I do not take psych meds — just 1mg finasteride daily + Faros Plus (red rice supplement). Could finasteride or Faros Plus affect the psilocybin experience?
Finasteride and Faros Plus are not classified as psychiatric medications, but it's still wise to consider their physiological impact when preparing for a psychedelic experience.
Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This action affects androgen (sex hormone) levels but does not directly influence the serotonin system — the main neurochemical pathway affected by psilocybin. Psilocybin primarily interacts with serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, which is unrelated to testosterone or DHT modulation.
Faros Plus, a supplement containing red yeast rice, may have cholesterol-lowering effects and possibly influence energy metabolism, but it also has no known direct interaction with psilocybin or serotonin receptors.
While sex hormones like testosterone and DHT influence mood, energy levels, and overall well-being, these effects are indirect and unlikely to interfere significantly with the core psychedelic experience. However, subtle changes in emotional resilience or mental state caused by hormonal shifts could slightly affect the tone or depth of a psilocybin session. So, there is nothing to worry about.