Psychedelics and Antidepressants: Can You Mix ?
In recent years, researchers h:ave been studying the possibility of using psychedelic drugs to treat conditions like PTSD, OCD, and depression. For many people, these drugs are an effective treatment—but only if they’re taken exactly as intended, under supervision of professionals who can monitor their effect and adjust dosages accordingly. Mixing psychedelics with antidepressants, on the other hand, can lead to undesirable or even dangerous effects. Here’s why you shouldn’t mix psychedelics and antidepressants, what the dangers are if you do, and what else you should know about psychedelics in general.
What Are Your Motivations for Taking Psychedelics?
I know people who have taken psychedelics with antidepressants, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. There are some major differences between psychedelics and antidepressants that might make mixing them together dangerous.
Psychedelics work by binding to serotonin receptors in your brain, causing the release of serotonin. This is the same thing that SSRIs do, but without the bad trip. SSRIs cause an increase of serotonin in your brain, which can lead to seizures or even death from overheating.
How Do These Drugs Interact with Each Other Physically?
Psychedelics are known to have a profound effect on the mind, while antidepressants work on the brain. It is not recommended that you take psychedelics with antidepressants because mixing these drugs can increase the potential for adverse reactions. There is a possibility that the two drugs can interfere with one another, leading to an increased risk of having seizures or arrhythmias. The combination of these drugs can also cause serotonin syndrome, which usually occurs when a person takes more than one serotonin-affecting drug at once.
How Long Does It Take to Kick In?
It can take up to three weeks for a person’s brain to get back to normal after using psychedelics. Even if the antidepressant kicks in immediately, it may not be able to undo all of the damage that has been done. It is best to wait at least two weeks before taking any mind-altering substances.
Side Effects or Drug Interactions to Watch Out For
It is important to note that taking psychedelics with antidepressants can cause some side effects. These include increased heart rate, a lowering of blood pressure, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting. This combination can also sometimes result in a serotonin syndrome which is an overstimulation of the serotonin system.
When Should I Start Seeing Results?
Many people start to notice the benefits of antidepressants about two weeks after they have started taking them. The effects of antidepressants are felt more quickly if you are on an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) such as Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft. This is because these medications affect the serotonin system in your brain. It can take up to a month for some people to feel the full effects of an antidepressant medication.
Is There a Right Dosage That Works For Everyone?
There is no right dosage for everyone. The effects of psychedelics vary from person to person, depending on factors such as the user’s mental state, their expectations about the drug experience, and other drugs or substances they have taken. So it’s not likely that there will be one dose that works for everyone.
Does Taking Psychedelics with Antidepressants Lead to Addiction?
Antidepressant drugs such as SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by blocking the breakdown of serotonin in the brain, which can lead to a reduction in feelings of sadness. However, when taking SSRI’s with psychedelics such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to be aware that this combination may lead to addictive behaviors.
Are there long-term adverse effects on health when taken in combination with antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs such as MDMA (Ecstasy)?
There has been no research done on the long-term effects of combining psychedelics with antidepressants, but there have been many reports from users who say that taking LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, for example, alongside their antidepressant medication is helpful. The reason for this is because the serotonergic system regulates mood as well as other psychological functions, so when you take psychedelic drugs it can help to regulate your mood.
How Do I Know if it's Working For Me or Not?
It’s important to be honest with yourself about what your needs are, how you’re feeling, and how well the drug is working. If you notice that your depression is worsening or your symptoms seem to be stuck in a loop, this might be a sign that the drug isn’t working for you. Likewise, if you feel like the drug is only making things worse or not doing anything at all, it may not be for you. Remember that antidepressants can take time to work properly as well.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it is possible to take psychedelics with antidepressants. It’s important to note that antidepressants should not be taken while you are on any other type of psychoactive drug. This can lead to a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome that can be fatal. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications at all, but if you do decide to take both psychedelics and antidepressants, make sure your doctor knows about this so they can monitor you closely.