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Pharmaceutical Precautions These drugs and medications are known to cause dangerous side effects when taken in conjunction with Ayahuasca. Use of these substances should be discontinued and sufficient clearance time should be allowed before consumption of Ayahuasca. If in doubt, consult your physician. I. Any medicine containing MAO inhibitors (neural enzyme monoamine oxidase) or SSRI's, i.e. antidepressants such as Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc. These can cause a 'serotonin syndrome' involving elevated blood pressure, coma and possibly death when taken in combination with Ayahuasca. It is recommended that such medications be suspended under a physician's guidance at least six weeks prior to taking Ayahuasca. Some medications may clear the system sufficiently in less time. Consult your physician to be sure. St. John's wort should also be suspended in advance of work with Ayahuasca. Many patients have found it unnecessary to resume such medications after treatment with Ayahuasca (see "Ayahuasca and Serotonin Normalization; the UDV Study"). II. Sedatives, tranquilizers, antihistamines, narcotics, amphetamines, asarone/calamus, tryptophan (high doses), tyrosine (high doses), phenelanine (high doses), macromerine, decongestants, allergy medications, cold medications, diet pills, methylphemidate, asthma-inhalers, meperidine, levopoda, dopamine, carbamazipine, some antihypertensive medications, sympathomimetic amines (acting directly and/or indirectly), including pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. III. Do not drink alcohol and/or use drugs such as MMDA, cocaine, heroin, XTC, 2CB, mescaline and/or other phenethylamines on the day of the ceremony. If you use any of these substances, or take any prescribed drugs, please let us know at the time of your application. All information is held in strict confidentiality. (Information from biopark.org)
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