Overview

Ayahuasca is an herbal drink used during certain rituals in countries in the Amazon. It contains chemicals that affect the brain and might be unsafe.

The word "ayahuasca" comes from the words, aya, meaning spirit or soul, and huasca, meaning rope or vine, in the Quechua language. Ayahuasca is often made from the plants Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. The chemicals in ayahuasca are of interest for reducing symptoms of depression and improving mood.

Ayahuasca is used for suicide prevention, depression, grief, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for AYAHUASCA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Ayahuasca is possibly unsafe. Ayahuasca contains chemicals that can cause hallucinations, tremors, dilated pupils, increased blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. Life-threatening side effects and death have also been linked with ayahuasca use.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Ayahuasca is possibly unsafe. Ayahuasca contains chemicals that can cause hallucinations, tremors, dilated pupils, increased blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. Life-threatening side effects and death have also been linked with ayahuasca use.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Ayahuasca is likely unsafe when taken while pregnant and breast-feeding. Along with causing hallucinations and other serious side effects, ayahuasca might be toxic to the fetus if used during pregnancy. Avoid using.

Anxiety: Ayahuasca might increase the risk of various mental health effects in people with anxiety. Don't use ayahuasca if you have anxiety.

Bipolar disorder: Ayahuasca might increase the risk of having a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder. Don't use ayahuasca if you have bipolar disorder.

Hallucinations and delusions (psychosis): Ayahuasca might increase the severity of hallucinations in people with psychosis. Don't use ayahuasca if you have psychosis.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with AYAHUASCA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ayahuasca might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with AYAHUASCA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ayahuasca might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications used for Parkinson disease (Dopamine agonists) interacts with AYAHUASCA

    Ayahuasca contains chemicals that can affect the brain. Taking ayahuasca with medications used for Parkinson disease might increase the effects and side effects of these medications

  • Serotonergic Drugs interacts with AYAHUASCA

    Ayahuasca might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking ayahuasca along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.

Dosing

Ayahuasca is an herbal drink. The contents of the drink vary depending on the plants used and how they are prepared. Ayahuasca contains the chemical dimethyltryptamine (DMT) which might be unsafe. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of ayahuasca might be.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.