AYAHUASCA SAFETY
New Life Ayahuasca’s top priority is to conduct safe spiritual ceremonies. Ayahuasca can be very safe when used properly. The primary risk involved in participating in ayahuasca ceremonies is contraindications with prescription medications and other drugs. Ayahuasca contains MAOIs and can thus have negative interactions with some medications or herbal supplements.
As a general rule, New Life Ayahuasca recommends that a participant be off of all medications or supplements and to follow the ayahuasca diet prior to arrival.
NEVER STOP TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING WITH A DOCTOR.
Before making reservations to attend an ayahuasca retreat at our facility, we will conduct a brief medical screening. We do this with every potential participant to ensure the safety of our ceremonies.
Always follow the ayahuasca diet before participation in any ceremony.
If you have any questions about potential health risks or medications you are taking, please speak with our staff so we can determine if you can safely participate in ayahuasca ceremonies.
contraindications
Physical
Overall, ayahuasca is considered to have positive psychological effects on its users. However, some psychological conditions such schizophrenia or psychosis could be worsened with ayahuasca use. Anyone suffering from these conditions should not participate in ayahausca therapy. Special caution should be used with those who suffer from suicidal ideations or dis-associative episodes.
Psychological
Those suffereing from high blood pressure, cadiac disease or liver failure should not consume ayahuasca. Ayahuasca is known to elevate blood pressure levels so those who already suffer from high blood pressure or cardiac conditions are at high risk for complications. Ayahuasca is processed through the liver so if an individual is in advanced stages of liver disease, the added stress could be potentially dangerous.
Drugs / Medications to Avoid
While it is advied that no drugs/medications should be consumed prior to ayahuasca participation so the body is free of outside chemicals and best able to process the medicine, some medications may be taken throughout the ayahuasca retreat. The following is a list of drugs/medications to avoid taking prior to participation in an ayahuasca retreat.
NOTE: NEVER STOP ANY MEDICATION WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
Illegal/Recreational Drugs that are very dangerous to combine with ayahuasca:
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Cocaine
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Amphetamines (meth-, dex-, amphetamine), ephedrine, MDMA (Ecstasy), MDA, MDEA, PMA
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Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine and especially opium)
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De
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xtromethorphan (DXM)
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Nutmeg (at psycho-active levels)
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Mescaline (any phenethylamine)
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Barbiturates
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Alcohol
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Kratom
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Kava
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5 MEO-DMT
Common medications that are contraindicated with the MAOI's found in ayahuasca.
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other MAOIs
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SSRI’s (any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)
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antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine)
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appetite suppressants (diet pills)
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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, 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 containing dextromethorphan/ DXM or with DM, DX or Tuss in its name.)
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CNS (central nervous system) depressants (xanax, ativan, etc)
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vasodilators
For a complete comprehensive list of medications to avoid and more information on Ayahuasca Safety please click here.