Ayahuasca preparations and serotonin reuptake inhibitors: A potential combination for severe adverse interactions

Author(s): Grob, C. S.

Journal/Book: J Psychoactive Drug. 1998; 30: 409 Clayton St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA. Haight-Ashbury Publ. 367-369.

Abstract: The Amazonian psychoactive plant beverage ayahuasca has attracted increasing interest in recent years. Little attention has been given, however, to potentially dangerous interactions with other drugs. In particular, the interaction between the potent monoamine oxidase-inhibiting harmala alkaloids in ayahuasca and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants may induce a serotonin syndrome with potentially grave outcome. Caution is advised when combining ayahuasca with certain pharmaceutical drugs.

Note: Article Callaway JC, Univ Kuopio, Dept Pharmaceut Chem, POB 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, FINLAND

Keyword(s): ayahuasca; drug interactions; harmala alkaloids; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); serotonin syndrome; THERAPY

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