Timing Protocol
When to Take Rapamycin — Expert Timing Protocols
Expert-analyzed timing recommendations for rapamycin based on what 5 longevity researchers say about when, how, and what to take it with.
Quick Timing Guide
Intermittent dosing (typically once weekly) is the approach discussed for longevity use, as opposed to the daily high-dose regimen used in transplant medicine. The goal is to preferentially inhibit mTORC1 while allowing mTORC2 recovery between doses (Attia).
Moderate Consensus
on Rapamycin overall
Full Protocol
Timing
Intermittent dosing (typically once weekly) is the approach discussed for longevity use, as opposed to the daily high-dose regimen used in transplant medicine. The goal is to preferentially inhibit mTORC1 while allowing mTORC2 recovery between doses (Attia).
Dosage
No consensus among the 5 experts. Attia uses low-dose intermittent protocols in clinical practice but emphasizes there are no clear biomarkers to guide optimal dosing. Common off-label longevity dosing discussed in the literature is 3-6mg once weekly, but this is not standardized. Johnson tried multiple dosing protocols before discontinuing entirely.
Form
Sirolimus (rapamycin) is a prescription pharmaceutical, not an over-the-counter supplement. It requires a physician's prescription and monitoring. FDA-approved for organ transplant rejection prevention.
Notes
Rapamycin is a prescription drug, not a supplement — it requires medical supervision and regular blood monitoring. Attia emphasizes thorough discussion of risks and uncertainties with patients before prescribing. Johnson's experience demonstrates that even with extensive medical oversight, side effects can outweigh perceived benefits. This is NOT a self-medication candidate.
Expert Positions
What Each Expert Says About Timing
Huberman discusses rapamycin across 2 videos with a clear personal stance: he avoids it. In his dedicated longevity supplements AMA, he explicitly states he avoids metformin, berberine, and rapamycin, citing lack of sufficient human data for longevity and the presence of significant side effects. In his interview with Dr. David Fajgenbaum, rapamycin appears in the context of drug repurposing — Fajgenbaum discovered that sirolimus (rapamycin) could treat his terminal Castleman disease, which was originally approved for organ transplant rejection. This episode frames rapamycin as a powerful drug with multiple pathways but does not endorse it for longevity.
Unlock the Full Picture
Go beyond the consensus — see exactly what each expert says about rapamycin.
- Per-expert timing protocols & reasoning
- Interaction warnings & disagreements
- Video citations with timestamps