Supplement Protocols for the Psychedelic Explorer

“The difference between medicine and poison is often just the dose.” This ancient wisdom applies doubly to psychedelics—powerful tools that deserve respect, preparation, and proper support. After years exploring these consciousness-altering substances, I’ve developed supplement protocols that have significantly improved both the journey and the recovery period.

TL;DR - Key Supplements by Substance

  • Psilocybin: L-theanine, magnesium glycinate, ginger (for nausea), Lion’s Mane (after)
  • MDMA: ALA (300mg initially, 100mg every 2hrs), ALCAR, magnesium, CoQ10, vitamin C, NAC (after)
  • LSD: Magnesium, L-theanine (for anxiety), CBD (after for sleep)
  • All Substances: Hydration, light nutritious meals, integration practices

⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FIRST ⚠️

Before diving into supplements, let’s address non-negotiable safety practices:

  1. Test your substances. Always. Every time. No exceptions. Reagent testing kits are legal, inexpensive, and could save your life. DanceSafe and Bunk Police offer reliable options.

  2. Medication interactions can be dangerous or deadly. Psychedelics can interact dangerously with many medications, especially:

    • SSRIs and SNRIs (most antidepressants)
    • MAOIs (certain antidepressants)
    • Lithium (extremely dangerous with psychedelics)
    • Antipsychotics
    • Heart medications

  3. Set and setting trump supplements. All the supplements in the world won’t save a journey in a bad environment or poor psychological state.

  4. Have emergency resources available. Know who to call (ideally a trip-sitter who stays sober) and have contact info for local emergency services.

  5. Start with lower doses than you think you need, especially when adding new supplements to your protocol.

🍄 PSILOCYBIN PROTOCOL

Mushrooms can offer profound teachings but sometimes come with physical discomfort. Here’s my go-to protocol:

Pre-Journey (1-2 hours before)

  • L-Theanine (200mg) - Reduces anxiety without dulling the experience
  • Magnesium Glycinate (400mg) - Supports nervous system function
  • B Vitamins (standard complex) - If you’re feeling depleted
  • Ginger Capsules (1000mg) - Game-changer for nausea prevention

Food strategy: Light is right. Fast for 4-6 hours before if your body handles it well, or stick with easily digestible foods like fruit or a small handful of nuts.

During

Keep it simple: water and perhaps some fresh fruit for blood sugar support. Oranges are especially pleasant during the experience—their aroma alone can be grounding and uplifting.

After (Integration Period)

  • Lion’s Mane extract (from fruiting bodies, not mycelium) - Supports neuroplasticity according to preliminary research
  • Magnesium Glycinate (400mg) - Before sleep
  • Ashwagandha (300mg) - If feeling overstimulated or wired

Integration note: Supplements support physical recovery, but journaling, meditation, time in nature, and processing with trusted friends are equally crucial for psychological integration.

💊 MDMA PROTOCOL

MDMA can offer beautiful experiences but carries significant neurotoxicity risks. This protocol is designed to mitigate those risks.

⚠️ Medical Considerations

MDMA can cause:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure (risky for those with cardiovascular issues)
  • Hyperthermia (dangerous overheating)
  • Hyponatremia (water toxicity from drinking too much water)
  • Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
  • Serious medication interactions

If you have pre-existing health conditions, particularly cardiovascular issues, please reconsider MDMA use or, at minimum, consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider first.

Before (1-2 hours prior)

Essential neuroprotection:

  • ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) - 300mg initially
  • ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) - 500mg
  • Magnesium Glycinate - 400mg (prevents jaw clenching)
  • CoQ10 - 100mg
  • Vitamin C - 1000mg
  • Green Tea Extract (EGCG) - standard dose

During

  • ALA - 100mg every 2 hours (set phone alarms)
  • Electrolytes with moderate water intake
  • Temperature management - Stay cool; MDMA impairs thermoregulation

Hydration caution: Aim for about 500ml (16oz) of water per hour maximum. More is not better with MDMA.

After (Recovery Period)

Critical protocol:

  • NO 5-HTP until at least 24 hours later (serotonin syndrome risk)
  • NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) - 600mg twice daily for 3-7 days
  • Magnesium Glycinate - 400mg
  • Melatonin - 1-3mg for sleep
  • Continue antioxidants (Vitamin C, ALA) for 2-3 days

Spacing between experiences: Allow a minimum of 3 months between MDMA sessions. This is non-negotiable for preserving both the quality of the experience and your neurological health.

🌈 LSD PROTOCOL

LSD tends to be less physically taxing than other psychedelics, but its long duration (8-12+ hours) and stimulating nature require specific support.

Before

  • Magnesium Glycinate - 400mg
  • L-theanine - 200mg if prone to anxiety
  • Light meal with healthy fats
  • Thorough hydration

During

Simple is best: water and perhaps some easily accessible fruit. For longer journeys, have simple snacks available.

After

  • CBD oil - 15-30mg (significantly helps with residual stimulation)
  • Magnesium Glycinate - 400mg
  • Valerian root tea or supplement for sleep
  • 5-HTP - 100mg the next day (unlike with MDMA, this is generally safe after LSD)

📝 ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS

  1. Antacids (like Tums) 30 minutes before MDMA can increase absorption and intensify effects
  2. Ginger capsules are remarkably effective for mushroom-related nausea
  3. Activated charcoal might slightly diminish effects during challenging experiences, but it’s not reliable for emergencies
  4. NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) taken daily may help manage tolerance for most psychedelics
  5. Agmatine sulfate has inconsistent effects between individuals
  6. The importance of supplements increases with age
  7. Hydration status dramatically affects both experience quality and recovery

💭 Supplement Philosophy

Some view these protocols as excessive, but after observing the difference in long-term outcomes between friends who prioritize harm reduction versus those who don’t, I consider these practices as neurochemical insurance.

🔍 Final Thoughts

Psychedelics are powerful tools for healing, growth, and exploration, but they demand respect. The supplements discussed here combine emerging research with extensive personal experience, but they’re not universal solutions. Your neurochemistry is unique.

The foundation of psychedelic safety will always be:

  1. Know your substance (test it)
  2. Know your body (including medication interactions)
  3. Know your mind (psychological preparation)
  4. Know your environment (setting matters enormously)

Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t. Document your experiences. Stay safe in your explorations of consciousness.

Important disclaimer: This post discusses harm reduction approaches for substances that may be illegal in your jurisdiction. This information is provided purely for harm reduction and educational purposes. Always verify the legal status of substances in your location.