Medical Advice

It is necessary that you let us know, in confidence, any known medical conditions and/or use of any medication, at the time of booking. By coming to Peruvian Shelter Center, you are declaring that you are in a physical and mental condition appropriate to partake the consumption of Ayahuasca and stay in the Amazon as described in this website, and agree that you are participating at your own risk and that we cannot and will not accept liability for any accident or injury. You should seek professional medical advice on preparations, including vaccinations, which you may need for the journey to Peru.

There are drugs and medications that have been found to not be compatible with Ayahuasca. It is essential to stop taking the following substances, and give your system sufficient time to remove them from the body, before you begin a workshop. Please consult your doctor if you are in any doubt: you should not suddenly stop taking prescribed medications (including antidepressants) without proper consultation of your doctor.

Before booking your trip, please send us answers to the following questions:

Although Ayahuasca has not been found to cause psychosis or other psychiatric disturbances, it can be dangerous to those with a history of psychological problems. Please let us know, in confidence, about any history of mental health problems.

If you have a heart condition or chronic high blood pressure you cannot be accepted. It is not safe to drink Ayahuasca when you are pregnant. People with liver disease are not recommended to drink Ayahuasca.

Note to diabetics: MAOIs may change the amount of insulin or oral antidiabetic medication that you need. If you are diabetic, please let us know first before making a reservation to discuss your particular case. There is a chance that you may not be able to drink Ayahuasca. Check with your medical doctor.

Our Healing Center is a recreational drug and alcohol free environment.

Any medication which has an effect on our serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (ex. antidepressants such as Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc). Combining these medications with Ayahuasca can induce serotonin syndrome – more severely than with any foods containing tryptophan, and with potentially fatal results. We advise you to stop taking SSRI medications six weeks prior to a workshop to allow the system to clear in time; some of these drugs may cause side effects when you stop taking them, and you should allow plenty of time for these to subside. You should not abruptly stop taking them without discussing the matter with your doctor. Please note that the herbal antidepressant St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) also must not be taken prior to working with Ayahuasca, although the system can clear this in 2 weeks before commencing a workshop.

Any medication that contains MAO inhibitors. These medications are linked to cause dangerous side effects when taken in conjunction with Ayahuasca. It is critical that you stop these drugs and allow plenty of time for your system to be cleared of these substances, of course do not abruptly stop taking any medication without discussing the matter with your doctor.

Other medications you must suspend taking are decongestants, cold medications, allergy medications, antihistamines, sedatives, tranquillizers, amphetamines (including Adderall), some hypertensive medications, sympathomimetic amines including pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, carbamazipine, methylphemidate (Ritalin), macromerine, phenelanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, asarone/calamus, asthma inhalers and diet pills.