Ayahuasca and antidepressants: what the sources say

The interaction

• Serotonin syndrome with SSRIs and other serotonergic drugsSerious risk

  The MAO-inhibiting harmala alkaloids in ayahuasca combined with SSRI antidepressants may induce a serotonin syndrome with a potentially grave outcome. ICEERS states that combining MAOIs with SSRIs or other serotonergic medications is contraindicated. (Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1998; ICEERS, 2026)

• Why MAOI-containing brews carry more interaction riskSerious risk

  A review of serotonin toxicity notes that true serotonin toxicity typically occurs with overdose or when a drug that increases synaptic serotonin is combined with an MAOI; serotonergic drugs without MAOIs are low risk with psychedelics that also lack MAOIs. Warning signs needing immediate medical attention include myoclonus, extreme or fluctuating vital signs, agitation or coma, muscle rigidity, high fever and seizures. (Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2022)

• Other contraindicated medicines and supplementsSerious risk

  ICEERS lists antidepressants and other psychotropic medications, drugs metabolised by certain cytochrome enzymes, and any medication that interacts with MAO (including MAO inhibitors) as potentially contraindicated, and names St John's wort and Ginkgo biloba as contraindicated herbal supplements. It advises avoiding alcohol, stimulants, opioids and other drugs in the days or weeks before a session. (ICEERS, 2018)

• Stopping medication before a ceremonySerious risk

  ICEERS says contraindicated medications such as certain antidepressants may need to be stopped at least two weeks before a session, but only under strict medical supervision because abruptly stopping psychiatric medication can be dangerous. It also warns that stopping medication for a chronic illness to take ayahuasca can itself be dangerous. (ICEERS, 2018)

Ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT

• Combination with ayahuasca can be fatalSerious risk

  A published autopsy case attributed a death to hallucinogenic amine intoxication after 5-MeO-DMT was taken together with harmala alkaloids, and ICEERS reports a US death that seems to have followed an overdose of synthetic 5-MeO-DMT taken hours after ayahuasca. Retreats that offer toad medicine alongside ayahuasca therefore raise interaction concerns. (Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2005; ICEERS, 2023)

What listed centres publish

Quoted from each centre's own site. None of this is medical advice: any change to medication belongs with your prescriber.

• Temple of the Way of Light · Near Iquitos, Loreto, Peru

  "All applicants complete a comprehensive medical form, which is reviewed by our medical support team." "Certain medications, especially SSRIs and MAOIs, are contraindicated with ayahuasca." Form screens for cardiovascular, liver or kidney disease, recent surgeries, psychiatric conditions and contraindicated medications. No ECG requirement stated.

• Arkana Spiritual Center · Near Libertad (Iquitos), Loreto; also Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru

  FAQ: "we do not serve Ayahuasca to individuals diagnosed with" schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder; epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart conditions and diabetes require consultation. "All medications and supplements must be stopped unless explicitly approved by our medical intake coordinator." "Ayahuasca contains natural MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), which can interact dangerously with certain medications, including: Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)". "An onboarding medical call is conducted to identify any potential health conditions before your arrival." Defibrillators and CPR-trained staff stated. No ECG requirement stated.

• Nimea Kaya Healing Center · Near Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru

  FAQ: "There are several types of medications that conflict with Ayahuasca. Please directly inquire with us regarding any medications you are taking". "All anti-depressant medications must be eliminated at least 3-6 weeks before the retreat begins." Medications must be declared in the application. No MAOI-specific statement, psychiatric exclusion criteria or ECG found on the pages read.

• Dreamglade · Moralillo, Iquitos-Nauta road, Loreto, Peru

  "Dreamglade requires every guest to complete a health and medication disclosure before being accepted." Lists SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics, stimulants, sedatives, heart and blood pressure medications and blood thinners as possibly unsafe; asks about heart, blood pressure or seizure conditions and "A personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar I." Written health intake completed "before any deposit is taken." No ECG stated.

• Etnikas · San Salvador, Sacred Valley, Cusco (also Manu programmes), Peru

  "Guests fill out a health form which is reviewed by our doctors and psychologist." "The doctor will conduct a physical medical examination before the ayahuasca ceremony to ensure the guests are able to participate." Medication (read 2026-10-03): Medical guidelines: "We advise you to stop taking SSRI medications six weeks prior to a workshop to allow the system to clear in time"

• Kapitari · Near Iquitos, Loreto, Peru

  Medication (read 2026-10-03): Welcome pack: do not drink ayahuasca if "You are taking antidepressants/SSRIs drugs like Prozac, Seroxat, Zoloft, Effexor, Paxil, Welbutrin (bupropion), or other similar drugs that are MAOIs"; stop at least 5-7 weeks before.

• La Medicina · Near Tarapoto, San Martin, Peru

  FAQ: "For medications, particularly SSRIs, a discontinuation period longer than four weeks may be necessary (under the guidance of a licensed professional). Report all medication use during intake." "all medications and supplements ... are evaluated individually, so full disclosure in your intake form is crucial." No ECG or psychiatric exclusion criteria found.

• Refugio Altiplano · Tamshiyacu River, near Iquitos, Loreto, Peru

  Medical advice page: "It is necessary that you let us know, in confidence, any known medical conditions and/or use of any medication, at the time of booking." Lists SSRIs ("We advise you to stop taking SSRI medications six weeks prior to a workshop"), MAO inhibitors and St. John's Wort as contraindicated. "If you have a heart condition or chronic high blood pressure you cannot be accepted." Notes risk for "those with a history of psychological problems." No ECG or formal questionnaire stated.

• SpiritQuest Shamanic Sanctuary · Rio Momon, near Iquitos, Loreto, Peru

  "a detailed written screening questionnaire to help us get acquainted with you and to assure your safety and suitability for our work." "We are selective when it comes to accepting applicants." Medication (read 2026-10-03): "The combination of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, such as Prozac) and most other antidepressants with Ayahuasca or other MAOIs can cause life support emergencies or death."

• Takiwasi Center · Tarapoto, San Martin, Peru

  Applicants send a Health Form, Motivation Letter and Registration Form; "Takiwasi's Medical Director, Dr. Jacques Mabit, will review your health form and motivation letter." "Consumption of marijuana or other drugs should be suspended as it is incompatible with the intake of master plants and ayahuasca." Participants starting allopathic or psychotherapeutic drugs after registering must notify the centre. Medication (read 2026-10-03): FAQ: "the therapeutic protocol undertaken by Takiwasi demands the suspension of those antidepressants three months before the beginning of the consumption of ayahuasca."

• The Ayahuasca Foundation · Amazon rainforest, Peru (Riosbo Retreat Center), Peru

  The site refers to 'Medical Guidelines for Participation'; the criteria are not set out on the pages we read. Medication (read 2026-10-03): Medical guidelines: "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Discontinue at least 4 weeks before and avoid for at least 2 weeks after."

• Soltara Healing Center · Playa Blanca and Scarlet Valley, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

  Site describes an intake form, intake call and an intake process with therapists and medical advisors; states an onsite health clinic with doctor's office. Medication (read 2026-10-03): "Most places [including Soltara] feel that it is safer to stop using SSRIS 2 to 4 weeks before, and consider this part of the dieta to be followed."

• Rythmia Life Advancement Center · Santa Cruz (near Tamarindo), Guanacaste, Costa Rica

  Site states medical evaluation and that participation is subject to medical clearance; claims an on-site medical centre with staff physicians and describes itself as medically licensed. Medication (read 2026-10-03): "Those taking SSRIs, antidepressants, MAOIs, or CNS depressants must complete a cessation period with the proper taper protocol."

• Ayahuasca Costa Rica · Near San Isidro del General, Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica

  Health application required; some conditions and medications rule out participation; 7-day plant-based pre-diet. Medication (read 2026-10-03): "MAOIs, and in most cases SSRIs and SNRIs, cannot be combined with ayahuasca."

• Behold Retreats (Costa Rica) · Esterillos, Central Pacific coast, Costa Rica

  Comprehensive medical and psychological screening required before acceptance. Medication (read 2026-10-03): Behold's ayahuasca retreats page (not the Costa Rica page): "Because Ayahuasca has critical contraindications (specifically regarding SSRIs, MAOIs, and cardiovascular medications) we personally evaluate each intake"

• Casa de la Luz Ayahuasca Costa Rica · Turrucares, Alajuela, Costa Rica (near SJO airport), Costa Rica

  Every guest must complete a medical form before booking. Medication (read 2026-10-03): Antidepressants, anxiety medication and antipsychotics: "We strongly recommend being off these substances for 3-6 months before working with Ayahuasca"

• Inner Flight Retreat · Caribbean coast, Costa Rica

  Medication (read 2026-10-03): "If you are taking antidepressants, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, or other drugs, Ayahuasca is not safe unless you discontinue these medications at least 21 days before the ceremony."

• New Life Rising · Guanacaste (near Tamarindo), Costa Rica

  Medical questionnaire completed by phone before booking; emergency medical equipment on site. Medication (read 2026-10-03): FAQ: "All antidepressant medications have a negative and potentially fatal interaction with ayahuasca - that includes SSRI's, SNRI's, TCAs and MAOI's."

• OM Jungle Medicine · Santa Elena, Costa Rica (per third-party listings), Costa Rica

  Medication (read 2026-10-03): FAQ: "you must be off of antidepressants when working with plant medicine"

• Templo del Tigre · Dos Brazos, Osa Peninsula (near Puerto Jimenez), Puntarenas, Costa Rica

  Site says guests are carefully screened; no protocol detailed. Medication (read 2026-10-03): FAQ: intake is used to "Determine whether additional Amazonian cleansing processes may be necessary before beginning (e.g., in cases of antidepressant use, street drugs, or certain medications)"

• Spirit Vine Ayahuasca Retreat Center · Vila Camboinha, Itacare, Bahia, Brazil

  Medication (read 2026-10-03): FAQ: "Ayahuasca is not compatible with antidepressants/SSRIs drugs like Prozac and Zoloft, or other similar drugs that are MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)."

• Vivacre Retreat · Rio Branco and forest villages, Acre, Brazil

  Medication (read 2026-10-03): FAQ: "We recommend that you check with your medical advisor if you are taking medications which may affect your serotonin levels (known as serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors or SSRIs)."