General Medical Note & Safety Guidelines

The following list of contraindicated physical conditions, herbs, and medications is extensive yet not exhaustive. Safety is our absolute priority in sacred work.

Important Protocol: If you find any of your medications or supplements on this list, work closely with your medical doctor to design a safe tapering plan. Never alter or cease prescription medications abruptly without professional medical guidance. Ensure all substances are fully cleared well in advance of your ceremony date.

1. Medical & Physiological Contraindications

Ayahuasca interacts strongly with the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The following health conditions present severe risks and are strictly contraindicated for ceremony:

• Cardiovascular Conditions: High blood pressure (hypertension), history of stroke, heart disease, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), aneurysms, or structural heart defects. (Ayahuasca can elevate heart rate and blood pressure).
• Psychiatric History: Personal or family history of schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe dissociative disorders.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Ayahuasca safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established; participation is strictly prohibited for expectant or nursing mothers.
• Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: Conditions involving lowered seizure thresholds or active seizure management.
• Severe Kidney or Liver Disease: Impaired metabolic function affects how the body processes active alkaloids.

2. Prescription Medications (MAOIs & Antidepressants)

Ayahuasca contains natural Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Combining MAOIs with certain pharmaceutical drugs can trigger Serotonin Syndrome or dangerous hypertensive crises.

Tapering Timelines: Most psychiatric medications require a minimum of 4 weeks clear. Exceptions include Prozac (Fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (Bupropion), which require cessation 6 to 8 weeks prior to ceremony due to their long half-lives. SSRIs must be suspended at least 6 weeks prior.

Restricted Pharmaceutical Categories:

3. Over-the-Counter (OTC), Cold, and Allergy Medications

Many common over-the-counter remedies contain decongestants or cough suppressants that interact dangerously with MAOIs. Cease these products at least 2 weeks prior:

• Dextromethorphan (DXM): Found in many cough syrups (Robitussin, Vicks, medications ending in "-DM" or "-DX").
• Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine (found in Actifed, Sudafed, Dristan, Afrin).
• Antihistamines & Allergy Aids: Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton.
• Pain relievers combined with decongestants or stimulants.

4. Herbal Medications, Supplements, & Recreational Substances

Natural and herbal products can also exert powerful effects on neurotransmitters and blood pressure and must be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to ceremony: