SSRIs and psilocybin — tapering timeline and what to expect

I've been on 20mg escitalopram for 3 years and I'm planning to pursue a session at a Colorado healing center. My psychiatrist is supportive and we've discussed tapering. I want to share what I've learned from research and from talking to my doctor, because this comes up constantly and the information is scattered. Why SSRIs blunt psilocybin: SSRIs work by increasing serotonin availability, which downregulates 5-HT2A receptors over time — the primary receptors through which psilocybin produces its effects. Long-term SSRI use significantly reduces psilocybin's effectiveness in most people. The tapering question: There's no consensus on the exact washout period needed. Most clinical literature suggests 2–4 weeks after stopping SSRIs. Fluoxetine is the exception — it has a very long half-life and some practitioners suggest 4–6 weeks minimum. What I'm doing: Working with my psychiatrist to taper over 6 weeks, then waiting 4 weeks after the final dose. Total: 10 weeks from start of taper to session. My facilitator is aware of my history and we've discussed this explicitly. DO NOT stop your medication abruptly. Discontinuation syndrome is real and can be severe. This must be done with your prescribing physician.