You know I am rooting for you Bignugz. :D I was for sure apprehensive about my first try some years back. I was cautious though like you. I started with 25 mgs (clean, white, no odor, no burn, very good DPT). It was enough but I felt I could have more. So I did 50 mgs and got crushed. It was so strong that all I could do for an hour was try and smile and relax. Big waves of psychedelia. After an hour it was at a nice enjoyable level. Then later on I decided 30-35mgs is right for me.
I know people here are raving about IM. But for someone like me I need to stay away from needles so it had to be insufflated. 20 mgs first, wait 10-15 minutes and do the rest. Spacing it will make it more gentle. But there seems to be a fine line between too much and not enough. The good news is it is short lasting, so if it gets too strong wait and after 45 minutes to an hour it will level off.
Apply what you know about other psychedelics. And I had taken many trips when I was on methadone 25 years ago. I wouldn't sedate yourself too much, just go with it.
I will say sometimes the pre anxiety of psychedelics have left me in a bad place. But as strong as DPT was the wave seemed friendlier and just something to ride out than freaking out. I know that concern. The most safest way is to start real low. Maybe even 10 mgs if being cautious. Like riding wave in an ocean. Take one too big the first time and it leaves you scared again. Start small and you can go a little bigger each time.
Maybe some other people will chime in. The best of luck Bignugz. Let us know how it goes. It's nice to see someone being really cautious as opposed to some of the reckless posts I read. That in itself makes you more intelligent in approach.