Ayahuasca for Autism: Safety Guide and What to Expect
The question of whether individuals with autism can participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies is one that requires thoughtful consideration and open dialogue. The answer is usually yes – many people with autism have participated successfully in ceremonies and found profound benefit. However, each situation is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. An open dialogue between the individual and the retreat center is essential to determine the specific needs of the person and how those needs can or cannot be provided for. While Ayahuasca has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, participating in ceremony with autism presents unique considerations that must be carefully evaluated on an individual basis. Ayahuasca and Autism: A Comprehensive Guide Ayahuasca & Autism A guide to navigating ceremony with neurodiversity, transparency, and safety. Open Dialogue Honest communication about sensitivities is the foundation of a successful experience. Individual Path Every case is unique. What heals one may overwhelm another; there is no one-size-fits-all. Safety First Start with smaller doses or consider private ceremonies for higher sensory control. Core Challenges Sensory Overload Icaros (songs), intense smells (incense), and darkness can be overwhelming. Social Dynamics Unfamiliar social protocols and close proximity to strangers in a group setting. Shutdown & Overwhelm Difficulty managing the internal state if a “shutdown” occurs during the peak of ceremony. ? Questions to Ask: → What grounding support is available if I enter shutdown? → Can a facilitator accompany me to a quieter spot? → What type of music is played (drums vs. silence)? Accommodations 1 Secluded Seating Placing participants in areas with less visual/social stimulation. 2 Dose Management Starting with a smaller dose to test sensitivity before diving deeper. 3 Private Ceremonies The “Gold Standard” for those needing environmental control and flexibility. “While music and group protocols usually cannot be changed, small adjustments often make the difference between a difficult night and a transformative one.” The Limits of Customization The Group Integrity: Retreat centers balance the needs of the individual with the harmony of the whole group. Music: Cannot be changed per person, as it is the shaman’s tool for guiding the collective energy. Presence: Most centers require you to remain in the ceremony space for safety; you cannot return to your room mid-experience. Trust: There must be a level of trust in the shaman’s ability to hold the space for everyone involved. Ayahuasca and Autism Comprehensive Guide Informed • Supported • Safe Every Case of Autism is Different At our center, we have welcomed multiple participants with autism, and their experiences have been remarkably varied. Some individuals have had incredible, transformative journeys and have returned for multiple retreats. In fact, one difficult experience came from working with a person with autism, which resulted in our worst review. This encounter taught us a crucial lesson: autism must be approached individually. The way autism manifests in one person can be entirely different from how it manifests in another. What works beautifully for one individual may be overwhelming or inappropriate for another. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Important Considerations To determine whether an Ayahuasca retreat is appropriate for someone with autism, several factors need careful evaluation: Do You Have Functioning Autism? The degree to which autism affects daily functioning varies greatly. Understanding where someone falls on the spectrum helps inform whether they can navigate the demands and unpredictability of ceremony. What Are Your Sensitivities? Many people with autism experience hypersensitivities to sensory input such as sound, light, touch, or smell. Ayahuasca ceremonies are inherently sensory-rich experiences, with music, singing, darkness, incense, and close proximity to others. Understanding your specific sensitivities is essential for determining whether the ceremony environment will be manageable or overwhelming. What Conditions Help You Feel Comfortable? Comfort conditions are often directly related to sensitivities. For example, if you’re sensitive to sound, you’ll want to know what type of music will be played during ceremony. Is it drum-heavy? Are there loud icaros (healing songs)? Will there be periods of silence? Have an honest conversation with the retreat center about what to expect and whether any adjustments can be made to support your needs. Understanding Shutdown and Overwhelm Many people with autism experience shutdown when overwhelmed – a state where they withdraw or become unable to process further stimulation. It’s important to discuss with the retreat center what support can be offered if this occurs during ceremony. What strategies can be used? Can you move to a quieter space? What will facilitators do to help you through it? In a separate Blog we talk about how Ayahuasca affects the brain chemistry. Of course it’s important to check the medications you are taking, especially the one’s affecting brain chemistry like SSRIs as they are not compatible with Ayahuasca and can be dangerous. What Accommodations Can the Retreat Center Provide? Different retreat centers have different capabilities and policies. Some questions to explore: Can you return to your room if needed during ceremony? Can a more secluded space with less sensory input be prepared within the ceremony area where you can retreat to if overwhelmed? What flexibility exists around the standard ceremony format? It’s important to understand that many centers have agreements that may feel restrictive but serve important safety purposes. For example, at our center, once you begin a ceremony, we ask that you remain present throughout. You cannot simply return to your room and say you’ve had enough for the day. This policy exists because we need to remain attentive to you. Ayahuasca can come in waves – sometimes unpredictably – and if you choose to drink with us, we feel the responsibility of accompanying you throughout the entire experience. Your safety requires our continuous presence and awareness. In this sense it is important that you know the logistics of an Ayahuasca ceremony and what to expect. The Limits of Customization While retreat centers want to support all participants, there are practical limits to customization. For instance, we cannot change the music simply because one person finds it challenging. Music is an
Ayahuasca and Bipolar Disorder – What You Need to Know Before You Decide
The decision to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony is never simple, but for people living with bipolar disorder, it carries particular weight. Ayahuasca has gained recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits, yet it also poses serious risks for those with mood disorders – risks that aren’t always clearly communicated in the excitement surrounding psychedelic healing. This article isn’t meant to judge your choices or close doors to healing. Instead, it’s written to give you the complete picture so you can make an informed decision about your mental health and safety. Whether you’re considering ayahuasca for the first time or have already participated in ceremonies, understanding how this powerful medicine interacts with bipolar disorder could be crucial to your well-being. Ayahuasca & Bipolar Disorder Infographic Ayahuasca & Bipolar Disorder Safety, Risks, and Informed Decisions Individuals with Bipolar Disorder navigate intense emotional landscapes. Introducing Ayahuasca can act as an accelerant, potentially triggering destabilization or psychosis. Why the Risk is High Sleep Deprivation Ceremonies run late into the night. Sleep loss is a major trigger for manic episodes. Serotonin Surge The DMT and MAOIs in the medicine create chemical shifts that a bipolar nervous system may not be able to regulate. Potential Psychosis Risk of triggering severe confusion, delusions, or hallucinations that may require psychiatric intervention. Lack of Specialized Support Most traditional facilitators aren’t trained to handle clinical psychiatric emergencies. Fast Facts Can I take a small dose? No. Even micro-amounts can trigger manic cycles in vulnerable brains. What about my meds? Combining Ayahuasca with SSRIs/SNRIs can lead to fatal Serotonin Syndrome. Should I hide my diagnosis? Never. Full transparency is essential for your life and the safety of the group. Safer Roads to Healing Breathwork Nature Therapy Integration Your healing matters. Your safety matters. Always consult with your prescribing physician before making changes to your protocol. Choosing stability is a powerful act of self-care. What Bipolar Disorder Actually Involves Bipolar disorder is characterized by significant mood swings that cycle between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These aren’t simply good days and bad days – they’re distinct episodes that can last days, weeks, or even months. During manic episodes, a person might experience elevated mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, impulsivity, decreased need for sleep, and sometimes disconnection from reality. Hypomanic episodes involve similar symptoms but are less severe and don’t include psychotic features. Depressive episodes bring persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and sometimes suicidal ideation. The condition exists on a spectrum. Bipolar I involves full manic episodes, while Bipolar II features hypomanic episodes and more severe depression. Cyclothymic disorder involves chronic fluctuating moods that don’t meet full criteria for mania or major depression but still cause significant distress. What makes bipolar disorder particularly relevant to ayahuasca use is its neurochemical nature. The condition involves dysregulation of neurotransmitters – including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – the very systems that ayahuasca powerfully affects. The brain of someone with bipolar disorder is already prone to extreme states; introducing a substance that profoundly alters brain chemistry can be like adding accelerant to a smoldering fire. Why Ayahuasca Can Be Dangerous for Bipolar Disorder Ayahuasca works primarily through DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and MAO inhibitors (from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine), which dramatically increase serotonin availability in the brain. For most people, this creates the visionary and introspective experience ayahuasca is known for. For someone with bipolar disorder, this neurochemical surge can destabilize a carefully balanced mood regulation system. The risks include: Triggering manic episodes: The intense emotional and energetic experience of ayahuasca can precipitate mania in susceptible individuals. What begins as spiritual awakening can escalate into grandiosity, reckless behavior, and loss of reality testing that persists long after the ceremony ends. Here you can find a published case report of a person with bipolar disorder developing a manic episode after ayahuasca use, reinforcing clinical concerns about mood destabilization in this population (Szmulewicz et al., 2015). Inducing psychosis: People with bipolar disorder, especially Bipolar I, have an elevated risk of psychotic symptoms. Ayahuasca can trigger or worsen hallucinations, delusions, and severe confusion that may require psychiatric hospitalization. A systematic review of ayahuasca and DMT-related psychosis found that psychotic and manic episodes, though relatively rare, tend to occur in people with pre-existing vulnerabilities such as mood or psychotic disorders and substance use problems (dos Santos et al., 2017; “Psicosis inducida por ayahuasca,” 2017; dos Santos & Strassman, 2008). In a detailed article, I talk about if Ayahuasca can cause psychosis. Cycle destabilization: Even if you’ve been stable for years, ayahuasca can disrupt that equilibrium, potentially leading to more frequent mood episodes or increased severity of symptoms in the months following use. Unpredictable reactions: Unlike many other health conditions where risk factors are more straightforward, the interaction between ayahuasca and bipolar disorder can be highly individual and impossible to predict with certainty. These aren’t theoretical concerns. Mental health professionals who work with psychedelic communities have documented cases of severe psychiatric crises following ayahuasca use in people with bipolar disorder, some requiring extended hospitalization and fundamentally altering the course of someone’s illness. A recent retrospective case study of ayahuasca use in a person with bipolar disorder and psychotic features underscores that, even in carefully followed cases, the risk of destabilization remains significant and requires intensive psychiatric oversight (Turkia et al., 2023). How Ceremonies Can Trigger Mania or Psychosis The ceremony environment itself – beyond the pharmacology – can contribute to psychiatric destabilization. Understanding these factors can help you assess your risk more accurately. Ayahuasca ceremonies typically involve: Sleep deprivation: Many ceremonies run late into the night, and participants often attend multiple ceremonies over consecutive nights. Sleep disruption is one of the most powerful triggers for manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. Research consistently shows that sleep loss is one of the most powerful and predictable triggers for manic and hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder (Colombo et al., 1999), which is especially relevant given that many ayahuasca ceremonies run late into the night or occur on several consecutive nights.
Ayahuasca & ADHD: Insights from 20+ Years’ Experience
Explore Ayahuasca and ADHD research, risks & healing. Backed by 20+ years safe retreat support, focus & compassion through plant medicine.
Ayahuasca Dosage Guide | 15+ Years Safe Ceremony Support
Discover how Ayahuasca dosage works—ml, cups & traditions. Backed by 15+ years of experience, safe guidance & personalized support.
Can You Die Drinking Ayahuasca – Dr. Kevin Zapata
Recent incidents, including one in February 2024, have linked ayahuasca to a death in media reports, fueling speculation and sensationalized headlines. This has sparked public debate about the traditional use of medicinal plants. Given the sensitive nature of this topic, it’s crucial to approach it with an objective and informed perspective which we will do in this article Key takeaways ● Ayahuasca has been associated with death since its use became popular in Western society. ● It is estimated that approximately 4 million people from the Americas, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand have taken Ayahuasca. ● Between 1994 and 2022, approximately 60 cases of death apparently related to ayahuasca have been reported. ● To date, worldwide, no forensic examination or toxicological analysis has determined that the combination of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana caused someone’s death due to intoxication. ● The reported deaths have mostly been attributable to secondary causes, and some of them could have been avoided. Table of Contents “Between 1994 and 2023, 60 cases of Ayahuasca related deaths have been reported worldwide.” What can happen when I take Ayahuasca? When a person takes Ayahuasca for the first time, it is never certain what type of experience they will have, as the range of possibilities is as vast as the universe itself and will depend on each individual’s belief system, their previous experiences, their expectations, their unique and individual reality. But one thing is certain: when a person connects with the spirit of the plant (which can be the brew’s ability to activate parts of the brain that were previously inactive), new forms of thought are produced that allow you to feel a new reality. A global survey on the adverse effects of ayahuasca, conducted between 2017 and 2019 with the participation of 10,836 people from more than 50 countries, found that 69.9% of participants reported acute physical adverse effects, primarily vomiting, and 2.3% required subsequent medical attention. Regarding mental adverse effects, 55.9% of participants experienced them in the weeks or months following consumption, although 88% considered these effects to be part of a positive process of growth or integration. (8) How many people have taken ayahuasca? For the year 2019 in America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, an estimated figure of 820,000 people was calculated. (1) According to the latest study conducted by ICEERS (ethnobotanical education, research, and service) published in June of the year 2023, where data on the total number of people who have taken ayahuasca worldwide and possible associated deaths were collected, an estimated figure was obtained for all of America of at least 3,178,160 people, in Europe 938,312 people, in Australia and New Zealand 123,068 people, for a total of over 4 million people worldwide that have taken ayahuasca. Find out if Ayahuasca is right for you Will you be safe physically and emotionally? How will you be supported in the ceremony? How do the facilitators handle difficult situations? How will you be able to process the experience? You want change, but will your life be unrecognizable after Ayahuasca? + 13 things to consider before drinking Ayahuasca? How many people have died from an apparent Ayahuasca death? Ayahuasca has been associated with death since its use became popular in Western society, and the mention of ayahuasca in the headline offered an undeniable lure from a journalistic standpoint. After all, a headline linking death to an “exotic and hallucinogenic drug” is likely to attract far more readers. According to the last report conducted by ICEERS a total of 60 cases of possibly associated deaths have been reported to date, however, without confirmation through autopsies, all of them with secondary causes of death. It was found that between 1994 and 2023, 60 cases of Ayahuasca related deaths have been reported worldwide. The analysis conducted so far was based on journalistic reports, which limits the possibility of identifying the circumstances and exact causes of the deaths. No forensic examination or toxicological analysis has determined that the combination of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana (ayahuasca or yagé) caused someone’s death due to intoxication; that is to say, consuming ayahuasca has not been directly associated with causing death.(1) In the article “Ayahuasca: A Review of the Risks and Benefits,” the authors address the topic of deaths and medical emergencies associated with ayahuasca consumption. Although deaths related to ayahuasca are relatively rare, these fatal events are often the result of a combination of factors, including drug interactions, preexisting medical conditions such as heart disease, and improper use of the substance. (9) https://youtu.be/AndmQzfWvG8 What have been the causes of death associated with those persons? The evaluation of the cases highlights the fact that some lack accurate forensic/toxicological information, while others are not directly relevant to traditional ayahuasca preparations.(2) According to the report, out of the total recorded deaths, in 16 cases, there is a temporal immediacy between ayahuasca consumption and death; however, in none of them was an autopsy performed, making it difficult to determine if in any case there could have been another contributing factor to the fatal outcome, for example: mixing with other medicines or contraindicated drugs, severe cardiovascular conditions, accidents, traumas or suicidal. In 9 cases, autopsies were performed, but in none of them was it determined that the basic and most common formulation of ayahuasca presentation was the cause of death due to acute intoxication. In 35 cases, death resulted from other factors such as homicides, suicide, substance intoxication, blows, falls, drownings, tobacco intoxication, heart attack, hyponatremia (water overdose). The cases suggest that previous cardiac and hepatic pathologies and current use of serotonergic drugs/medications are contraindications to ayahuasca use, and that caution should be taken when using different botanical species and extracted/synthetic alkaloids to prepare ayahuasca analogues.(2) The last case was a 73-year-old woman who died after apparently consuming ayahuasca.(3) The information so far is not clear, and there are many speculations, especially in internet news, which capitalize on the striking headline to attract attention.
Ayahuasca high blood pressure – when does it get dangerous?
Because Ayahuasca is a medicine of indigenous traditional use, like any other substance, it has its indications, contraindications, precautions, and warnings. One of the most frequent enquiries is whether someone diagnosed with high blood pressure (arterial hypertension) can participate in an Ayahuasca/Yagé ceremony. Key takeaways Various studies have shown a transient increase in blood pressure values after the ingestion of Ayahuasca, which return to normal ranges after approximately 90 minutes. Individuals with uncontrolled (high blood pressure) arterial hypertension are not recommended to take ayahuasca. Arterial hypertension may be associated with other serious cardiovascular diseases. If you have well-controlled arterial hypertension, are taking medications consistently, and do not have other serious heart-compromising conditions, it may be possible to take Ayahuasca. Table of Contents Ayahuasca high blood pressure (Arterial Hypertension) Does Ayahuasca affect blood pressure? Various studies have documented changes in blood pressure patterns, with moderate increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure observed, as well as a moderate increase in heart rate meeting criteria for tachycardia, following acute ingestion of Ayahuasca. (1) Overall, it has been found that ayahuasca can induce moderate increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These increases peak between one hour and one and a half hours after administration, averaging around 10 mmHg. The effects on heart rate are minimal, with increases of about 4-10 beats per minute, also observed around one hour after administration and not reaching statistical significance.(2) On the other hand, a study conducted in hypertensive rats in 2013, to which ayahuasca was administered in different doses, demonstrated that chronic use did not cause significant changes in blood pressure, systolic and diastolic patterns, and there appeared to be no relevant histopathological changes. (3) In another study conducted by Dos Santos, Grasa et al., 2012 it was found that despite a significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate values in patients who received an initial dose of Ayahuasca compared to placebo, these increases were transient and lasted between 15 and 30 minutes, and were not replicated after receiving a second dose of Ayahuasca. In fact, they showed decreases in these variables after repeated ayahuasca administration, which the author related to some level of desensitization, decreased signaling, or downregulation of the 5-HT2A receptor. (1) Must Read Blog: Can Ayahuasca heal your body? Can Ayahuasca cause high blood pressure? To date, there is not enough evidence that proves that drinking ayahuasca can produce high blood pressure permanently. Studies have shown that, in healthy individuals, the administration of single doses of ayahuasca within the normal dosage range does not appear to entail a particular cardiovascular risk. (2) What does occur in some individuals are transient elevations in blood pressure values, which can be measured between 30- and 60-minutes post-ingestion before returning to previous normal values between minutes 90 and 180. (1) Must Read Blog: What is Ayahuasca? Is Ayahuasca safe for the heart? Ayahuasca is safe for the heart in individuals without pre-existing cardiovascular diseases; however, in those with any cardiac condition, the case should be evaluated on an individual basis. I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (arterial hypertension) and I want to take Ayahuasca. Could I do it? In the case of patients with arterial hypertension disorders and heart pathologies, caution is advised, as the inhibition of intraneural MAO (monoamine oxidases: substances present in the brew) can increase levels of noradrenaline, which could lead to producing intense sympathomimetic effects (elevation of blood pressure values, increase in cardiac output, and heart rate) that may be a risk factor for individuals with these disorders. In these cases, the best recommendation is to have proper control of blood pressure values in the weeks leading up to taking Ayahuasca; generally, it is not recommended to stop antihypertensive pill therapies before the ayahuasca ceremony, and it is important to inform the team or facilitators about the medications you are taking to provide accurate recommendations and care. The normal blood pressure values according to the American Heart Association for a healthy adult should be below 120/80 mmHg, and the normal heart rate values should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute; however, many factors can alter these values, such as caffeine, anxiety, and stress. Therefore, if you have any doubts about your blood pressure and whether you can take ayahuasca, it is always advisable to have a medical check-up beforehand. Ayahuasca high blood pressure – Can I drink if I am taking medications to treat it? To date, there are no studies that evaluate the risks of taking Ayahuasca in people who are on antihypertensive medications. As previously mentioned, there may be a transient increase in systolic blood pressure values by about 10 mmHg; for these cases, it is advisable to conduct an individual assessment of the patient considering the mechanisms of action of the antihypertensive medications being taken, their elimination pathway, and the control of blood pressure values in this person; generally, there are no contraindications to taking ayahuasca in combination with any antihypertensive medication; in fact, the recommendation is not to stop them. Must Read Blog: How does Ayahuasca affect the brain? Why do some places advise against taking Ayahuasca if I have high blood pressure? Having high blood pressure values does suggest one should not take Ayahuasca because it has been shown to increase blood pressure values by up to 10 mmHg (2), which can pose risks for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. Additionally, some people with high blood pressure also have other associated cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, a history of myocardial infarction, ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmias, in which cases and for these individuals, the ingestion of Ayahuasca is not recommended. Can Ayahuasca cure me of high blood pressure (arterial hypertension)? Arterial hypertension is an increasingly common disease in the Western population, and its exact causes have not been fully elucidated, with multiple factors involved in causing this condition. These factors include hereditary causes, endocrine tumors, and a wide variety of risk factors such as overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutritional habits, high sodium
How does Ayahuasca affect the brain – By Dr. Zapata
Ayahuasca, an ancestral medicinal brew of the native peoples of the Amazon, has been gaining popularity and use over recent years. Its use in cities, where it was almost impossible to find about 20 years ago, has become increasingly common. This has led to more frequent research on its components and has sparked interest within the scientific community regarding its potential therapeutic uses, considering the numerous reports about its benefits, primarily in the fields of psychiatry and neurology. In the last decade, research on Ayahuasca has been on the rise, especially regarding its main components, DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), and the Beta-Carbolines (Harmine, Tetrahydroharmine, and Harmaline), which has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms of action and its effects at the cerebral level. Key takeaways: The combination of the substances present in the ayahuasca brew allows the modifications in the connections in the brain and produce the experience. The main element present in Ayahuasca is DMT, that is a substance like serotonin and has implications in the regulation of social behavior, appetite, circadian rhythm, sleep, attention, anxiety, emotional state, learning process and memory. Other substances present in the Ayahuasca are B-Carbolines with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the human body. The neurophysiological effects on the brain caused by ayahuasca show positive effects on mood, cognition and possible therapeutic effects for depressive, addiction disorders and Parkinson’s disease. Table of Contents What are the components of Ayahuasca or Yagé? The main alkaloid substances present in Ayahuasca come from two different plants: the vine Banisteriopsis Caapi, which provides the Beta-Carbolines: Harmine (HAR), Tetrahydroharmine (THH), Harmaline (HML), and the leaves of Psychotria viridis (known as Chacruna), which provide N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). (figure 1). Both components are responsible for producing the psychoactive effects that induce different states of consciousness that aid in the healing of the mind, emotions, and spirit. Let’s talk about each one of them. Must Read Blog: What is Ayahuasca DMT and its importance in Ayahuasca DMT is one of the components present in the brew and has been widely studied because it is a molecule that has a similar structure to serotonin (5-HT). Figure 2 DMT is also classified as an endogenous trace neurotransmitter, which means it is part of the body’s substances that transmit messages between cells and is present in tissues such as lungs and brain but in very low quantities. What is serotonin and why is it important to know about it? Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter (a substance used by neurons to communicate with other neurons and with other cells) that is produced in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and in other organs of the body (intestines, platelets). It has implications in the regulation of social behavior, appetite, circadian rhythm, sleep, attention, anxiety, emotional state, learning process, intestinal movements, memory, modulator of the hemostasis (regulation of blood clotting), control of blood pressure and also it is a growth factor which may help in wound healing. Its concentration is reduced under stress. Therefore, by understanding the functions of serotonin, we can get an idea of the brain effects of the beverage. How does serotonin affect the brain? There are at least 14 different types of serotonin receptors identified in the brain and each receptor subtype has specific functions with different signaling pathways, some receptors can have inhibitory or excitatory effects on neurons. There are some cells called the neurons of the raphe nuclein, which are the main sources of 5-HT in the brain; from there, the neurons form different pathways. (Table 1) Ayahuasca, DMT and serotonin, what about them? Ayahuasca contains DMT among its components, which is a substance that acts on the same parts of the brain as serotonin (5-HT1a, 5-HT2a, 5-HT2c neuronal receptors). We must consider that its other components (Beta-Carbolines) can also act as neurotransmitters, as they can either bind directly to the stimulated brain area (neuronal receptor) or inhibit the degradation of serotonin (increasing the availability of serotonin for further stimulation) by inhibiting monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), allowing for greater availability of noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain. Neural communication to further understanding! We will see a typical example of neuronal communication through serotonin, not forgetting that this same function can be carried out by DMT. In the following diagram, we can see two neurons communicating. The first one contains serotonin molecules inside it (acting as messengers) and is called the presynaptic neuron, while the second is called the postsynaptic neuron. Serotonin is released into the space between the two neurons, which is called the synaptic cleft, and from there, it binds to the 5-HT receptors on the surface of the postsynaptic neuron, producing stimulation. In the image, we can also observe that in the first neuron, there are structures responsible for trapping the serotonin that remains free in the space and carrying the excess back to the presynaptic neuron to deliver it to monoamine oxidase (MAO) for its elimination. (Figure 3) Figure 3 What about the other compounds in Ayahuasca? Let’s find out what Monoamine Oxidases are! Monoamine oxidases (MAO) are a group of enzymes in the body that are responsible for controlling the availability of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, therefore, they also have effects on DMT when it is ingested orally. There are many types of MAO inhibitors, and some are still used as antidepressants, as it has been evidenced that their imbalance (too much or too little MAO activity) is thought to be responsible for several neurological disorders. For example, unusually high or low levels of MAOs in the body have been associated with depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, attention deficit disorder and migraines. However, Ayahuasca contains Beta-Carbolines among its components, which are the alkaloids responsible for temporarily blocking the action of MAO, and it is this inhibition that allows DMT to reach the brain, leading to the elevation of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine levels. Ayahuasca and MAO inhibitors Multiple studies have demonstrated the presence of MAO inhibitors in Ayahuasca, namely the so-called Beta-Carbolines: Harmine, Tetrahydroharmine, and Harmaline,
Can Ayahuasca cause psychosis – written by Dr. Zapata
In recent years and with the growing interest in the use of alternative therapies to help people in their healing processes, the so-called ancestral medicines (ayahuasca, hapey, kambó, among others) have become more apparent, although they have always been present in indigenous communities. Only until this historical moment have they gained widespread popularity, and it is becoming easier to access them. This opening to new forms of treatment brings a light of hope to many people who have not found in conventional medicine the answers to their problems. However, it also requires a responsible approach and usage. There is also ignorance, prejudice, and misinterpretations about the use and possible associated effects. An example of this are the isolated facts recorded by the media, where situations of inappropriate behavior following the intake of Ayahuasca could be understood by some people, who do not know the subject, as psychotic crises. Key takeaways: Psychosis is a set of symptoms that include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized language, thought and behavior, and disconnection with reality. Ayahuasca can produce transitory changes at the psychological level such as changes in the perception of time and space, visual and auditory changes along with religious-type experiences such as connection with mythical entities or gods. After the expected effects of an ayahuasca ceremony wear off, there is no scientific evidence that associates the appearance of psychotic symptoms after. However, some people with pre-existing medical conditions (schizophrenia) are at greater risk of experiencing them. Table of Contents What is a psychosis? Let’s start by understanding what psychosis is. It is defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of Psychiatry as: Transient or persistent appearance of delusional ideas (firmly held false beliefs, confused and without introspection). Hallucinations (sensory perceptions that are not perceived by anyone else). Disorganized thought and speech (speech that is rambling and not directed at any particular object, that shifts from one topic to another, and that can range from mildly disorganized to incoherent and incomprehensible). Frankly disorganized or catatonic behaviors (infantile behavior, agitation, inappropriate appearance, hygiene or conduct, holding a rigid posture and resisting movement, or making movements that have no purpose) that indicate loss of contact with reality. [1] This article is written by Dr. Kevin David Zapata Castañeda For Western medicine, psychosis is not a medical diagnosis but a group of symptoms that, together with other characteristics and in a time frame, can configure a schizophrenia-type mental illness and other related disorders. Therefore, when talking about psychosis, it must be framed within a clinical context, considering the symptoms presented by the person, the duration of these symptoms, personal history of physical and mental illness, family history, and history of consumption of other substances. When can we talk about substance-induced psychosis? Considering the above, in order to speak of substance-induced psychosis, hallucinations and delusions must be greater than those that normally accompany simple intoxication or substance withdrawal; symptoms are usually brief and disappear shortly after the drug wears off; previous mental history must also be considered before considering that the acute psychotic episode is exclusively associated with the substance. [2] What is Ayahuasca? The chemical compounds explained Ayahuasca, also known by the names caapi, daime, yagé, and natema, is a drink composed of the association of two main plants: the infusion of the stems of Banisteriopsis caapi and the leaves of Psychotria viridis. This association forms a synergistic compound containing β-carbolines (Harmaline, Harmine, and Tetrahydroharmine), which are reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO), and P. viridis, which contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT is known to be a potent hallucinogen and is also metabolized and degraded by MAO in the liver and intestine; thus, ingestion of the drink provides increased serotonin concentrations. Orally ingested DMT alone is practically inactive, as it is degraded very rapidly in the intestine and liver by the effect of monoamine oxidase-A, or MAO-A3. Therefore, the presence of B-carboline compounds provided by Banisteriopsis (harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine) is required, which inhibit the effect of the MAO enzyme, thus allowing DMT to reach the central nervous system (CNS). There, it binds to the serotonergic receptors, causing its psychedelic effects. The psychedelic effect of Ayahuasca It is known as psychedelic to the psychic state of a person who is under the effects of a hallucinogen; these substances cause the individual to have a perception of different aspects of the mind, altering the state of consciousness and bringing sensations similar to the dream and ecstasy of a mystical-religious type. In the scientific area, these altered states of consciousness are used to expand one’s own knowledge and consequently of the world, explore the universal mysteries, stimulate the imagination, and reestablish a harmonious relationship with nature, as Albert Hofmann, Terence McKenna, Graham Hancock, and Rupert Sheldrake have done. Physically, the intake of Ayahuasca is characterized by vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, changes in the size of the pupils, and changes in body temperature. At the psychological level, some users have described changes in the perception of time and space, visual and auditory changes (greater sensitivity), and religious experiences such as connections with mystical entities or gods. [5] It is important to consider that these effects are transitory, and their duration varies according to the person. They can occur up to six hours after the ingestion of Ayahuasca and tend to disappear once the session is over. Anticipated effects of Ayahuasca and it’s relation to psychosis Therefore, the effects that occur in this context and that are given within the scope of a ritual session of Ayahuasca intake cannot be considered or associated with psychotic effects since they are expected effects and at no time produce disconnection from the reality of the person. On the contrary, many studies show benefits at the psychological level for cases of anxiety, depression, the treatment of addictions, and other psychological disorders, as well as therapeutic potential in the regulation of mindfulness and emotions. [2-6-7] No scientific studies show a correlation between Ayahuasca and psychosis As far as Ayahuasca is concerned,
