Every Other Day Microdosing Protocol: Is it right for you?
This protocol suggests taking a microdose on alternate days. Some individuals have explored this microdosing method in the hopes of finding relief from conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, and migraines, but further research and evidence are needed to validate its efficacy.
The “Every other day microdosing protocol,” often referred to as the Microdosing Institute Protocol, originates from microdosinginstitute.com.
In this article, we will explore the concept of microdosing, look into the every-other-day microdosing protocol, and examine its potential benefits for conditions like ADHD and migraines. We’ll also discuss alternative microdosing schedules to help you determine the best fit for your needs. Let’s begin.
What are microdosing protocols?
Microdosing protocols offer guidelines for consuming low doses of certain psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, which is found in magic mushrooms, and LSD. Some research suggests potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin microdosing for conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, and migraines, but individual experiences may vary. Generally, a microdose is defined as 10-20% of a recreational dose, with 100-200 mg being typical for psilocybin.
There are 8 main microdosing protocols, including Fadiman Protocol, Paul Stamets Stack, Two Days a Week Protocol, Every Other Day Microdosing Protocol, Nightcap Protocol, Intuitive way of microdosing, The Asha Sultana Protocol, and The 2:1 Protocol.
This article focuses on the Every Other Day Microdosing Protocol.
MDI Protocol = Every other day microdosing protocol
Every other day microdosing protocol suggests taking a microdose every second day. This method is promoted by the Microdosing Institute, also referred to as the MDI protocol.
Research and testimonials indicate potential benefits of the MDI protocol for individuals with certain mental health concerns. However, it’s essential to note that individual results may vary, and further scientific studies are needed to substantiate these claims.
While the MDI protocol recommends taking a microdose of psilocybin on day 1, skipping day 2, and resuming on day 3, it’s not the only protocol available. Another known method is the Fadiman protocol.
Before starting any microdosing regimen, it’s crucial to seek guidance from professionals familiar with the practice. Additionally, if you have mental health concerns, always consult your healthcare provider to ensure that microdosing is a safe and appropriate choice for you.
Ingredients
The ingredients are magic mushrooms or psilocybin, according to the Microdosing Institute.
The dosage value for microdosing psilocybin is 100-200 gm of psilocybin.
The dosage for magic mushrooms is 0.05 – 0.2 g of dried shrooms.
Consult with the Microdosing Institute’s microdosing coaches before trying the MDI protocol with LSD or other psychedelic drugs.
Schedule
The specific schedule suggested by the every-other-day microdosing practice is given below:
- Day 1: Take a microdose of 100-200 mg of psilocybin.
- Day 2: Transition day. Take a break and observe the residual effects.
- Day 3: Take another microdose of 100-200 mg of psilocybin.
- Day 4: Another transition day. Take a break and observe the residual effects.
The protocol involves only one rule: spacing between microdosing days of at least one day. Repeat this cycle for four to eight weeks and then take two to four weeks of rest.
How does it work?
The MDI protocol works by incorporating alternate microdosing days and transition days. On transition days, you don’t consume a microdose of psilocybin and observe the residual effects of the previous microdosing day. This method of microdosing on alternate days is highly effective, especially for mental health concerns like depression, ADHD/ADD, and migraine.
Benefits
The main benefit of MDI protocol includes relief from mental issues like depression, ADHD/ADD, social anxiety, migraine, and cluster headaches.
The other benefits of microdosing include a consistent schedule, ease of remembering the microdosing days, and transition days to observe the microdosing effects.
Side effects
The main side effect of MDI protocol includes the development of tolerance if the protocol is not followed properly. The Microdosing Institute suggests consulting their microdosing coaches before trying the MDI protocol.
Is the Every-other-day microdosing protocol right for me?
The Every Other Day Microdosing Protocol is right for you if your requirements are the following:
- You are seeking relief from mental health issues like depression, ADHD/ADD, social anxiety, migraine, and cluster headaches.
- You want a consistent schedule and ease of remembering it.
However, before trying the MDI protocol, you should consult microdosing coaches at Microdosing Institute. Consult your doctor or health expert before microdosing if you have mental health concerns.
What are other microdosing schedules I can try?
There are 7 microdosing protocols other than the MDI protocol. They are as follows:
- Fadiman Protocol: It was designed by a famous psychologist, Dr. James Fadiman. The Fadiman protocol suggests taking a microdose on day 1 and then taking rest on day 2 and day 3. It is perfect for beginners and first-time microdosers.
- Paul Stamets Stack: It was designed by mycologist Paul Stamets. The Stamets Stack protocol suggests mixing psilocybin with Niacin and Lion’s Mane. Stamets protocol suggests taking microdose for 4 consecutive days and then taking a break for the next 3 days. It is for intermediate and experienced microdosers.
- Two Days a Week Protocol: This microdosing protocol suggests taking a microdose on any 2 specific days of the week. There must be a gap of 1 day between 2 consecutive microdosing days. It is suitable for people seeking a flexible microdosing schedule.
- Nightcap Microdosing Protocol: This protocol suggests taking a microdose on alternate nights. You must consume psilocybin at least 1 hour before going to bed. The protocol suggests taking a microdose at Night 1 and then taking a break at Night 2. It is suitable for people seeking to improve sleep quality and explore lucid dreams
- Intuitive Protocol: This is the most advanced microdosing formula. It does not suggest any rigid guidelines or schedule for microdosing. You should choose the dosage amount and schedule based on your intuition. This protocol is suitable for advanced microdosers who want flexibility and total control over the microdosing schedule.
- The Asha Sultana Protocol: It is designed by the owner of Microdose-pro.com. The protocol suggests mixing a few strands of saffron with psilocybin. It suggests taking a microdose once every 3 days. This protocol is suitable for uplifting mood and overall emotional well-being.
- The 2:1 Protocol: It is a slight variation of the MDI protocol. This magic mushroom microdosing protocol suggests taking a microdose on 2 consecutive days and then taking a break of 1 day. It is highly effective in PTSD if combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Read more: Main Difference Between the Fadiman Protocol, Stamets Protocol, and the Heroic Dose Protocol
FAQs
Is microdosing magic mushrooms safe?
Yes, microdosing magic mushrooms is safe.
What is the best microdosing protocol?
The Fadiman protocol is the best microdosing protocol if you are a beginner and are microdosing for the first time.
How often should I microdose?
You should microdose once every three days for four to eight weeks and take a break of two to four weeks, according to Dr. James Fadiman in his book “Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide.”
What should I avoid while microdosing?
You should avoid overdosing, driving vehicles (in the beginning phase of microdosing), and mixing psilocybin with alcohol or other drugs while microdosing.
Where can I get more information about microdosing?
You can get more information about microdosing in our article, “The Ultimate Guide to Microdosing Protocols.”
Final Thoughts
Every other day, microdosing protocol is one of the 8 main microdosing regimens. It is also known as the Microdosing Institute Protocol or MDI protocol. The MDI protocol suggests microdosing on alternate days. It is very beneficial for people with mental health concerns like depression and ADHD/ADD. This protocol offers a rigid schedule and ease of remembering the microdosing days.
References:
Community, M. (2023, September 15). Microdosing Protocols — Fadiman, Stamets, and more. Microdosing Institute. https://microdosinginstitute.com/how-to/microdosing-protocols/
By Rachel Grey
I’m Rachel Grey, a Ph.D. psychologist specializing in psychedelic therapy with psilocybin and natural plant medicines. I obtained my doctorate from the University of Toronto, where I immersed myself in the study of these transformative therapies. With over 10 years of experience, let’s embark on transformative journeys of healing, growth, and self-discovery as we explore the power of psychedelic therapy together.
