Psilocybin, a mushroom compound also made synthetically, alters perception for hours and is studied for mental health in one or a few supervised sessions. Evidence is clearest for less depression, and less anxiety and distress in serious illness, though possibly overstated. Small regular doses have not outperformed placebo. The longevity case remains a hypothesis. Main risks are short-lived; serious harms concentrate in certain mental health histories and unsupervised use. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | <120/80 mm Hg | Rises acutely; high baseline stops use |
| Heart rate | 60–100 beats per minute | Rises acutely |
| QTc on ECG | <450 ms men, <460 ms women | Baseline for heart disease or QT-prolonging drugs |
| PHQ-9 depression score | <5, minimal symptoms | Tracks depression response |
| Mood Disorder Questionnaire | <7 positive items | Positive screen stops or changes use |
| C-SSRS suicide-risk rating | No established target; track any new or worsening ideation versus own baseline | Positive result changes use |
| Echocardiogram | No established target; track change in valve findings from own baseline | Theoretical valve risk with chronic frequent dosing |
Cadence: Baseline before starting; blood pressure and heart rate before dosing and hourly until effects fade; suicide-risk and mood check-ins at 1 day, 1 week and 4 weeks after each dose, then every 3 months while sessions continue; echocardiogram after many months of frequent microdosing.