Hello once again! I am asking for your wisdom here...

TLDR: Are my issues with even coming close to a DMT breakthrough caused by the past interactions of the SSRIs (deregulation of the 5-HT1,2 A receptors), or are they related to the vaping method? I currently use the lowest possible setting of 2.4V, but from what I found it is possible that I am destroying the DMT (according to a paper I found at 2.4V these pens can reach an average of 246C)? If there is anyone with knowledge and input of any of these 2 possible issues I would be very grateful.

I had made a post describing my lackluster and underwhelming first times with DMT, even with using higher concentrations of DMT to PE (Propylene Glycol) to very little effect. Initially I used 250 mg freebase DMT and 250 µL of PE. I still 100% got some effects, so I knew it was working, but was baffled as to why I didn't get anywhere close to breakthrough. Disappointed I upped the concentration to 500 mg / 250 µL, again, nothing, but I did notice it was more intense, but not by much. I had done some quick maths and found that in my solution each hit was around 8 mg at this point, originally it was around 3 mg / hit (for me a hit is around a 3 second pull). This still seemed very small, so I upped the concentration again and now I have a 750 mg DMT / ~250 µL (more or less due to me using it, and adding about an extra 10-20 µL each time I re-dissolved more DMT due to the loss that occurred when transferring it from the cart. to the beaker so that I can dissolve the DMT) this puts me at around 11 mg / pull. Seems more reasonable, at least I would get 30 mg which for some should breakthrough, but for me it was like I only got 10 mg or less...

So this leads me to where I am now, I have several theories, but as of now I cannot pin-point the issue. Maybe I am naturally tolerant to tryptamines (I do not know this yet). Another theory is that I was on SSRIs for over a month, I have stopped taking them on Feb 11th this year, it is 100% out of my system by now however the method in which SSRIs effect certain serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT1,2 A are deregulated when taking these SSRIs. As far as my research goes, DMT is an agonist to these receptors (and more, but I don't think any of those other receptors are an issue), and since mine are / were deregulated maybe this is the specific cause? A solution I have maybe found is taking St. John's Wort for a while, since from what I have gathered SJW can increase 5-HT1,2 A by about 50% from baseline (in theory I should have more of these receptors, and thus better DMT response perhaps?) and then simply waiting more I guess (even though it has been well over 80 days at this point)? I also know that DMT is an agonist to these receptors that may be deregulated in my case, possibly causing my troubles.

The other potential issue is the method of consumption, I am using a pretty high quality weed vape pen, and after some research I discovered even at its lowest voltage setting (2.4V)(which I use) the temperature averages around 246C. Is it possible I am over baking it? Maybe I am under baking it because the DMT is now in PE? Can someone who vapes it like this help?

Here is a link to the paper I found regarding the effects of SSRIs and how they affect the 5-HT1,2 A receptors

I have more things to say, but I feel like this post is already getting way too long. So thank you if you read until this point!

Hi, I have a near identical experience. I took mirtazapine, which blocks the 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors. It seemed to function as a trip killer. I stopped it and improved my technique and I was able to break through. For the vaping, I recommend just going by feel for dosing. First get proper posture. You need to be able to fully expand your lungs. Breath in and out deeply for a few seconds, and then exhale fully and begin your drag as you press the button. Pull hard and for as long as you can. (I recommend trying to hit full blinkers) After you complete the hit breath in through your mouth as much as possible, then follow that with a small breath in through your nose. Hold the hit for 20 seconds. Exhale fully, take a quick set of breaths (<3 seconds) and repeat. Some people just sip the dmt. This will not move the air fast enough and will burn the dmt, making it gross and harder to hit. You must be forceful and pull it deep. I hope this technique helps! Another note is that over the couple hundred trips I have had my brain has grown better at tripping. At first I got simple, static visuals. After a time I have been able to experience full machinescapes and more.

Thank you very much! I have also been trying to improve my situation after having been on SSRIs. I will also try the technique with the vape, which I also suspected as being an issue.

I really appreciate it!!

I think those pens are low power. I use a tank/mod that is 60W or more. No issues burning DMT that I can see (I use DMT citrate, not freebase)

Happy to help! I hope your journey is as rewarding as mine has been. Another tip for when you start is that you may want to hold your nose with your off hand and skip the nose breathing. I had a problem when I started because when I got close to breaking through I would accidentally breath out and let the vapor escape. For the mouth breaths after the hit, I usually take a few small breaths until I am unable to breath in any more. Final tip, you should have very little/no taste when you breath in if you are breathing fast enough, and no taste when you breath out if you are holding it for long enough. It seems a lot of people have the same difficulties that I had with not knowing how to hit the carts properly, perhaps I will make a post breaking it down to the point that first timers can understand it.