A. Foundations for a supportive journey

• You have a relatively stable life situation (housing, relationships, basic safety).

• You feel comfortable engaging in self-reflection, taking ownership of what arises, and listening with openness.

• There is a genuine willingness to engage in preparation and post-journey integration.

• Individuals aged under 21 require special consideration and additional assessment.
  

B. Psychological contraindications

The following require careful assessment and may exclude participation:

• History of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, bipolar I or II disorder, manic or hypomanic episodes.

• Family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

• Dissociative disorders or significant chronic dissociation.

• Personality disorders (e.g. borderline, narcissistic, schizoid, anti-social).

• PTSD or C-PTSD diagnosis, unless you are working with trained clinical guides or accredited therapists and can engage in structured preparation and integration.

• Significant early developmental trauma or attachment disruption that has not yet been stabilised.

• Treatment-resistant unipolar depression, especially with current or recent suicidal ideation.

• Suicidal or homicidal ideation, or suicide attempt within the last 12 months.

• Severe anxiety requiring benzodiazepines or similar medications.

• Disabling, unstable, or acute mental illness.

• Active substance dependence or withdrawal (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines).

• Significant anger dysregulation that compromises emotional safety.

• Current spiritual emergency or destabilising mystical states, including loss of sleep, paranoia, or difficulty distinguishing inner imagery from shared reality.
  

C. Medical Contraindications

The following conditions require medical clearance and may exclude participation:

• Cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmia, aneurysm, or significant vascular conditions.

• Liver impairment.

• Cushing’s syndrome.

• Hypothyroidism (requires medical assessment; may increase risk).

• History of neurological disorders (e.g. epilepsy, stroke, significant brain injury).

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Active alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal.

D. Medication contraindications and interactions

This preparation includes a plant containing reversible MAO-A inhibitors, which alters the metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When combined with certain medications or substances, this may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity, hypertensive reactions, or other serious complications.

For safety, you must not participate if you are currently taking any of the following:

1. Antidepressants & serotonergic medications

• SSRIs or SNRIs

• MAOIs (pharmaceutical)

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Atypical antidepressants (e.g. trazodone, mirtazapine, bupropion)

• Lithium

• Lamotrigine

• Buspirone

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

All these require a minimum 6-week washout, depending on dosage and duration of use.

2. Antipsychotics & mood stabilisers

• Aripiprazole

• Olanzapine

• Quetiapine

• Risperidone

• Clozapine

• Haloperidol

• Cariprazine

• Lurasidone

• Ziprasidone

• Other antipsychotic medications

3. Stimulants & ADHD medications

• Amphetamine-based medications (e.g. dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine)

• Methylphenidate

• Modafinil

• Cocaine or other stimulants

4. Certain pain medications

Some opioids may increase serotonin levels and are contraindicated:

• Tramadol

• Methadone

• Meperidine (pethidine)

• Fentanyl

5. Decongestants & sympathomimetic agents

These may elevate blood pressure when combined with MAO-A inhibition:

• Pseudoephedrine

• Phenylephrine

• Certain cold and flu medications

• Some weight-loss medications

6. Herbal supplements & serotonergic compounds

• 5-HTP

• St. John’s Wort

• SAM-e

• Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum)

• Other supplements that influence serotonin

7. Antiretrovirals

• Ritonavir

• Indinavir

• Efavirenz

Although reversible MAO-A inhibitors carry substantially lower dietary tyramine risk than pharmaceutical MAOIs, participants are advised to avoid excessive consumption of high-tyramine foods (e.g. aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products) for 24 hours before and after the ceremony.

Medication tapering must always be supervised by a prescribing physician.
We do not provide medical advice or oversee medication withdrawal.
Do not discontinue prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.

If you meet all these criteria, you are in a good position to consider exploring the benefits of mushrooms. This medicine is powerful. It amplifies what is present. Preparation, stability, and integration are what allow it to become transformative rather than overwhelming.

If you have questions regarding potential interactions between ps¡locybin and other medications or substances, please get in touch.

If you want to explore further, you can also fill in our intake form. Full transparency is essential. Withholding relevant information can compromise your safety.