SSRI washout before psilocybin — real experiences, not just theory
93 replies · Harm Reduction
The standard guidance is 2-4 weeks off SSRIs before psilocybin for effect, 4-6 weeks for sertraline and fluoxetine due to half-life. I'd like to hear from people who've actually done this washout — what the rebound/discontinuation experience was like, and whether the psilocybin session was noticeably different post-washout.
My sertraline washout (6 weeks, tapering): Weeks 1-3 were difficult — brain zaps, irritability, disrupted sleep. Week 4 things stabilized. The psilocybin session at week 6 was noticeably different than my earlier sessions on sertraline — significantly more emotionally present, visually richer, and more responsive to the dose. On sertraline I needed double the dose to get similar effects.
Important harm reduction point: do NOT stop SSRIs abruptly, especially venlafaxine, paroxetine, or sertraline — discontinuation syndrome can be severe. Taper with prescriber guidance. Fluoxetine has a long half-life that reduces acute discontinuation symptoms but takes longer to clear for the psilocybin interaction effect.
Worth acknowledging the real risk here: SSRI discontinuation can destabilize mood significantly in people who need the medication. This is not a trivial decision. If you're stopping SSRIs specifically to do psilocybin, that's a risk calculus that should involve your prescribing physician ideally, or at minimum careful self-monitoring and a solid support plan if things destabilize.
90 more replies — forum posting coming soon.