Important notes:
- Caution is advised when combining ayahuasca with certain pharmaceutical drugs.
- Nothing in this article is given as medical advice. It is a guide for someone preparing for Ayahuasca to get a general idea of the landscape and assess their own situation briefly before consulting a medical professional.
Introduction to Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian brew, revered for its spiritual and healing properties. It’s made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and leaves from the Psychotria viridis shrub, rich in N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The combination of these plants allows for the oral activity of DMT, leading to profound psychoactive effects lasting several hours. If you’re considering participating in an ayahuasca retreat, understanding how this brew interacts with medications is crucial for your safety.
Understanding Ayahuasca’s Mechanism of Action
Ayahuasca contains β-carboline alkaloids like harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine, which inhibit monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). These alkaloids in Ayahuasca prevent the breakdown of DMT in the digestive system, allowing its psychoactive effects to manifest. However, this MAOI activity can lead to dangerous interactions with certain pharmaceuticals.
Pharmaceutical Interactions with Ayahuasca
Antidepressants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), and escitalopram (Lexapro), can lead to serotonin syndrome when combined with ayahuasca. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), and other MAOIs also pose significant risks.
Psychiatric Medications
Medications like lithium can enhance the risk of serotonin toxicity when combined with ayahuasca.
Stimulants
Amphetamines, including those used for ADHD like Adderall or Ritalin, can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure, potentially leading to stroke or heart attack.
Opioids
Mixing ayahuasca with opioids can result in respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
Medications for Sleep and Anxiety
Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other sedatives can amplify the sedative effects of ayahuasca, leading to excessive drowsiness or respiratory issues.
Decongestants and Cold Medications
Over-the-counter cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine or dextromethorpan can elevate blood pressure or cause serotonin syndrome.
Antihistamines
Some antihistamines might interact due to their sedative effects or serotonin receptor activity.
Herbal Supplements
St. John’s Wort, which is used for depression, acts similarly to SSRIs and should be avoided.
Other Substances
Alcohol, marijuana, and other psychoactive substances can either mask or exacerbate the effects of ayahuasca, potentially leading to negative experiences or health complications.
References
- Ayahuasca and the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Psychedelics and the Serotonin Syndrome
- Pharmacological Interactions of Ayahuasca
- Ayahuasca and Public Health: Current Status and Epidemiological Research Perspectives
- Safety and Side Effects of Ayahuasca in Humans—An Overview Focusing on Developmental Toxicology
