Unravel the Cosmic Tapestry
Unravel the Cosmic Tapestry
Ayahuasca
The Liana of the Soul in Quechua Wisdom
Ayahuasca is a powerful entheogenic plant medicine that has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in the Amazon basin, primarily in Peru, Colombia and Brazil. It is renowned for its potential to induce transformative and profound experiences, offering insights, healing, and spiritual growth. It’s usually associated with the feminine energy, often called the ‘Mother’ or ‘Grandmother’. No one really knows it’s origin as the tradition has been preserved only by word of mouth, some people say it’s hundreds of years, others that it’s been used for thousands of years among the native tribes of the Amazon Rainforest. It was a real miracle that out of hundreds of thousands of jungle species the locals found the ayahuasca vine and decided to brew it together with the dmt containing plants and get the powerful visionary medicine. Now the native traditions are opening to share the medicine with the western world in order to support global healing.
Ayahuasca Brew: Ayahuasca refers to both the plant medicine and the ceremonial brew made from the combination of two primary ingredients: Banisteriopsis caapi vine and leaves from a plant typically known as Chacruna (Psychotria viridis). The vine contains harmine and other alkaloids, while the leaves contain the psychedelic compound dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The combination allows for the absorption of DMT by the body, inducing visionary experiences.
Traditional and Indigenous Use: Ayahuasca has long been used by indigenous peoples for medicinal, spiritual, and cultural purposes. It is an integral part of their rituals, ceremonies, and shamanic practices. Traditional ayahuasca ceremonies are conducted by experienced shamans or healers who guide participants through the process.
Healing and Transformation: Ayahuasca is known for its potential to facilitate emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing. It can help individuals gain insights into the root causes of mental or emotional distress, patterns of behavior, and unresolved traumas. This can lead to personal growth, increased self-awareness, and a deeper connection to oneself and the natural world. Ayahuasca has been proven to help heal Addictions, Traumas, Anxiety and Panic attacks, Depression and many physical illnesses.
Ceremony and Setting: Ayahuasca ceremonies are conducted in a ceremonial space, such as a maloca or a dedicated retreat center in pitch black darkness. These provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to experience the medicine without visual distractions. Ceremonies often involve prayers, chants, icaros (sacred songs), and guidance from experienced facilitators or healers. First each participant shares their intention and then for most part of the evening you stay in your private bed after receiving the medicine (with short breaks for the toilet).
Potential Risks and Challenges: While ayahuasca is generally considered safe when used in a ceremonial context and under the guidance of experienced facilitators, there are potential risks and challenges to be aware of. These include strong psychological and emotional effects, physical purging (such as vomiting or diarrhea), encountering challenging or distressing experiences. The best way to deal with those is to stay present and breathe deeply to calm down your nervous system. Our team will also prepare you for the experience and help you integrate and interpret the ceremonies.
Preparatory Guidelines: Prior to participating in an ayahuasca ceremony, it is essential to follow certain preparatory guidelines. These may include dietary restrictions, avoiding certain medications or substances, and engaging in practices that support mental and emotional well-being. Such guidelines are intended to create a receptive and safe space for the ayahuasca experience. You can read about them below.
Integration and Aftercare: Integration is a crucial aspect of the ayahuasca experience. It involves processing and making sense of the insights and experiences gained during the ceremony, and incorporating them into everyday life. Aftercare may involve practices such as meditation, journaling, therapy, or seeking support from trusted individuals or holistic practitioners to aid in integration. It is important to approach ayahuasca with respect, reverence, and informed consent. Consulting with our experienced facilitators, healers, or medical professionals familiar with ayahuasca is highly recommended. We can provide personalized guidance, ensure safety, and help individuals navigate the profound effects of ayahuasca.
Navigating the Healing Waters of Ancient Wisdom
Ayahuasca Ceremony
An ayahuasca ceremony in the Shipibo tradition is a sacred gathering that involves the consumption of ayahuasca guided by the experience and singing of the shamans. The Shipibo people have a deep cultural and spiritual connection with ayahuasca and consider it a profound tool for healing and spiritual exploration. The Shipibo ayahuasca ceremony is a deeply spiritual and communal experience, emphasizing the connection between humans and the natural world. The guidance of a skilled maestro and the group support create a safe space for individuals to undergo profound healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.
Here is a description of an ayahuasca ceremony in the Shipibo tradition
1. Setting Preparation: The ceremony takes place in a designated ceremonial space, called a maloca in pitch black darkness to not distract the participants. Prior to the ceremony, the space is cleansed and prepared with the guidance of a Shipibo maestra. We meet at 7pm and the guests can choose one of the prepared beds. You will receive a pillow, sheets, blanket and a bucket for purging. You should bring comfortable ceremonial clothes, head torch with red light if possible (to not blind other participants with white light), and anything that can support your on your journey (altar, instruments, crystals etc.)
2. Invocation and Icaros: The ceremony begins with an invocation and prayers offered by the maestra, seeking blessings and protection from the plant spirits. The maestros facilitate the ceremony, guiding participants through the experience. Throughout the ceremony, the maestros sing icaros, sacred songs in Shipibo language. These icaros are used to invoke and communicate with the plant spirits, create a safe container, and guide participants through their inner journeys.
3. Ayahuasca Consumption: Participants consume the ayahuasca brew, made from the combination of Banisteriopsis caapi vine and leaves from the Chacruna plant (Psychotria viridis). The dosage is carefully determined by the maestro based on each individual’s needs and sensitivity. After drinking the brew, participants sit or lie down in their designated space, ready to embark on their ayahuasca journey. The medicine will be offered more times during the ceremony and the participants can also ask for more if they feel ready.
4. Inner Exploration and Healing: As the effects of ayahuasca begin to take hold, participants enter a deep and introspective state of consciousness. The ayahuasca experience can vary widely, often including intense visions, emotional releases, and encounters with spiritual entities or plant spirits. Different forms of purging will usually appear including vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, shaking, crying, yawning etc . Usually the time leading to the purge becomes more difficult and once the purge is finished, the process becomes easier. This transformative process is guided by the maestro’s icaros, which help navigate and harmonize the energies within the ceremony.
5. Personal Healing and Insight: Participants may encounter unresolved emotional or physical issues during the ceremony. The maestro provides individual attention and energetic healing when necessary, using traditional Shipibo techniques such as blowing sacred tobacco smoke, icaro singing, or using their hands to remove energetic blockages. The goal is to facilitate deep healing and personal transformation.
6.Treatment: During the intense healing process the participants can ask for help from the facilitators to bring water, walk them to the toilet or support them with the experience. After the intense effects of ayahuasca start to subside, the maestro guides participants back to a grounded state with a personal treatment, a personal Icaro song directed to each participant individually before the closing of the ceremony.
7. Closing of the ceremony: The ceremony concludes with closing prayers, gratitude offerings to the plant spirits, and blessings from the maestro. Participants express their gratitude for the healing received and the lessons learned during the ceremony. The space is then opened for the song or music sharing of the participants. After that everyone is welcome to sleep in the maloca or go back to their private tambo.
Experience the Transformative Power of Ayahuasca in a Sacred Retreat Setting
Preparation
The preparation process for an ayahuasca ceremony involves several important considerations, including dietary restrictions. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation process, the foods to avoid and consume, and potential dangers and safety measures.
1. Preparation and Intentions: Before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony, it’s advisable to set clear intentions and prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This may involve introspection, meditation, mindfulness or engaging in activities that promote self-reflection and grounding.
2. Diet and Restrictions: Ayahuasca ceremonies often require adhering to a specific diet for at least one week prior to the ceremony. The restrictions aim to create a conducive environment for the ayahuasca experience and enhance its effects. While the specific dietary guidelines may vary depending on the traditions and recommendations of the facilitators.
In preparation for the sacred journey with Ayahuasca, it is essential to honor the body and spirit through mindful dietary and lifestyle choices. We humbly request your commitment to abstain from the following foods and activities, beginning two weeks prior to your experience:
- Pork
- Sexual activities of any nature, including masturbation
- Alcohol
- Marijuana (A recommended four weeks of abstinence)
- Consumption of any street drugs (such as cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, etc.)
- Spicy foods
- Ice, ice cream, or ice-cold beverages
Additionally, we urge you to extend your conscientiousness to encompass the following dietary restrictions, beginning one week before your journey:
- Refined sugars
- Red meat
- Elimination of junk food from your diet
- Minimal use of salt and pepper, if unavoidable, with a preference for sparing usage
- Restricted use of oils, with preference given to olive or coconut oil in very minimal amounts
- Avoidance of animal fats (including lard)
- Abstinence from carbonated and fermented drinks, including diet sodas, energy drinks, non-alcoholic beer, and Kombucha
- Dairy products (especially cheese)
- Liver
- Broad beans
- Dry Susage
- Beer & Ale
- Chocolate
- Ripe Avocado
- Yeast Extracts
- Raspberry Jam
- Nuts
- Dried Fruits
- Banana peel
- Soy bean products
- Smoked Meat
- Poultry & Fish
- Protein dietary supplements
- Meat extracts & Tenderizers
- Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, vinegar, kefir, pickles, and yogurt
- Caffeine and other stimulants
Among the array of dietary considerations, it’s prudent to note that certain food items such as pork, red meat, fermented foods, yogurt, and alcohol are notably rich in tyramine. Given the unique pharmacological properties of ayahuasca as an MAO-inhibitor, it temporarily suppresses the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO). This enzyme plays a pivotal role in metabolizing tyramine. Consequently, consumption of such foods while under the influence of ayahuasca may predispose individuals to potential discomforts such as headaches and hypertension.
In light of this, we advise exercising caution and prudence by refraining from the aforementioned food items during your journey with ayahuasca. Prioritizing a diet devoid of these substances can contribute to a smoother and more harmonious experience, aligning with the reverence and respect we hold for the sacredness of this transformative journey.
The period preceding your encounter with Ayahuasca holds significant importance in the journey of preparation. We earnestly advise refraining from all forms of sexual activity, including masturbation, for a duration of two weeks prior. Recognize that sexual engagement involves a potent exchange of energy within the body, tapping into a reservoir of vitality. By preserving this energy, you cultivate a conducive environment for the profound alchemy and transformative healing potential inherent in the Ayahuasca experience.
Furthermore, it is prudent to exercise caution regarding certain medications in the weeks leading up to your retreat. Antidepressants such as SSRIs, MAO-inhibitors, and sleep medications are not recommended for a period ranging from two to six weeks prior to your Ayahuasca journey. Your well-being is paramount, and thus, upon application, we encourage open dialogue to address any medical inquiries or concerns you may have.
In nurturing this holistic approach to preparation, may you embark upon your Ayahuasca odyssey with reverence, mindfulness, and a deep connection to the sacred energies that guide us towards profound healing and spiritual growth
Confidential Disclosure of Medical Conditions and Medication Usage Required Upon Booking
In our pursuit of your utmost safety and holistic well-being, our commitment is unwavering. We aspire not only to facilitate your journey towards personal healing and spiritual growth but also to guide you through it with utmost care and diligence.
As you embark on this transformative path, we kindly request your cooperation in completing a comprehensive medical questionnaire during the booking process. Your transparency in responding to these inquiries is paramount. Should any potential medical concerns arise, we will engage in further dialogue to ensure a tailored and secure experience for you.
By enrolling in our master plant dieta, you affirm that you are in a state of physical and mental well-being conducive to the activities outlined in our Preparation&Integration page. You acknowledge and accept personal responsibility for your participation, recognizing that any engagement carries inherent risks. While we endeavor to foster the safest possible environment for your work with ayahuasca and the master plant dieta, we must emphasize that we cannot assume liability for any unforeseen accidents or injuries.
Rest assured, we are steadfast in our commitment to providing a sanctuary of utmost security and nurturing throughout your journey. Your welfare remains our paramount concern, and we pledge to exert our best efforts to safeguard it at all times.
In reciprocity, we humbly request your conscientious behavior, urging you to act with prudence and refrain from actions that may jeopardize your well-being or that of your fellow participants. Together, let us embark upon this profound odyssey with reverence, responsibility, and profound respect for the transformative power that lies within.
3. Avoiding Certain Medications and Supplements: It’s essential to inform the facilitators about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some may have contraindications with ayahuasca. Common examples include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, anti-allergic medications, blood pressure medications, and MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
More details regarding medical contradictions.
4. Precautions and Safety Measures: Ayahuasca ceremonies involve the ingestion of a powerful plant medicine that can induce intense experiences. While generally considered safe when taken in a ceremonial setting under experienced guidance, there are potential risks and considerations to be aware of:
- In cases of serious illnesses, it is imperative for us to engage in dialogue with you to ascertain the potential benefits of a master plant dieta. For individuals with advanced physical ailments necessitating continuous medication, regrettably, we are unable to accommodate them for a master plant dieta. However, for those in the early stages of illness, and capable of halting medication intake or not reliant on medications, your mental state, receptiveness, and trust will serve as determining factors for eligibility into a dieta.
- If you are contending with a contagious or complex illness (such as tuberculosis, AIDS…) or possess disabilities requiring specialized care, we will assess our capacity to accommodate you at the center under the appropriate conditions.
- Individuals with heart conditions, chronic hypertension, or tuberculosis, who have been deemed suitable for a master plant dieta, will abstain from consuming ayahuasca.
- Those managing diabetes or hepatic conditions are requested to furnish comprehensive details regarding their health status.
- Pregnant women are eligible to participate in a Master Plant Dieta but are advised against ayahuasca consumption. Breastfeeding mothers may partake in ayahuasca ceremonies once their infants reach six months of age.
- Kindly disclose any history of mental health issues, past or present. Individuals diagnosed with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression featuring psychotic symptoms are encouraged to engage in dialogue with us regarding their situation. Depending on the diagnosis and expertise of the maestros, alternative treatments, excluding master/teacher plant dieta and ayahuasca, may be offered, such as saunas or flower baths, particularly for conditions like schizophrenia.
- It is crucial to cease any psycho-pharmaceutical or depression treatments 35 days prior to consuming ayahuasca, under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
- Once mutual agreement is reached regarding your suitability for participation, the maestros will attend to your needs in a manner tailored to your circumstances. This may involve working with ayahuasca initially or not, depending on individual diagnostic ceremonies conducted at Inca Shipiba.
- Mutual trust forms the cornerstone of a fruitful dieta process. Prior to making a reservation, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your specific circumstances. Each inquiry will be handled with utmost care and consideration for your well-being before determining our ability to accommodate you.
Medical Contraindications
From the profound perspective of an Amazonian plant healer, the sacred journey of working with medicinal plants demands a dedicated focus and purity of intention. It is paramount that patients or apprentices refrain from the consumption of any additional substances or medications during this sacred process. Such external influences may disrupt the delicate energetic balance of the plant and evoke undesired reactions, impeding the healing journey.
In alignment with biomedical understanding, it has been observed that certain drugs and medications are incompatible with the profound effects of ayahuasca. Prior to embarking on a master/teacher plant dieta, it is imperative to cease the intake of substances outlined in the accompanying document. This allows ample time for the body to cleanse itself and prepare for the transformative experience ahead. However, it is essential to engage in dialogue with your healthcare provider regarding the intention to cease medication usage, and kindly inform us of your decisions. Please be advised that discontinuing prescribed medications should only be done under the guidance of your doctor, ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the process.
With reverence for both traditional wisdom and modern medical insights, may your journey be guided by mindfulness, respect, and a deep connection to the healing energies of the plants.
Contradictions: Herbal Medicine and Supplements
We kindly request that you inform us of any herbal or natural medicines, as well as supplements, that you are currently taking. It is crucial for us to have a comprehensive understanding of your regimen to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the process.
Please note that certain herbal medicines should not be combined with ayahuasca. We ask that you discontinue the use of the following herbal medicines at least one week prior to engaging with ayahuasca:
- St. Johns Wort
- Kava
- Kratom
- Ephedra
- Ginseng
- Yohimbe
- Sinicuichi
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Kanna
- Boswellia
- Nutmeg
- Scotch Broom
- Licorice Root
- Canabis (best two weeks)
Notice Regarding Cannabis Interaction:
Prior to an ayahuasca session, smoking marijuana can significantly impact the quality and depth of the experience. It may cloud the senses and obscure the clarity of the visionary journey, hindering the plant’s profound manifestation. Given the heightened sensitivity experienced by all participants during an ayahuasca session, the use of marijuana not only affects the individual directly but can also influence the experiences of others within the ceremonial circle and disrupt the overall energetic harmony.
It is imperative that cannabis is fully cleared from your system before attending an ayahuasca ceremony to ensure optimal receptivity and engagement with the medicine.
PLEASE NOTE: The aforementioned information serves as a guideline and is not exhaustive. We will conduct a thorough review of any herbal medicines or supplements you are currently taking prior to confirming your booking, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for your journey.
Contradictions: Drugs and Medications
Medications containing MAO inhibitors (MAO-Is) pose serious risks when combined with ayahuasca and should be discontinued. Similarly, medications affecting the serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can lead to serotonin syndrome, which may have fatal consequences when taken alongside ayahuasca. We strongly recommend suspending SSRI medications six weeks prior to consuming ayahuasca to allow for sufficient clearance from the system. It is essential to be aware that discontinuing these drugs may trigger side effects, necessitating ample time for them to dissipate. Always consult your physician before altering your medication regimen.
PLEASE NOTE: The provided list is not exhaustive. We will conduct a comprehensive review of any medications or supplements you are currently taking before confirming your booking, prioritizing your safety and well-being throughout your journey
These drugs and medications have the potential to be dangerous when taken with MAOIs:
- Other MAOIs
- SSRI’s (any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)
- Antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine)
- Appetite suppressants (diet pills)
- Medicine for asthma, bronchitis, or other breathing problems; antihistamines, medicines for colds, sinus problems, hay fever, or allergies (Actifed DM, Benadryl, Benylin, Chlor-Trimeton, Compoz. These include Bromarest-DM or -DX, Dimetane-DX cough syrup, Dristan Cold & Flu, Phenergan with Dextromethorphan, Robitussin-DM, Vicks formula 44-D several Tylenol cold, cough, and flu preparations, and many others — any drug with DM or Tuss in its name.)
- CNS (central nervous system) depressants
- Antipsychotics
- Barbiturates
- Alcohol
Illegal or recreational drugs that pose significant dangers when combined with MAOIs:
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines (meth-, dex-, amphetamine)
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- MDA
- MDEA
- PMA
- Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Illegal or recreational drugs that could pose risks when combined with MAOIs:
- Opiates
- Mescaline (any phenethylamine)
- Barbiturates
Other psychoactive substances that should not be combined with MAOIs:
- Kratom
- Kava
We must underscore the utmost importance of adhering to the prescribed diet as a crucial component of the healing journey. Among the core restrictions before and after ceremonies or dietas, three stand out as fundamental: abstaining from street drugs (such as cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, etc.), refraining from sexual activity, and avoiding consumption of pork.
Should a guest choose to disregard this vital guidance upon departing from Inca Shipiba, they risk encountering severe psychological and energetic repercussions. It is imperative to acknowledge that you bear full responsibility for this aspect of the process. Approach yourself and the invaluable work of the Maestros with love and respect, honoring the sacredness of the journey.
Some specific pharmaceutical drugs that should not be combined with MAOIs vary in their risk levels, ranging from mild to serious:
- Actifed
- Adderall
- Alaproclate
- Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
- Amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel)
- Amineptine
- Amitriptaline
- Amoxapine (Asendin)
- Atomoxedine
- Befloxetone
- Benadryl
- Benylin
- Benzedrine
- Benzphetamine (Didrex)
- Bicifadine
- Brasofensine
- Brofaromine
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Buspirone (BuSpar)
- Butriptyline
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol
- Chlorpheniramine
- Chlor Trimeton
- Cimoxetone
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)
- Codeine
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- Cyclizine (Marezine)
- Dapoxotine
- Desipramine (Pertofrane, Norpramin)
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Dextromethorphan (DXM)
- Dibenzepin
- Dienolide kavapyrone desmethoxyyangonin
- Diethylpropion
- Disopyramide (Norpace)
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Dopamine (Intropin)
- Dosulepin
- Doxepin (Sinequan)
- Duloxetine
- Emsam
- Ephedrine
- Epinephrine (Adrenalin)
- Escitalopram
- Femoxitine
- Fenfluramine (Pondimin)
- Flavoxate Hydrochloride (Urispas)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Fluvoxamine
- Furazolidone (Furoxone)
- Guanethedine
- Guanadrel (Hylorel)
- Guanethidine (Ismelin)
- Hydralazine (Apresoline)
- 5 Hydroxytryptophan
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Iprindole
- Iproniazid (Marsilid, Iprozid, Ipronid, Rivivol, Propilniazida)
- Iproclozide
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- Isoniazid (Laniazid, Nydrazid)
- Isoniazid rifampin (Rifamate, Rimactane)
- Isoproterenol (Isuprel)
- L dopa (Sinemet)
- Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa
- Linezolid (Zyvox, Zyvoxid)
- Lithium (Eskalith)
- Lofepramine
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
- Medifoxamine
- Melitracen
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel)
- Metaraminol (Aramine)
- Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
- Methyldopa (Aidomet)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Mianserin
- Milnacipran
- Minaprine
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Moclobemide
- Montelukast (Singulair)
- Nefazodone
- Nialamide
- Nisoxetine
- Nomifensine
- Norepinephrine (Levophed)
- Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
- Oxybutynin chloride (Ditropan)
- Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
- Orphenadrine (Norflex)
- Pargyline (Eutonyl)
- Parnate
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Pemoline (Cylert)
- Percocet
- Pethedine (Demerol)
- Phendimetrazine (Plegiline)
- Phenergen
- Phenmetrazine
- Phentermine
- Phenylephrine (Dimetane, Dristan decongestant, Neo Synephrine)
- Phenylpropanolamine (in many cold medicines)
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Procarbazine (Matulane)
- Procainamide (Pronestyl)
- Protriptyline (Vivactil)
- Pseudoephedrine
- Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
- Quinidine (Quinidex)
- Rasagiline (Azilect)
- Reboxetine
- Reserpine (Serpasil)
- Risperidone
- Salbutemol
- Salmeterol
- Selegiline (Eldepryl)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Sibutramine
- Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
- Terfenadine (Seldane D)
- Tegretol
- Temaril
- Tesofensine
- Theophylline (Theo Dur)
- Tianeptine
- Toloxatone
- Tramidol
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Trazodone
- Tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Elavil)
- Trimipramine (Surmontil)
- Triptans
- Vanoxerine
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Viloxezine
- Yohimbine
- Zimelidine
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Additional Information and Contraindications:
Combining stimulants with MAOIs poses an exceptionally grave risk and can potentially result in fatality. Using cocaine, amphetamines, or MDMA (ecstasy) alongside MAOIs can induce a severe spike in blood pressure, heightening the likelihood of stroke and cerebral hemorrhage. It’s noteworthy that even a small quantity of cocaine can lead to overdose when combined with MAOIs. Instances of fatalities have been documented, including a recorded fatality involving the combination of peganum harmala and cocaine. Medical literature also records fatalities resulting from the combination of amphetamines with pharmaceutical MAOIs.
Furthermore, utilizing other serotonin agonists or precursors alongside an MAOI can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Characterized by severe and prolonged headaches (resembling the symptom of MAOI tryptamine interaction) and/or fever (potentially reaching 40°C / 104°F or higher), serotonin syndrome may manifest other symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shivering, profuse sweating, dilated pupils, intermittent tremors or twitching, hyperactive or overly responsive reflexes, heightened bowel sounds, or elevated blood pressure. In severe cases, serotonin syndrome may progress to shock, agitated delirium, muscular rigidity and tension, renal failure, seizures, and pose life-threatening consequences.
It is imperative to exercise extreme caution and consult with a healthcare professional regarding the potential interactions and risks associated with MAOIs, especially when considering the use of stimulants or serotonin agonists.
Using certain medications in conjunction with MAOIs can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. Here is a detailed list of medications and their associated risks when combined with MAOIs:
- Tricyclic antidepressants (within two weeks): Serious side effects including sudden fever, extremely high blood pressure, convulsions, and death.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) (within five weeks): High fever, rigidity, high blood pressure, mental changes, confusion, and hypomania.
- Several other medications, including Benzedrine, Benzphetamine, Desipramine, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Dopamine, Ephedrine, Epinephrine, Guanadrel, Guanethidine, Hydralazine, Isoproterenol, L-dopa, Metaraminol, Methyldopa, Mirtazamine, Norepinephrine, Oxymetazoline, Phendimetrazine, Phentermine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Pseudoephedrine, Ritalin, or Venlafaxine: Risk of hypertensive crisis (severe spike in blood pressure).
- Adderall: High body temperature, seizure, and coma in some cases.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) (within two weeks): Serious side effects such as seizures.
- Buspirone (Buspar): High blood pressure and increased sedative effects.
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Risk of fever and increased seizures, especially in epileptics.
- Clomipramine: High fever (hyperpyrexic crisis) and seizures.
- CNS depressants: Increased depressant effects.
- Desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane): Risk of hypertensive crisis.
- Dextromethorphan: Excitement, high blood pressure, fever, or brief episodes of psychosis.
- Fenfluramine: Fever (hyperpyrexic crisis).
- Kava: Hypotensive crisis (severe blood pressure drop).
- Lithium: Fever and serotonin syndrome.
- Meperidine (Demerol): Deaths from a single dose.
- Metaproterenol or other beta-adrenergic bronchodilators: Blood pressure elevation and rapid heartbeat.
- Mirtazapine (Remeron): Hypertensive crisis.
- Nefazodone (Serzone): High fever.
- Temaril: Increased chance of side effects.
- Terfenadine: Increase in MAOI blood levels.
- Theophylline: Rapid heartbeat and anxiety.
- Trazodone (Desyrel): High fever.
- Tryptophan or L-tryptophan: Disorientation, confusion, amnesia, delirium agitation, memory impairment, hypomanic signs, or shivering.
- Venlafaxine (Effexor): Hypertensive crisis.
- Ziprasidone (Geodon): Serotonin syndrome.
- Alcohol: Side effects like angina (chest pain) or headaches, increased sedative effect.
- Opiates: Risk of respiratory depression.
- Diuretics: Greater drop in blood pressure than normal, increase in MAOI blood levels.
- Anesthetics: Potentiated anesthetic effect.
- Sleeping pills, tranquillizers, or barbiturates: Increased sedative effect.
It is crucial to be aware of these risks and consult with a healthcare professional before combining any medications with MAOIs to ensure your safety and well-being.
