microdosing

[ mahy-kroh-doh-sing ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microdosing¹

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

Example Sentences

I’m gonna look into doing microdosing, because it was incredible.

From Los Angeles Times

Some patients, with or without the help of doctors, are experimenting with “microdosing” weight loss drugs — using smaller-than-recommended amounts — in order to stretch limited supplies, reduce costs and even potentially curb side effects.

From Los Angeles Times

No matter the drug, microdosing is an inexact art.

From Los Angeles Times

While “microdosing Ozempic” joins the lexicon on gentler-sounding beauty terms like “baby Botox” and “mini face lift” that make procedures seem more approachable, the reality is that some people do see benefits from lower doses.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr. Tasneen Bhatia, better known as Dr. Taz, an integrative medicine physician and wellness expert, offers compounded GLP-1 to clients at her Los Angeles office, where she estimates about 10% to 20% of clients are microdosing the medication.

From Los Angeles Times