Who SHOULDN’T use psychedelics?
There’s so much hype out there right now around psychedelics that it’s easy to think they’re a cure-all for everybody. But as I have tried to make clear in the disclaimers of my series on psychedelic integration, these substances can also have real downsides, and it always is important to consult with your physician before embarking on this kind of journey to minimize the possibility of negative interaction effects with other medications or underlying health conditions.
In this post I want to lay out some of the common contraindications - though, again, this post does not substitute for a consultation with your medical doctor. It is also important to note that the research on this aspect of psychedelics is still in its infancy, and rapidly evolving, so the information presented here may be out of date by the time you are considering using these substances - another reason to please consult with a physician before taking a trip.
If you are on any serotonin-enhancing medications, then you need to be very careful with psychedelics, as the combination can produce a toxic and potentially fatal level of serotonin in your brain, a condition known as Serotonin Syndrome. This includes the MAOI and very common SSRI (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, and others) classes of antidepressants, lithium, and antipsychotics. If you are using any other medications, then, again, it is very important to consult with your physician.
Psychologically, if you or your family have a history of psychosis or bipolar 1 disorder, then psychedelics are probably not a great fit. This includes schizophrenia, schizoaffective personality, or any other disorder with psychotic symptoms. Also, if you have ever had a psychotic episode following a previous psychedelic experience, then that is likely a contraindication.
In addition, if you have a history of severe trauma and haven’t yet developed tools to help you stay regulated while exploring the memories of your traumatic experiences, then it is a good idea to stay away from psychedelics until you have developed those skills and can make sure you are in a space where there is the strong support you might need to stay safe. These substances often drop people right back into those experiences - which can be a really helpful thing, but only if you are prepared to ride those rapids. If you need help developing these skills then reach out to a trauma-informed therapist who can help you.
Physically, anybody with high blood pressure or other heart conditions are not good candidates, as many psychedelics can raise your heart rate. This is also true of people who are pregnant, or have glaucoma.
And once again, if you have any questions about whether these substances are suitable for you, then please consult with your physician. We want you to stay safe through these experiences!