Fadiman, Stamets, every third day: there are several microdosing schedules, and they differ more than you might think. A level-headed comparison, with no promises about what microdosing supposedly does. We describe the rhythms, you choose what suits you.
Why follow a schedule?
A fixed schedule has two advantages. First, you build tolerance more slowly when you include rest days, because taking a dose too often tends to make you notice less and less. Second, a regular rhythm makes it easier to track whether you notice anything. So a schedule is mainly a tool for consistency and calm.
The Fadiman protocol
The best-known schedule, named after James Fadiman: one day on, then two days off. So a microdose on day 1, nothing on days 2 and 3, and another dose on day 4. That way there is always a break in between, which counters tolerance. Many people keep this up for a number of weeks and then take a longer pause.
The Stamets stack
A stacked approach attributed to Paul Stamets, in which a microdose is combined with lion's mane (a mushroom) and niacin (vitamin B3), often on a rhythm of four days on and three days off. We make no claims about what such a combination supposedly does, the evidence for it is limited. We mention it because you come across the term so often.
Other rhythms
You will also come across variants such as every other day, or a more intuitive approach where you take a dose whenever it fits and listen closely to yourself. Every other day is usually not the common choice, since you tend to build tolerance faster that way and the effect flattens out. The rest days are precisely the point.
Which schedule do you choose?
If you are just starting out, the Fadiman protocol is a logical, straightforward place to begin. For the basics, read what is microdosing and the practical starter guide. Whichever schedule you choose, keep it calm and build in breaks.
Keep a journal
What every schedule has in common: it does little for you unless you actually track it. Jot down briefly what you take and what you notice. That way you can see for yourself whether a rhythm suits you, rather than going by what others promise.
This article is informational and not medical advice. Microdosing is not suitable for everyone, and not with a personal or family history of psychosis or a bipolar disorder, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or under the age of 18. If you take medication, consult your doctor first.