Liver, kidney, and Heart Problems.

 If you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, or a history of seizures in your family, it’s crucial to inform us before booking. Ayahuasca may trigger these conditions, so a detailed discussion about your health is necessary.

Heart/Circulatory Conditions: Individuals with any serious or chronic heart issues or very high blood pressure should avoid ayahuasca, as it can elevate blood pressure and pose serious risks. If you have a minor heart condition, please consult with our staff beforehand.

Liver and Kidney Function: Since the liver and kidneys play vital roles in metabolizing ayahuasca, pre-existing conditions in these organs can lead to complications. Discuss your health thoroughly with both your doctor and our team before booking.

Hypothyroidism: Ayahuasca is generally safe for individuals with hypothyroidism. You may continue taking prescribed thyroid medications (e.g., Synthroid) but must inform us about your condition for proper monitoring during the retreat.

Psychological Conditions: People with severe psychological disorders such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia are not eligible to participate in our retreats. For milder conditions like depression or anxiety, please contact us to discuss your situation and medications before booking.

Diabetes: Ayahuasca’s MAOI components can affect blood sugar levels, increasing the risks for those with diabetes. People with unstable diabetes should not participate. Those with controlled diabetes must contact us to discuss potential modifications to their diet if necessary.

Epilepsy/Seizures: If you or a close relative has a history of epilepsy or seizures, you must inform us before booking. Ayahuasca can trigger seizures if not properly managed.

Medications Policy

It is mandatory to disclose all medications you have taken in the past year. Certain medications and supplements can interact dangerously with ayahuasca, and most need to be discontinued for a specific period beforehand. Always consult your doctor before stopping any medication, particularly:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

Ayahuasca contains natural MAOIs and should never be combined with prescription MAOI medications. Doing so can disrupt the regulation of neurotransmitters and digestion, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening complications.

Risks of Combining MAOIs
The combination of ayahuasca with other MAOIs can result in:

Hypertensive Crisis: Critically high blood pressure.
Convulsive Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
Fever and Delirium: Severe disorientation and dangerously elevated body temperature.

Precautionary Guidelines

Discontinue MAOIs at least 2 weeks before using ayahuasca, depending on the medication.

Inform Your Facilitator: Be honest about your medication history when preparing for an ayahuasca ceremony.

Medical Supervision: Always work with a healthcare provider to ensure a safe transition off MAOIs.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):

Discontinue at least 4 weeks before and avoid for at least 2 weeks after. Combining SSRIs with ayahuasca is potentially life–threatening due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, a condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the body. Proper timing and medical guidance are crucial to ensure safety.

Risks of Combining SSRIs with Ayahuasca
SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its levels in the brain. Ayahuasca, as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), also increases serotonin availability. When combined, this can lead to serotonin syndrome, which may include:
Confusion and agitation
High blood pressure and rapid heart rate
Muscle rigidity and tremors
Seizures
Elevated body temperature, potentially resulting in organ failure

Discontinuation Guidelines

Pre-Program: Stop antidepressants at least 4 weeks prior to ayahuasca use.
Post-Program: Avoid restarting for at least 2 weeks to allow the body to stabilize.
Tapering Off: Consult your doctor for a safe discontinuation plan, as stopping antidepressants abruptly may result in withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia.

Types of Antidepressants to Avoid

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs):
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Fetzima (levomilnacipran)
Ixel, Savella (milnacipran)
Effexor (venlafaxine)

Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitors (SARIs):
Axiomin, Etonin (etoperidone)
Serzone, Nefadar (nefazodone)
Desyrel (trazodone)
YM-992, YM-35,995 (lubazodone)

Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (NRIs):
Strattera (atomoxetine)
Edronax (reboxetine)
Vivalan (viloxazine)

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs):
Wellbutrin, Zyban (bupropion)

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs):
Elavil, Endep (amitriptyline)
Anafril (clomipramine)
Norpramin, Pertofrane (desipramine)
Prothiaden (dosulepin/dothiepin)
Adapin, Sinequan (doxepin)
Tofranil (imipramine)
Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Surmontil (trimipramine)

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants (and sleeping pills):

Discontinue at least 2 weeks before, depending on the medication type. CNS depressants, such as anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids, must not be used with ayahuasca due to significant health risks. Ayahuasca amplifies the depressant effects of these medications, potentially causing dangerously slow brain activity, heart rhythm, and respiration.

Key Points:
CNS depressants include benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine sleep medications, and barbiturates.

Dependency on CNS depressants can develop quickly, so withdrawal symptoms are possible. Consult your doctor for a safe discontinuation plan.

Examples of CNS Depressants:

Benzodiazepines: Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Halcion (triazolam), ProSom (estazolam).
Non-benzodiazepine Sleep Medications: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon).
Barbiturates: Mebaral (mephobarbital), Luminal Sodium (phenobarbital), Nembutal (pentobarbital).

Anti-Hypertensives (Blood Pressure Medications):

Discontinue at least 2 weeks before, depending on the medication type. Always consult your doctor about stopping these medications and inform them you will be taking a reversible MAOI.

Ayahuasca Medical guides about Recreational Drugs: Discontinue at Least 2 Weeks Prior

Combining recreational drugs with ayahuasca can pose severe health risks and must be avoided. Ayahuasca’s psychoactive properties interact dangerously with many substances, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications such as serotonin syndrome, respiratory depression, or cardiovascular distress.

Drugs to Avoid Completely

These substances must never be combined with ayahuasca due to extreme health risks:
Stimulants: Cocaine, amphetamines, and their derivatives (e.g., methamphetamine).
MDMA (Ecstasy): Including derivatives such as MDA or similar compounds.
Dextromethorphan (DXM): Found in over-the-counter cough suppressants.
Drugs That Pose Significant Risk