comingdown

Coming down, often written as comedown or come down, refers to the period after the peak effects of a psychoactive substance when the drug's effects begin to wear off and the user returns toward baseline. The experience is variable and depends on the substance, dose, route of administration, individual physiology, and setting.

Symptoms commonly reported during a comedown include fatigue, sleep disturbances, low mood, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms may involve headaches, muscle aches, nausea, sweating, chills, and dehydration. Craving for the substance and a reduced ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia) can also occur. The specific profile varies by drug: stimulants often produce a crash with lethargy and mood changes; cannabis may cause sleepiness and appetite changes; MDMA can lead to dysphoria and sleep disruption; alcohol-related comedowns may involve malaise and dehydration.

Duration ranges from several hours to a day or more, influenced by the amount used, purity, interactions with other substances, and individual factors such as sleep deprivation and mental health history. Polydrug use and poor sleep can extend the period of discomfort.

Managing a comedown focuses on safety and comfort: rest, hydration, balanced meals, gentle activity, and a supportive environment. Avoid driving or operating machinery, and seek medical help if there are severe or persistent symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, seizures, or signs of a dangerous medical condition. If mood symptoms persist beyond a few days or there are thoughts of self-harm, professional medical advice should be sought. Related concepts include withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal syndrome.