MEDICAL AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR TAKING AYAHUASCA AND SAN PEDRO (HUACHUMA).

OMMIJ’s priority is your safety and well-being, and to guide you towards personal healing and growth. During the booking process, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire. Please be as open as possible when answering the questions.

  • If the medical contraindications below are present – you may not participate in OMMIJ’s Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) ceremonies and retreats.
  • If the medical contraindications below are present and you still book, participation in the ceremony or retreat may be refused and you will not receive a refund.
  • If there are possible medical contraindications, OMMIJ will make further enquiries to ensure your safety.

By booking a ceremony or retreat, you certify that you have read and agree to OMMIJ’s “Medical and Safety Guidelines for the Taking of Ayahuasca and San Pedro (Huachuma)”, that you are in a physical and mental condition suitable for the activities described in the ceremony or retreat programme, that you agree to participate at your own risk, and that OMMIJ cannot accept liability for any accident or injury. OMMIJ will provide the safest possible environment to work with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) and ensure your well-being at all times to the best of its ability. In return, OMMIJ asks that you be honest, behave responsibly and do not endanger yourself or others.

GENERAL MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS.

Working with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) may involve health risks; it is imperative that you disclose any known heart, liver, kidney, pancreatic, or other serious medical conditions and/or use of medications at the time of booking. Persons with diabetes or liver disease must first consult with OMMIJ and provide more information about the condition. If you have a heart condition or chronic high blood pressure, you may not be accepted for a ceremony or retreat. People with tuberculosis should not take Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma). It is not considered safe to drink Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) when you are pregnant. If you suffer from a particular medical condition not covered below, you should contact OMMIJ to discuss your specific situation before booking a ceremony or retreat with OMMIJ.

Although the use of Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) under controlled conditions is generally considered safe, some medical conditions can have moderate to very serious complications when used with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma). These include:

  • Epilepsy/seizures: If you or an immediate family member has a history of epilepsy and/or seizures, you should inform OMMIJ before booking a ceremony or retreat. Use of Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma), if not properly managed and controlled, can induce a seizure if you have a history of epilepsy.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes are at extra risk when consuming Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma). This is because using the MAO inhibitors (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) in Ayahuasca can alter blood sugar levels via hypoglycaemic effects. Moreover, MAOIs like Ayahuasca can alter the amount of insulin or oral anti-diabetic medication you need. People with severe, unstable diabetes are better off not taking Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) because of this risk. People with less severe diabetes should contact OMMIJ before booking a ceremony or retreat to discuss the specifics of their case, including the possibility of a modified diet.
  • Heart/Cardiovascular conditions: If you have a chronic heart condition or high blood pressure, OMMIJ advises against participating in drinking Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma). Taking Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) can increase blood pressure, which can pose a serious and/or fatal risk for people with serious heart disease or high blood pressure. *Having such serious conditions prohibits you from participating in any of OMMIJ’s Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) ceremonies and retreats.*If you have a mild heart condition, please discuss this with OMMIJ before booking a ceremony or retreat.
  • Liver and Kidney conditions: The liver and kidneys play a vital role in the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous chemicals, and using the MAOI Ayahuasca and San Pedro (Huachuma) can be stressful and impair their proper functioning.
  • Hypothyroidism: It is generally safe to partake in the use of Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) if you have a hypothyroidism condition, but you should inform OMMIJ of your condition so that OMMIJ can accurately monitor your dosage during your Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) cure. You may also continue taking your hypothyroid medication during your ceremony or retreat without complications.

IMPORTANT NOTES (PLEASE READ):

  • Everyone is fully responsible for informing OMMIJ of past or current drug problems, serious physical or psychological balance disorders or current prescription drugs.
  • Persons who are under treatment or supervision of a psychiatrist, undergoing psychopharmaceutical treatment or using drugs (e.g. heroin, cocaine, amphetamines) or have had the aforementioned problems in the past should consult OMMIJ before booking an Ayahuasca or San
  • Pedro (Huachuma) ceremony or retreat.
    The use of other herbal medicines or drugs (e.g. magic mushrooms, marijuana, DMT, LSD) is strongly discouraged in most cases; please contact OMMIJ if you have any questions.
  • Please also contact us about any medication you need to take prior to the Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) ceremony.
  • Consult OMMIJ in advance in case of untreated tuberculosis, weak heart or liver condition, pregnancy or in case of any other health problems that might interfere or be dangerous in combination with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma).

WARNING: PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY.

It is also important to consider psychological safety. People with personality disorders or a history of mental disorders (such as borderline, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.) are at risk if they use Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma). OMMIJ conducts a medical screening questionnaire for all potential participants assessing the presence of the above risk factors. Ensuring a controlled context in which to work with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma), as well as adequate integration of the experience during and at the end of the ceremony or retreat, are keys to reducing Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) related risks. OMMIJ treats the safety of its guests as paramount and ensures that all measures, including 24-hour supervision, are taken where necessary.

Provided the above precautions are carefully taken, working with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) is safe. Fortunately, in eight years and having facilitated healing journeys for more than 24000 participants, OMMIJ has an exemplary record and no serious problems (physical or psychological) have ever occurred

DRUGS TO BE AVOIDED WITH AYAHUASCA AND SAN PEDRO (HUACHUMA).

Certain medications should be avoided with Ayahuasca and San Pedro (Huachuma), as they can be potentially life-threatening. This includes interaction with pharmaceutical drugs and medications, as well as some over-the-counter drugs and certain herbs. In particular, the combination with MAOIs and other serotonin agonists or precursors poses a serious risk of causing a life-threatening serotonin syndrome episode. These include:

  • MAOIs
  • SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
  • Antihypertensive drugs/medication for high blood pressure
  • Appetite suppressants or diet pills
  • Medicines for asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory problems
  • Antihistamines
  • Medicines for colds, sinus problems, hay fever or allergies (all medicines containing dextromethorphan/DXM, or having DM, DX or Tuss in their name).
  • CNS (central nervous system) depressants (e.g. Xanax, Ativan)
  • Vasodilators
  • Antipsychotics
  • Barbiturates

SOME ILLEGAL AND RECREATIONAL DRUGS ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO COMBINE WITH AYAHUASCA OR SAN PEDRO (HUACHUMA), INCLUDING:

  • Cocaine, amphetamines and ephedrine
  • MDMA (Ecstasy), MDA, MDEA, PMA
  • Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine, opium)
  • Dextromethorphan (DXM)
  • Nutmeg

OTHER ILLEGAL OR RECREATIONAL DRUGS MAY BE DANGEROUS TO COMBINE WITH AYAHUASCA OR SAN PEDRO (HUACHUMA), SUCH AS:

  • Mescaline (elke fenethylamine)
  • Barbituraten
  • Alcohol
  • Kratom
  • Kava
  • 5-MEO-DMT

See OMMIJ’s Safety Guidelines for more detailed information on the use of medicines in combination with Ayahuasca.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS.

Certain drugs and medications have been found to be incompatible with Ayahuasca and San Pedro (Huachuma). It is essential to stop using the substances mentioned in this document and give your system enough time to remove them from the body before embarking on a ceremony or retreat. Consult your doctor if in doubt. You should not stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS: HERBAL MEDICINES AND SUPPLEMENTS.

Inform OMMIJ of all herbal and natural medicines you are taking, as well as supplements. The following herbal medicines should not be combined with Ayahuasca and San Pedro (Huachuma) and should be stopped at least two weeks before working with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma):

  • St. John’s Wort
  • Kava
  • Kratom
  • Ephedra
  • Ginseng
  • Yohimbe
  • Sinicuichi
  • Rhodiola Rosea
  • Kanna
  • Boswellia
  • Nutmeg
  • Scotch Broom
  • Licorice root
  • Cannabis

CONTRA-INDICATIONS: DRUGS AND MEDICINES.

All drugs containing MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are known to cause dangerous side effects when taken in combination with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) and should be suspended. Any medication that has an effect on the serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can cause serotonin syndrome, with potentially fatal consequences when combined with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma). OMMIJ recommends discontinuing SSRI medications six weeks prior to a ceremony or retreat to allow the system to clear in time. Some of these medications can cause side effects when you stop taking them, so you should allow enough time for these to subside and always consult your doctor before changing your medication regimen.

DRUGS WITH A CONTRA-INDICATION:

  • Other MAOIs
  • SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
  • Asthma inhalers
  • Antihypertensives (medicines for high blood pressure)
  • Appetite suppressants (diet pills)
  • Medicines for asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory problems
  • Antihistamines, medicines for colds, sinus problems, hay fever or allergies (all cold, cough or flu medicines and all medicines with DM, DX or -tuss in the name).
  • CNS (central nervous system) depressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Barbiturates
  • Sedatives
  • Sympathomimetic amines (including pseudoephedrine and ephedrine)
  • Alcohol
  • Amphetamines
  • Opiates
  • Mescaline (any phenethylamine)
  • Barbiturates

SPECIFIC CONTRA-INDICATED DRUGS:

  • Actifed
  • Adderall
  • Alaproclaat
  • Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
  • Amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel)
  • Amineptine
  • Amitriptaline
  • Amoxapine (Asendin)
  • Asaron/Calamus
  • Atomoxedine
  • Befloxeton
  • Benadryl
  • Benylin
  • Benzedrine
  • Benzfetamine (Didrex)
  • Bicifadine
  • Brasofensine
  • Brofaromine
  • Bromarest-DM of -DX
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
  • Buspiron (BuSpar)
  • Butriptyline
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol)
  • Chloorfeniramine
  • Chlor Trimeton
  • Cimoxeton
  • Citalopram
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
  • Cocaïne
  • Codeïne
  • Compoz
  • Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
  • Cyclizine (Marezine)
  • Dapoxotine
  • Desipramine (Pertofrane, Norpramin)
  • Desvenlafaxine
  • Dextroamfetamine (Dexedrine)
  • Dextromethorfan (DXM)
  • Dibenzepin
  • Dienolide kavapyrone desmethoxyyangonine
  • Diethylpropion
  • Dimetaan-DX
  • Disopyramide (Norpace)
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse)
  • Dopamine (Intropin)
  • Dosulepin
  • Doxepin (Sinequan)
  • Dristan Verkoudheid & Griep
  • Duloxetine
  • Emsam
  • Efedrine
  • Epinefrine (Adrenaline)
  • Escitalopram
  • Femoxitine
  • Fenfluramine (Pondimin)
  • Flavoxaathydrochloride (Urispas)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Furazolidon (Furoxon)
  • Guanethedine
  • Guanadrel (Hylorel)
  • Guanethidine (Ismelin)
  • Hydralazine (Apresoline)
  • 5 Hydroxytryptofaan
  • Imipramine (T ofranil)
  • Iprindol
  • Iproniazide (Marsilid, Iprozid, Ipronid, Rivivol,
  • Propilniazida)
  • Iproclozide
  • Isocarboxazide (Marplan)
  • Isoniazid (Laniazid, Nydrazid)
  • Isoniazide rifampin (Rifamaat, Rimactane)
  • Isoproterenol (Isuprel)
  • L-dopa (Sinemet)
  • Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa)
  • Linezolid (Zyvox, Zyvoxid)
  • Lithium (Eskalith)
  • Lofepramine
  • Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Macromerine
  • Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
  • MDA
  • MDEA
  • MDMA (Ecstasy)
  • Medifoxamine
  • Melitracen
  • Meperidine (Demerol)
  • Metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel)
  • Metaraminol (Aramine)
  • Methamfetamine (Desoxyn)
  • Methyldopa (Aidomet)
  • Methylfenidaat (Ritalin)
  • Mianserin
  • Milnacipran
  • Minaprine
  • Mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • Moclobemide
  • Montelukast (Singulair)
  • Nefazodon
  • Nialamide
  • Nisoxetine
  • Nomifensine
  • Norepinefrine (Levophed)
  • Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
  • Oxybutyninechloride (Ditropan)
  • Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
  • Orfenadrine (Norflex)
  • Pargyline (Eutonyl)
  • Parnate
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Pemoline (Cylert)
  • Percocet
  • Pethedine (Demerol)
  • Phendimetrazine (Plegiline)
  • Fenelanine
  • Fenergen
  • Fenmetrazine
  • Phentermine
  • Fenylefrine (Dimetane, Dristan decongestivum, Neo
  • Synephrine)
  • Fenylpropanolamine (in veel verkoudheidsmedicijnen)
  • Fenelzine (Nardil)
  • PMA
  • Procarbazine (Matulane)
  • Procainamide (Pronestyl)
  • Protriptyline (Vivactil)
  • Pseudo-efedrine
  • Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
  • Kinidine (Quinidex)
  • Rasagiline (Azilect)
  • Reboxetine
  • Reserpine (Serpasil)
  • Risperidon
  • Robitussin
  • Salbutemol
  • Salmeterol
  • Selegiline (Eldepryl)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Sibutramine
  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
  • Terfenadine (Seldane D)
  • Tegretol
  • Temaril
  • Tesofensine
  • Theofylline (Theo Dur)
  • Tianeptine
  • Toloxatone
  • Tramidol
  • Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • Trazodon
  • Tricyclische antidepressiva (Amitriptyline, Elavil)
  • Trimipramine (Surmontil)
  • Triptanen
  • Tryptofaan
  • Tyrosine
  • Vanoxerine
  • Venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Viloxezine
  • Vicks Formule 44-D
  • Yohimbine
  • Zimelidine
  • Ziprasidone (Geodon)
  • Using stimulants with MAOIs is particularly dangerous and can be fatal.
  • The use of cocaine, amphetamines or MDMA (Ecstasy) with MAOIs can cause a severe increase in blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and cerebral haemorrhage, and making an overdose of a relatively small amount of cocaine possible. (One death has been recorded with a combination of Peganum harmala and cocaine. Deaths from combining amphetamines with pharmaceutical MAOIs have been recorded in the medical literature).
  • The use of other serotonin agonists or precursors with an MAOI can lead to serotonin syndrome. The main symptom of serotonin syndrome may be severe and prolonged headache (same symptom as MAOI tryptamine interaction) and/or fever (up to 40 °C / 104 °F or more) Other symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include rapid heartbeat, shivering, sweating, dilated pupils, intermittent tremor or convulsions, overactive or overreacting reflexes, hyperactive bowel sounds, high blood pressure. Severe serotonin syndrome can cause shock, agitated delirium, muscle rigidity and high muscle tension. renal failure, seizures, and can be life-threatening.
  • Using tricyclic antidepressants within two weeks of using MAOIs can cause serious side effects, including sudden fever, extremely high blood pressure, convulsions and death.
  • Use of Fluoxetine (Prozac) within five weeks of using MAOIs can cause high fever, rigidity, high blood pressure, mental changes, confusion and hypomania.
  • The use of Benzedrine, Benzphetamine, Desipramine, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Dopamine, Ephedrine (contained in Marax, Quadrinal, and other asthma drugs), Epinephrine, Guanadrel, Guanethidine, Hydralazine, Isoproterenol, L-dopa, Metaraminol, Methyldopa, Mirtazamine, Norepinephrine Oxymetazoline, Phendimetrazine, Phentermine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Pseudoephedrine, Ritalin, or Venlafaxine with MAOIs can cause a hypertensive crisis (severe blood pressure spike).
  • Use of Adderall with MAOIs can lead to high body temperature, seizures and, in some cases, coma.
  • Use of Bupropion (Wellbutrin) within two weeks of using MAOIs can cause serious side effects, such as seizures.
  • The use of Buspiron (Buspar) with MAOIs can cause high blood pressure and increased sedative effects.
  • The use of carbamazepine (Tegretol) in combination with MAOIs may cause fever and increase seizures, especially in epileptics….
  • The use of clomipramine with MAOIs may cause high fever (hyperpyrexic crisis) and seizures.
  • The use of CNS depressants with MAOIs may potentiate depressive effects.
  • The use of desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane) with MAOIs may lead to a hypertensive crisis.
  • The use of Dextromethorphan with MAOIs may cause agitation, hypertension and fever, or brief episodes of psychosis.
  • The use of Fenfluramine with MAOIs may cause fever (hyperpyrexic crisis).
  • The use of Lithium with MAOIs may cause fever and serotonin syndrome.
  • Use of Meperidine (Demerol) with pharmaceutical MAOIs has led to deaths after a single dose.
  • Use of metaproterenol or other beta-adrenergic bronchodilators with MAOIs may cause blood pressure elevation and rapid heart rate.
  • Use of Mirtazapine (Remeron) with MAOIs may lead to hypertensive crisis.
  • The use of Nephazodone (Serzone) may lead to high fever.
  • Using Temaril with MAOIs may increase the risk of side effects.
  • The use of Terfenadine with MAOIs may cause an increase in MAOI blood levels.
  • The use of Theophylline with MAOIs may cause rapid heart rate and anxiety.
  • The use of Trazodone (Desyrel) with MAOIs may cause high fever.
  • The use of tryptophan or L-tryptophan with MAOIs may cause disorientation, confusion, amnesia, delirium, agitation, memory impairment, hypomania and chills.
  • Use of Venlafaxine (Effexor) with MAOIs can lead to a hypertensive crisis.
  • Use of Ziprasidone (Geodon) with MAOIs may cause serotonin syndrome.
  • Use of alcohol with MAOIs may cause side effects such as angina (chest pain) or headache. The headache may mask or be confused with a hypertensive crisis caused by the interaction with MAOIs. MAOIs can also enhance the sedative effect of alcohol.
  • The use of opiates with MAOIs carries a risk of respiratory depression.
  • The use of diuretics with MAOIs may cause a greater than normal drop in blood pressure and an increase in MAOI blood levels.
  • The use of anaesthetics with MAOIs may enhance the anaesthetic effect.
  • The use of sleeping pills, sedatives (major or minor) or barbiturates with MAOIs may enhance the sedative effect.

SAFETY REGULATIONS.

All physical and mental health conditions, as well as any medication you are taking, must be disclosed in confidence to OMMIJ before completing the booking process. Failure to do so will put you and your health at risk.

**In general, when taking Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) or other medicinal plants, do not take any other substances or medicines, including herbal medicines, both for your safety and so as not to interfere with the efficacy of the plants or their energies. Remember to consult your doctor when you stop taking prescribed medication, and to tell your doctor specifically that you will be taking a reversible MAOI.**

BELOW ARE SOME GUIDELINES ON OMMIJ’S POLICY ON THE USE OF MEDICATION WITH AYAHUASCA AND SAN PEDRO (HUACHUMA):

All prescription drugs, certain supplements and illegal drugs should be discontinued at least 2-8 weeks before drinking Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma), depending on the specific type of medicine or supplement (see details below).

Synthetic hormones for hypothyroidism are an exception. You may continue to take your hypothyroid medication during your Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) cure, but you must inform OMMIJ. Many over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, only need to not be taken for 48 hours before Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma), although OMMIJ still recommends discontinuing them 2 weeks in advance.

Specific medications, such as MAOIs and SSRIs, pose significant health complications when combined with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) and therefore require a longer discontinuation period. Refer to the comprehensive list above for detailed descriptions of specific medications and the recommended stopping period. Some medications have moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, so more time may be needed to safely come off your medications.

You should consult your doctor to inform him/her that you will be taking a reversible MAOI.

BELOW ARE MORE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES ON THESE MEDICATIONS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH AYAHUASCA OR SAN PEDRO (HUACHUMA).

MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIS): STOP USING THEM 4 TO 6 WEEKS BEFORE.

Ayahuasca is a very potent, natural MAOI, and should not be used in combination with other MAOIs. Combining MAOIs can lead to complications in the regulation of neurotransmitters and digestion, such as hypertensive crisis, convulsive seizures, fever, delirium, coma, and circulatory collapse. Withdrawal symptoms are possible when discontinuing prescribed MAOIs, so it is important to consult a doctor about how to taper off the dosage.

SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRIS): 6 OR 8 WEEKS PRIOR AND AT LEAST 4 WEEKS AFTER.

The combination of Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) and an SSRI is potentially life-threatening. The combination of these two substances can cause SSRIs to induce serotonin syndrome when used in combination with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma), which is an excess and/or overload of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system and peripheral serotonin receptors. With most SSRIs you should stop 6 weeks before the ceremony, but with Prozac you should stop 8 weeks before drinking Ayahuasca because of its longer half-life. To avoid side effects, it is important to give yourself time to get used to not taking any medication before participating in an Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) ceremony.

OTHER ANTI-DEPRESSANTS: DISCONTINUE USE 6 WEEKS BEFORE, AND FOR AT LEAST 4 WEEKS AFTER.

Antidepressants other than SSRIs can cause serious complications when combined with drinking Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma). These antidepressants include serotonin-norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRI), serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARI), norepinephrine inhibitors (NRI), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRI), tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCA), noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSA), and serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMS). As with all medications, it is important to give antidepressants ample time to leave your system to avoid unwanted side effects.

*Do not stop your medication without consulting your doctor*.

BENZODIAZEPINES, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DRUGS AND SLEEPING PILLS: DO NOT TAKE THEM 3 TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.

Drugs that suppress the central nervous system (CNS), such as certain anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills, should not be used in combination with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma), as they pose a serious health risk. Taking Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma) can intensify the effects of these drugs, leading to slower brain activity, heart rhythm and labored breathing. CNS depressants include benzodiazepines, sedatives and barbiturates. Dependence on CNS depressants can develop easily, so withdrawal symptoms may occur when discontinuing the medication.

*Consult your doctor for help before stopping your medication*.

ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE DRUGS: STOP USE 2 TO 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE, DEPENDING ON THE MEDICATION AND CONSULT WITH THE DOCTOR.

There are many types of blood pressure-lowering drugs that lower blood pressure in different ways; among the most important and widely used are thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers and angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

*Consult your doctor before discontinuing your medication*.

ALL OTHER DRUGS: DISCONTINUE USE FOR AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR, AND FOR AT LEAST 1 WEEK AFTERWARDS.

  • Medications such as Valium, Xanax and similar benzodiazepines.
  • Antibiotics, antihistamines, systemic vasoconstrictors or decongestants, cold and flu medicines, asthma inhalers and medicines with high caffeine content.
  • Narcotics, sedatives and tranquillisers
  • Antihypertensive drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure
  • Painkillers
  • Medicines to treat heart disease
  • Neurological or anti-seizure drugs
  • Hormonal therapy and sympathomimetic drugs, including amphetamines and tyrosine

If you have any questions about the above policy regarding contraindications to the use of most medications in combination with Ayahuasca or San Pedro (Huachuma), or would like to discuss your specific health condition(s), please contact OMMIJ.