We are strong advocates of the potential benefits that microdosing can offer, but it's crucial not to get swept up in the hype surrounding it. While discussions often focus heavily on the positive aspects, it’s equally important to recognize and consider the potential risks associated with it.
As with any substance—whether it’s a widely used medication like Aspirin or a less mainstream option like Psilocybin—it is vital to conduct thorough and balanced research before deciding to use it. Additionally, understanding the potential biases of media outlets, institutions, and corporations is more critical than ever. With this in mind, we aim to provide well-rounded resources to help you evaluate both the pros and cons, ultimately empowering you to make an informed decision.
In this blog post, we have curated a selection of articles and studies that examine the impact of microdosing on cardiovascular health. For your convenience, each entry is accompanied by a brief summary highlighting the key findings of the research.
We will continue to update this post with new articles and research on this topic as they become available. Be sure to revisit this entry in the future for the latest insights and findings.
Here are a few key takeaways
1. What is the potential heart health risk associated with microdosing?
Microdosing psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin may increase the risk of valvular heart disease (VHD). This is due to their binding affinity for the serotonin 2B receptor (5HT2B), which has been linked to VHD in several medications.
2. How does 5HT2B receptor activation relate to VHD?
Prolonged activation of the 5HT2B receptor can damage heart valves, leading to VHD. Medications with strong 5HT2B binding affinity have been consistently associated with VHD, with some patients requiring heart surgery or experiencing death.
3. Is there evidence that microdosing LSD and psilocybin can cause VHD?
While no direct studies exist on microdosing and VHD, an epidemiological study on chronic MDMA users (another psychedelic that activates the 5HT2B receptor) showed a significantly higher prevalence of VHD compared to non-users. This raises concerns as LSD and psilocybin have even stronger binding affinity for the 5HT2B receptor than MDMA.
7. What precautions should individuals consider if they choose to microdose?
Given the potential risks associated with microdosing, it is essential to approach it with caution. If you choose to incorporate microdosing into your routine, consider scheduling breaks between dosing cycles to minimize potential adverse effects. For instance, if you decide to microdose for a period of 4 to 8 weeks, ensure you follow it with a break of at least 4 to 8 weeks.
Keep in mind that when it comes to microdosing, less is more. Begin with a minimal dose and maintain longer intervals between sessions. It is more advisable to gradually increase the dosage and frequency over time rather than starting with higher doses or frequent use.
This article expresses concerns about the practice of microdosing psychedelic substances like LSD and psilocybin. The author, Kelan Thomas, argues that while microdosing may be perceived as a safe and potentially beneficial practice, there is compelling evidence suggesting that prolonged and repeated microdosing can lead to valvular heart disease (VHD). This risk stems from the interaction of these substances with the 5HT2B receptor, which plays a crucial role in heart valve health. The author cites studies that demonstrate a strong correlation between 5HT2B receptor binding affinity and VHD development.
January 12, 2024 Microdosing psychedelics and the risk of cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy: Comparison to known cardiotoxins
This article from the Journal of Psychopharmacology examines the potential cardiac risks associated with microdosing psychedelics, particularly LSD and psilocybin. The authors argue that these substances share chemical similarities with drugs known to cause cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy, raising concerns about the long-term effects of microdosing. The article focuses on the role of the 5-HT2B receptor in drug-induced heart valve damage, analyzing the affinity and potency of various drugs at this receptor. While acknowledging the limited research on microdosing, the authors emphasize the need for future studies to assess the safety of this practice, given its increasing popularity.