Ayahuasca

About Ayahuasca

• A psychoactive brew typically made from a DMT-containing plant source combined with an MAOI- or RIMA-containing plant source
• Effects typically begin within about 20–60 minutes after ingestion
• Total duration is generally around 5–10 hours

Effects

• Produces powerful psychoactive or hallucinogenic effects
• The combination of plant sources is used to produce potent psychedelic effects
• Its psychedelic effects have been linked to activity at the 5-HT2A receptor

Risks

• Ayahuasca is more likely than other serotonergic psychedelics to induce serotonin syndrome or general neurotransmitter overload, especially at high dosages
• Dangerous interactions may occur with other MAOIs, stimulants, and certain substances that release neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine
• Using additional ingredients together with ayahuasca can potentially be dangerous

Harm reduction

• Carefully research potential interactions before ingestion
• Use harm reduction practices when using this substance
• Extra caution is warranted because of its MAOI effects and interaction potential