Washout Period

What is a washout period?

A washout period is the duration of time needed for a drug or substance to be eliminated from the body — typically defined as 5 half-lives of the substance in question, by which point approximately 97% has been cleared. In clinical research, washout periods are used between different treatment phases to ensure no carryover effects.

The concept applies broadly:

• Between medications: Switching from one psychiatric medication to another
• Before microdosing: Clearing existing substances that might interact
• In research: Ensuring clean baselines between experimental conditions

Why it matters for microdosing

If you are transitioning from psychiatric medication (particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs) to a microdosing protocol, the washout period is critical. Without adequate clearance:

• Reduced efficacy — SSRIs occupy serotonin receptors and can significantly blunt psychedelic effects
• Safety risks — combining MAOIs with psychedelics can be dangerous
• Confounded self-assessment — withdrawal effects from medication can be mistaken for microdosing effects

Typical washout periods for common medications:

How it works in practice

1. Never discontinue medication abruptly — always taper under medical supervision
2. Calculate the washout — based on the specific medication's half-life
3. Monitor withdrawal symptoms — these can be significant and should be managed
4. Establish a new baseline — journal your state for at least a week after washout before beginning microdosing
5. Have medical support — ideally a practitioner who understands both conventional and psychedelic approaches

What to watch out for

• Discontinuation syndrome — stopping SSRIs can cause brain zaps, dizziness, mood swings — these are NOT reasons to rush into microdosing
• Impatience — the desire to start microdosing is understandable, but cutting the washout short compromises safety and data quality
• Fluoxetine exception — its exceptionally long half-life means a longer washout than other SSRIs