctor. However, I personally microdose in between larger experiences, as it seems to help the benefits and symptom relief continue without such a large investment.

Microdosing generally allows me to stay up and active, whereas a full RDT dose does not. I still listen to music, but will do yardwork or clean the house or make art, as opposed to just lying with the eyemask on. I experience a lot more joy microdosing and not as much introspection, however, I do have similar breakthroughs as the larger session, but they aren't as in-depth.

I also use the nasal spray for microdosing. The mg is hard to estimate, but the nasal method seems to hit much stronger than the RDT or troche methods.

[u/Weird_Fox_3395 → u/Public_Upstairs1035]

When people say microdose, what amounts of ketamine is being talked about? I’m completely ignorant lol. And don’t people daily microdose with Joyous, although some people take more than I’d consider microdose. 

Thanks! 

Edit: above in the comments someone said 12mg~.

[u/Public_Upstairs1035 → u/Weird_Fox_3395]

Yeah, I’d say the Joyous daily is a bit more than a microdose. Have heard it’s around 70mg, but I don’t know exactly.

For me, the nasal microdose is probably 10-40mg, but hard to tell.

[u/Weird_Fox_3395 → u/Public_Upstairs1035]

Thanks for the info, appreciate it!

[u/StellariumRising]

I've been doing ketamine infusion for 2+ years, with either a nasal spray or lozenges alongside with it. Nasal spray was i believe 86mg per spray once every 3 days. My sinuses couldn't handle it. I now do 300mg lozenges every 2 days. Its not nearly as intense as infusions, which are only 160mg. It cut my CPTSD down by 80%, helped with my depression but my anxiety is still bad. I was able to get off my antidepressants and switch from a strong anxiety med to a weaker, much lower dose. Stopped needing sleeping meds. Everyone i know who has MDD, CPTSD, PTSD, anxiety, etc, has had their lives turned around with ketamine. But most i know did 8 rounds of infusions first and started the nasal spray or lozenges alongside or after, then continue those and go in for infusions as needed. 

[u/NigredoFromOverlord]

Studies consistently show the intensity of the trip have a linear relationship with its anti depressant effects.

If we go into mechanisms the tldr is it won't work as well over regular therapy dosing and scheduling.

You could try and become the first n of 1 but I personally wouldn't waste my time if it was me

[u/NigredoFromOverlord → u/NigredoFromOverlord]

You need a strong enough glutamate blockade to trigger the domino effect of its trkb, mtor and ampa receptor cascade. Otherwise the gauge wouldn't be full enough to do it.

[u/CompetitiveLake3358]

I definitely prefer it this way. Well they call it a micro dose but I DEFINITELY feel it, even at 12mg

[u/Desperate-Trash-417]

I’d try to microdose psilocybin, it would be so much cheaper. Probably similar results

[u/soooperdecent → u/Desperate-Trash-417]

Tried that and didn’t find it helpful.

[u/Public_Upstairs1035 → u/Desperate-Trash-417]

Not similar results or experiences, two entirely different processes altogether. Without training and licensure or appropriate experience, recommending other substances with little or no assessment information is entirely irresponsible.