Standard Protocol (5 Days On, 2 Days Off)
- Dose: 5 mg of Methylene Blue (oral) once a day.
- Schedule: Take MB first thing in the morning (with or without food) for 5 consecutive days (e.g., Monday to Friday), followed by a 2-day break (Saturday & Sunday).
- Rationale:
- Low Starting Dose: Reduces the risk of side effects while providing cognitive and mitochondrial support.
- Morning Timing: MB may boost alertness and mental clarity, making it beneficial early in the day; it also helps avoid insomnia if taken too late.
- Weekend Break:
- Allows the body to “reset” and potentially reduces the risk of developing tolerance or side effects.
- Some individuals experience Methylene Blue as highly energizing and focusing. While this can be advantageous for work or study days, it may feel excessive on weekends when they want to relax.
- Taking two days off allows the mind and body to settle, providing a natural reset and preventing overstimulation or mental “overdrive” during off-hours.
Optional Premium Protocols (5 Days On, 2 Days Off)
- Dose: 10 mg, 15 mg, or 25 mg (oral) once daily, following the same 5-on/2-off weekly cycle.
- Rationale:
- Gradual Escalation: For patients who have used MB before or those responding well at lower doses.
- Enhanced Benefits: Higher doses may offer greater cognitive or mitochondrial support, but should be used cautiously.
- Weekend Break: Same advantages as noted above.
General Dose Guidance and Safety Thresholds
- Literature Range: 0.5–4 mg/kg daily, with most studies using 1–2 mg/kg.
- Practical Recommendation: Start low (5–10 mg total daily) and increase gradually if well-tolerated.
- Safety Threshold: Doses >7 mg/kg significantly increase the risk of toxicity (e.g., hemolysis, methemoglobinemia). Higher doses should only be used with proper medical supervision.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Hydration: Encourage adequate fluid intake to support renal clearance and reduce GI side effects.
- Urine Discoloration: Assure patients that bright blue or green urine is common and harmless.
- Patient Education: Explain that MB’s potential benefits (cognitive clarity, mitochondrial support) typically appear after consistent use.
- Symptom Tracking: Encourage journaling mood, energy levels, and any side effects to help fine-tune dosing.
- Caffeine-Consumption: Limit or monitor caffeine consumption to prevent potential overstimulating effects.
- Capsule Integrity: Avoid breaking/opening the capsule, as its contents can cause stains.