MEDICAL GUIDELINES

These guidelines are designed to ensure that participants can safely participate in ayahuasca ceremonies.

There are some medications that contraindicate with ayahuasca, as well as some medical conditions that require unique preparation. Certain medications and health supplements—particularly SSRI’s or anything that affects the serotonergic system—can be dangerous and potentially fatal when consumed with ayahuasca (here is a useful summary of serotonin syndrome).

Keeping to these requirements is imperative to attend Casa Del Maestro’s programs.

We recommend that anyone who is taking prescription medications of any kind to please consult with their doctor with regard to MAO inhibitors and suitability for consuming them (one of the primary ingredients in ayahuasca contains an MAO inhibitor).

In most cases, we will ask participants to wean off medications as per the guidelines below. Depending on your situation, we may require a doctor’s approval before attending. In some cases, certain medications are permitted (e.g. birth control). Please don’t voluntarily wean off of prescription medication without your doctor’s approval. We have worked with people from all different backgrounds and medical histories; in virtually all cases, there are ways to meet the medical requirements that satisfy all parties—yourself, your doctor, us, and the medicine!

As part of the registration process, you will be asked to fill out the Pre-Retreat Health Form. It is important to provide us with accurate information on your medication history. This will allow us to be better prepared to work with you safely and holistically during the retreat.