microdosing

American  

[mahy-kroh-doh-sing] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌdoʊ sɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of taking or administering very small amounts of a psychoactive drug, such as cannabis, LSD, or psilocybin, to improve mood or enhance cognitive functioning, without hallucinogenic or other disorienting effects.

2. the practice of administering a much smaller amount of a medicine than is normally used or prescribed.

   Microdosing with lithium is being studied as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

---

Etymology

Origin of microdosing

First recorded in 1965–70; microdos(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Dr. Suzanne Trott, a Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon, started a microdosing clinic after her patients had used the medication to reach their goal weight and hoped to maintain it.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

They’ve tried excess green tea, microdosing, or supplements in hopes that it will cure their depression.

From Slate • May 5, 2023

“It’s like microdosing being a rock star,” she says.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2023

Some resist this prescriptive medical model by microdosing testosterone, with or without health care provider support.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2022

So maybe insurance companies would cover a trip to the Napatorium, which, when you think about it, is simply microdosing sleep.

From Washington Post • Apr. 17, 2022