Ayahuasca and Medications: Why Intake Screening Matters
If you're considering an ayahuasca retreat and you take any medication, this is the most important thing you'll read before booking. Ayahuasca can interact with some common prescriptions, supplements, and recreational drugs, and a few of those interactions can be dangerous.
We're not writing this to scare you. We're writing it because we'd rather have an honest conversation now than take a risk with your health later. Here's what the public research says, why we screen every guest at Rebirth Healing Center, and what you can do to prepare safely.
One thing first: ayahuasca is not a medical treatment, and nothing here is medical advice. Your doctor is the right person to make decisions about your medications.
Why Ayahuasca Interacts With Medications
Ayahuasca is traditionally brewed from two plants. One contains DMT, a compound that acts on the brain's serotonin system. The other, the ayahuasca vine, contains compounds called harmala alkaloids (such as harmine and harmaline) that act as MAO inhibitors. They temporarily block an enzyme, monoamine oxidase, that your body uses to break down serotonin and other brain chemicals.
That MAO-blocking effect is what makes the brew work. It's also why ayahuasca carries more potential for drug interactions than many people expect. Anything else that raises serotonin, or that your body normally clears with the help of that enzyme, can build up in ways it otherwise wouldn't.
Ayahuasca and SSRIs: The Most Common Question
The question we hear most is about antidepressants, especially SSRIs (such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram).
The main concern is serotonin syndrome (also called serotonin toxicity). It happens when there's too much serotonin activity in the body. According to Health Education England's NHS guidance, symptoms can include confusion, agitation, a fast heart rate, sweating, shaking, and high body temperature. Severe cases are a medical emergency.
Researchers raised this concern about ayahuasca and SSRIs back in 1998, in a paper by Callaway and Grob in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. Reviews since then have found that the evidence is limited, mostly case reports and what we know about how these substances work. To us, limited evidence is a reason for more caution, not less. The International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS) states that ayahuasca is contraindicated with MAO inhibitors and with medications that affect the serotonin system.
Other Medications and Substances That Need Review
SSRIs get the most attention, but they aren't the only concern. Based on published reviews and public health guidance, these all need to be discussed openly during intake and with your doctor:
Other antidepressants: SNRIs (such as venlafaxine and duloxetine), tricyclic antidepressants, trazodone, and especially prescription MAOIs. Combining one MAOI with another is considered particularly risky.
Certain pain medications: tramadol is a well-known example, and some other opioids such as methadone and pethidine also have serotonin effects.
Herbal supplements: St John's wort is a serotonergic herb. ICEERS also lists ginkgo biloba as contraindicated. "Natural" doesn't mean "no interactions."
Lithium: listed in several reviews as a medication of concern alongside ayahuasca.
Stimulants: prescription stimulants, some decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine), and weight-loss drugs like phentermine, as well as cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA. With MAO inhibitors, these can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure.
Other common medicines: some migraine drugs (triptans), some anti-nausea drugs, and cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan.
Blood pressure and heart medications: ayahuasca can temporarily raise heart rate and blood pressure. If you take medication for blood pressure or your heart, that's important information for your doctor and for our screening.
This list isn't complete. That's exactly why we ask you to tell us about everything you take, prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or recreational.
Health Conditions That Matter Too
Medications aren't the only part of screening. Public guidance, including from ICEERS, advises caution or avoidance for people with:
Serious heart conditions, or high blood pressure that isn't well controlled
A personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. A systematic review on ayahuasca and psychosis concluded that people with this kind of history should avoid it.
Epilepsy or a history of seizures
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
If you've experienced severe depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, please tell us. ICEERS notes that in these situations proper psychological support is essential. Ceremonies can be emotionally intense, and we want to be sure the retreat is a safe fit for where you are right now.
Please Don't Stop Your Medication on Your Own
This part matters most. Never stop, reduce, or change a medication on your own to qualify for a retreat. Stopping some psychiatric medications suddenly can be dangerous in itself, and some medicines stay in your body long after your last dose.
If you and your doctor decide together that changing your medication is right for you, the timing of any washout must be decided with your prescribing doctor. We won't give you a timeline, and you shouldn't trust anyone who does without knowing your full medical history. If your doctor advises against it, that's a good answer. The jungle isn't going anywhere, and the right time may simply be later.
How Intake Screening Works at Rebirth Healing Center
Every guest goes through intake screening before the retreat. It's not a formality. It's how we look after you.
You disclose all medications and supplements. Everything, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and anything you take occasionally.
We ask about your health and history, including heart health, blood pressure, and mental health, along with your intentions for the retreat.
We decide together whether the retreat is a good fit. Sometimes the honest answer is "not yet," and we'll tell you that.
We ask you to talk to your doctor about your medications and health before you book.
If you're interested in optional Kambo ($50), mention it during intake too, so we can talk it through with your full health picture in mind.
Safety During Your Retreat
Screening is the first layer. Once you're here:
Small groups: a maximum of 6 guests, so the shamans and staff know each person.
Indigenous ceremonies led by indigenous shamans, in the Amazon where this tradition comes from.
Sober support staff are present at every ceremony, so someone clear-headed is always nearby.
Trauma awareness: we aim to meet difficult emotions with patience and care, never pressure.
Our Retreats at a Glance
We're in Santa María del Ojeal near Iquitos, Peru, reached by boat up Sinchicuy Creek.
7-Day Week, $875: 3 ayahuasca ceremonies, 1 jungle excursion
10-Day Retreat, $1000: 4 ayahuasca ceremonies, 2 jungle excursions
Optional Kambo: $50
Master plant dietas: 10 days in a private single room, available after a consultation. Tobacco and toé are not offered.
New to retreats? Read our guide: What to Expect at an Ayahuasca Retreat in Iquitos, Peru.
Have Questions About Your Medications?
Ayahuasca is not a medical treatment, and a retreat doesn't replace care from your doctor or mental health professional. Start with your doctor, then reach out to us. We're happy to walk you through intake screening before you commit to anything.
Get in touch:
Phone: 321-353-3221
WhatsApp: 530-645-8184
Email: Chris0042@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take ayahuasca if I'm on an SSRI?
SSRIs and other serotonergic antidepressants can interact with ayahuasca and may raise the risk of serotonin syndrome. Disclose every medication during intake screening and talk to your prescribing doctor. Never stop or change a medication on your own.
How long before an ayahuasca retreat should I stop my medication?
We don't give washout timelines. Whether to change a medication, and when, must be decided with your prescribing doctor, who knows your health history. Stopping some medications suddenly can be dangerous.
Which supplements interact with ayahuasca?
St John's wort is a well-known serotonergic herb, and ICEERS also lists ginkgo biloba as contraindicated. Because many supplements are not well studied, please disclose every vitamin, herb, and supplement during intake screening.
Is ayahuasca a medical treatment?
No. Ayahuasca is not a medical treatment, and a retreat does not replace care from a doctor or mental health professional. Keep working with your healthcare providers before and after your retreat.
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