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Antidepressants and psychedelic interactions

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Is it safe to combine psychedelics and antidepressants?

I’m on the medication for depression and anxiety, which certain psychedelic drugs seem to help a little bit. I’m not on antipsychotics for anything like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia So, correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel like it is safe for me to use psychedelics.I have one more question. On the part about counteracting the effects of the medication by increasing psychedelic dosage, is this safe to do with DMT? Also, is there any cross tolerance between 2C-X, NBOMe series, and DMT?

Originally posted in SR 2.0 . Reviewed 3/3/23

It depends on what we mean by «safe». The pharmacological combination of the prescription drug you refer to (probably an SSRI) and DMT or 2C-X is unlikely to produce acute or permanent organ damage. On a psychological level, however, psychedelics always have an unpredictable nuance.

Experiences of anxiety or depression afterwards are likely to be more frequent, not so much because of the combination of drugs but because of your state of mind.

The risks of 25x-NBOMe are potentially much higher. Cases of seizures, hyperthermia and renal failure are relatively frequent and human research is nil compared to DMT and 2C-X. So, their use is strongly discouraged.

Isotretinoin and recreational drugs

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If I take Isotretinoin, it’s safe to use LSD, Psylocibin, DMT, weed and alchool?
How often is to often to take LSD and DMT? What are harms of DMT?

Originally posted in SR 2.0 . Reviewed 20/2/22

Isotretinoin is a drug used in the treatment of some types of acne. Alcohol is the only drug strictly contraindicated with isotretinoin because of its toxic effect on the liver. All other substances listed are pharmacologically safe in combination with isotretinoin.

Some indirect data suggest that psilocybe mushrooms may also slightly increase the risk of liver problems in combination with isotretinoin. But in practice, no toxicity cases are reported, and this combination is probably safe.

Taking psychedelics is like going to Disneyworld (if you like Disney characters, of course). The first few times are extraordinary, but you will get tired and bored if you go too often. The frequency (in both cases) depends on personal preference. For some people, it’s twice a year. For others, once a month, but most people find it boring to do it every weekend. Generally, the less frequent the use, the greater the likelihood of enjoying the experience.

DMT, like other classic psychedelics, produces no effects. Harm is related to mental problems (anxiety, difficulty integrating the experience) or, very rarely, persistent mental health problems.

 

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DMT and 25I-NBOMe interactions with psychiatric drugs

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DoctorX, I am currently taking abilify (not sure on the dose, maybe ~5mg), Wellbutrin (I think 75mg), and cymbalta (60mv morning, 30mg at night) and I’m wondering how these will affect drug use.

I’ve been experimenting with DMT and 25i-NBOMe and have noticed reduced effects and reduced visuals. I’ve also noticed with 25i I need to take larger doses (~4-5mg) to feel some effects with limited visual effects. I also plan on trying 2-CE soon.

So my question is, are these diminished effects normal for someone taking the medication that I’m on? How can I get more pronounced effects effects from these drugs while on my medications? What should I do in terms of safety and dose regarding these drugs, specifically the 2C-E? And what dose should I take for the 2C-E? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Originally posted in SR 2.0 16/4/14 . Reviewed 7/2/23

Both antipsychotics (Abilify, aripiprazol) and antideppressants (Cymbalta, duloxetine) diminish effects psychedelics. To my knowledge there are no studies involving 2C-x family but according to pharmacology and communications of users, this effect is foreseable. 

Some people try to counteract this effect increasing the psychedelic dosage. I in a practical point of view this is not recommended at all.

First, because it will increase physical adverse effects from psychedelics and risk of intoxication (this is particularly important in 2C-x and 25-x-NBOMEs). Second, because it will increase the risks of bad psychedelic experiences. And this is particularly important if you are using psychiatric medication. This last question is not only about pharmacological interactions, but also about the cause you are using medication. It is probable that this cause (the reason that makes that you need to use this medication) makes not recommendable to use psychedelics.  

Hyperthyroidism and drugs

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I’ve posted a couple times about rapid heart palpitations I’ve been getting recently. I don’t believe it’s drug related, all I’ve been doing is LSD, psilocybin and DMT.

I had been taking Adderall but cut it out when this started.I got into a free clinic and was told my problem could be hyperthyroid. That also happens to run in my family (my mother had to get the radioactive iodine treatment to kill hers).

They said my thyroid was slightly englarged (no nodules though) and I HAVE been feeling a slight tightness in my neck right over the gland (didn’t even put it together until I was at the docs office).All they did was give me a beta blocker and ask me to come back in a month. The beta blocker IS slowing my heart and lowering my BP, but it’s only addressing a symptom and not the problem, right?I know there’s no sure fire cure for hyperthyroid issues, but do you have any experience/suggestions on how to control it? I’d rather not take thyroid suppressing chems and definitely don’t want to nuke my damn thyroid.I’ve heard that bugleweed and motherwort can help lower thyroid function over time. Is there anything dietary I should/shouldnt be doing? I’ve also heard it can be due to low/high iodine levels but I wouldn’t want to start meddling with that without knowing wether my iodine is high or low.

Could applied kinesiology give me a clue? Do you even believe in that and should I?I’m staying away from all stims, be it caffiene, decongestants or uppers. I’m still using psychedelics about 1x per week and the rapid heart beat is of course more noticable and worrying while in that state. It’s becoming a real bummer on my life and my trips!Again, I don’t expect conclusive answers but anything you have to offer on hyperthyroidism is greatly appreciated!

Originally posted in SR 11/3/14 .Reviewed 6/2/13

The type of treatment that is best for you depends on factors such as your age, sex, the cause of your hyperthyroidism, the amount of thyroid hormone produced by your body, and any other medical conditions you may have.

In general, antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and surgery are considered to be the most effective options. Sometimes, treatment for hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism, requiring daily hormone replacement therapy via oral administration.

However, this is not a major concern for most people and has fewer risks and complications compared to uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. The effectiveness of natural herbs or supplements is unknown.

I would advise against the use of psychedelics for your specific condition, at least until your diagnosis is clearly established. Use of ketamine is particularly contraindicated in this condition.

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MDMA and psychedelic cross-tolerance

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Is there MDMA and psychedelic cross-tolerance?

 I’m having a difficult time actually getting visuals when taking LSD or the 2c family (2c-e, 2c-p, 2c-b). Only connection I can come up with is the fact that I did DMT a few days prior, but again the 2nd time I did LSD I didn’t do DMT for about a week.

So, my question is do they work on the same receptors or does the DMT effect the trip of LSD/2c family? Some things I also noticed is when I did 2c-b/LSD, I would get a cramp on my upper trapezius muscle but when I did DMT during the LSD I it would just go away. Additionally I should mention that I have type 1 diabetes which is well controlled (A1C has been in the range of 6-6.5 for the past 10 years).

Also is there any other long term health concerns other than serotonin syndrome with psychedelics? 

Originally posted in SR2.0 Forum 2/2/14 Updated 2/2/23)

There is some degree of cross-tolerance among most «classical» psychedelics, which are phenethylamines or tryptamines that interact differently with 5-HT2A serotonin receptors. Tolerance to hallucinogenic effects developed with one substance often applies to similar substances. To reset tolerance, a minimum of several weeks or a month is needed.

LSD, DMT, and the 2C-x family are considered physically safe.

Anecdotical reports  suggest cross-tolerance between LSD and psilocybin lasts for at least 7-10 days.

For those with well-controlled diabetes who take normal precautions, there are no additional risks and the risks are similar to those of non-diabetic individuals

Diabetics should take specific precautions before using psychedelics, such as setting a watch alarm to remember to eat and take insulin. The altered perception of time and self-perception of the body can make it difficult to detect hypo- or hyperglycemic episodes. Although psychedelics do not affect blood glucose levels, it’s advisable to check blood glucose levels once or twice during the experience to ensure safety