AMAKAYA
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Medical Conditions & Medication
Medical Conditions & Medication
Ayahuasca is incredibly safe, but there are some health conditions and other medicines that simply do not mix with it – and the consequences of ignoring these precautions can be serious, even fatal.
Medical Conditions
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Anybody with serious heart conditions, certain kidney disorders or chronically high blood pressure should not drink ayahuasca.
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Anybody with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or a strong family history of any of these conditions should not drink Ayahuasca.
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People with asthma should be aware that most inhalers are not safe to use within at least 24 hours of drinking ayahuasca. Anybody that cannot get through an asthma attack without an inhaler should not drink ayahuasca.
Contraindicated Medications
Certain medications should not be mixed with ayahuasca and must be discontinued days or weeks in advance, depending on the medicine. Consequences can range from mild to severe. If you take any of the following medications, we will help you decide if stopping the medication before the retreat is feasible and create a schedule for you to do that safely based on the half-life of the drug, your personal circumstances, and any medical advice you receive from your doctor.
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SSRIs and SSRNs, which includes most antidepressants
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These classes of medicines are widely used and can have very serious consequences if not discontinued 2 - 6 weeks before drinking Ayahuasca, depending on the half-life of the particular medicine
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Anti-hypertensives
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Certain antipsychotics
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Opiates and opioids
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Barbiturates
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Amphetamines
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Cocaine
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MDMA
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Ritalin & Adderall
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St John’s Wort (Herbal Supplement)
