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Moderate doses of psychedelics have been shown to effectively treatdepression,anxiety,PTSD, andother mental health conditions and even microdoses havebeen reported to hold significant benefit. Although we dont recommend it, many people are turning to psychedelics as a form of self-treatment for mental health conditions. And this brings up the potential problem of antidepressant medication interfering with the effects of psychedelics.

Unfortunately there has been no solid research performed on the interaction between psychedelics and antidepressants. Therefore most of the advice we provide here is based on anecdotal evidence and case reports. We recommend discussing issues with your physician before making any decisions.

The classic psychedelics (includingLSD,psilocybinandDMT) work by affecting the serotonin system, and most antidepressants work by targeting serotonin signaling too. Therefore wed expect for there to be some kind of interaction between the two unfortunately we just dont know anything for sure right now.

From anecdotal reports, it looks as if the SSRI class of antidepressants weakens the effects of classic psychedelics although this absolutely doesnt mean you should take more of the psychedelic substance to compensate.

Many people advise against taking Lithium or other tricyclics with classic psychedelics, as they have been known to put people intocomatose statesorinduce seizures.Avoid this combination until we know for sure about its safety!

MAOI medications appear to haveeffectssimilar to SSRIs when combined with classic psychedelics.

Since we know so little about how classic psychedelics and antidepressants interact, we advise against taking them together. Dont risk making things worse for yourself. If you are absolutely determined to try a psychedelic, it may be wise to wean yourself off your medication first but always check with your physician.

Anecdotal reportssuggest that takingMDMAwhile on antidepressants can either numb the effects, completely abolish the effects, or cause a really unpleasant hangover! Since SSRIs mess with your serotonin system, and bind to some of the same targets as MDMA, there is the potential for unpleasant interactions. Dr Ben Sessa, an MDMA researcher, saysThe general rule is dont combine SSRIs with MDMA.

Taking MDMA while on MAOIs is alsopotentially dangerous. Its definitely best to avoid this combination, as it could lead toserotonin syndrome(which can be fatal!).

We dont know much about what you can combine withmescaline, but as its mode of action is similar to the classic psychedelics, its probably best to assume that it wont combine well with antidepressants.

Ayahuascais a little more complicated than other psychedelics when it comes to antidepressants, because the psychedelic brew contains MAOIs, which can cause fatal reactions when mixed with other drugs. We advise a total purge from all substances before taking ayahuasca, to avoid the risk of the potentially fatalserotonin syndrome.

Here is a listof all substances you should absolutely avoid if youre determined to take ayahuasca.

Ibogaineis another natural psychedelic with a potential risk of toxicity. Healthcare professionalsrecommend weaning off all medicationbefore taking a dose of ibogaine.

Be aware that ibogaine ispotentially the most dangerous psychedelic substance out there, as it can cause heart failure in seemingly safe situations. It is usually a last resort for people suffering from severe addiction.

We know nothing about interactions here although we know thatSalviaworks on a very different neurotransmitter system than most antidepressants, and we havent heard any reports of unpleasant effects resulting from mixing Salvia with antidepressants.

Were not medical doctors, and we dont pretend to be. Unfortunately the research isnt in place for anyone to give solid advice about mixing psychedelics with antidepressants. So be safe, be cautious, and always check with your physician before changing your drug-taking habits.

Continue reading here:

Can You Take Psychedelics With Antidepressants?