Safety & Health

Information on Risks and Contraindications for Psychedelic Sessions

Participation Guidelines for Plant Spirit Processes

Unfortunately, not everyone can participate in a plant spirit process. Safety and proper preparation are extremely important. In addition to the telephone consultation and completing the (medical) questionnaire during the booking process, it is crucial to carefully review this page and become aware of the contraindications.

When you are healthy, not using medications or drugs, and do not have any physical complaints, undergoing a plant spirit process is generally safe. However, there are certain medications (including natural ones) and physical or mental conditions that are absolutely incompatible with the plant spirit process and could be dangerous.

Please review the various contraindications listed below.

Each participant is responsible for inform Revermann Shares about any past or current drug issues, severe physical or psychological disorders, and any currently prescribed or recently discontinued medications. All physical and mental health conditions, as well as all medications you are taking, must be disclosed to us, both in the questionnaire/health statement and during the phone consultation. Failure to do so may put your health at risk.

Attention!  Stopping medication, adjusting the dosage, or discontinuing the use of SSRIs without the permission of a treating physician is dangerous! This must always be done after consulting and obtaining permission from a doctor or medical specialist. Specifically inform your doctor that you will be engaging in consciousness-expanding processes involving a reversible MAOI.

Contraindications

Physical Conditions

Epilepsy/Seizures: This includes a direct family history of epilepsy or seizures.

Unstable Diabetes Mellitus: People with diabetes are at higher risk during plant spirit processes due to potential changes in blood sugar levels from MAO inhibitors (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors). MAO inhibitors can also affect the amount of insulin or oral anti-diabetic medication needed. Those with severe, unstable diabetes should avoid participating.

Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases: If you have a chronic heart condition or high blood pressure, participation is not possible. Plant spirits can increase blood pressure, posing serious risks for individuals with significant heart conditions or high blood pressure.

Liver and Kidney Diseases: Both play a crucial role in metabolizing exogenous and endogenous chemicals. Using MAO inhibitors can put too much strain on these organs and complicate their function.

Brain Hemorrhages, Strokes, and Blood Dyscrasias: Conditions involving abnormal blood cells.

Gastric Bypass or Other Stomach Surgeries

Hypothyroidism: It is generally safe to participate in a plant spirit process with the use of a reversible MAOI. You may also continue your medication during the process, but you must consult your doctor. We require written approval from your doctor or medical specialist.

Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals must not participate in plant spirit processes.

Untreated Tuberculosis, Weak Heart or Liver Conditions, or Other Health Issues; Consult us if you have these conditions, as participation may not be possible.

Mental Conditions

Personality Disorders: Individuals with personality disorders such as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or schizophrenia are not permitted to use plant spirits. Those experiencing psychosis, delusions, or related symptoms should also refrain from participation. If a close family member has a personality disorder, there may be a risk of denial for participation.

Medications and (Natural) Supplements

Certain medications and natural supplements should be avoided as they may be dangerous when combined with entheogenic plant spirits, particularly with MAO inhibitors and other serotonin agonists or precursors. These include:

– MAOIs
– Antipsychotics
– SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
– Antihypertensives/medications for high blood pressure
– Appetite suppressants or diet pills
– Asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory medications
– Antihistamines
– Cold, sinus, hay fever, or allergy medications (any containing dextromethorphan/DXM, or DM, DX, Tuss in the name)
– CNS depressants (e.g., Xanax, Ativan)
– Vasodilators
– Barbiturates

Drugs
Stop 2 Weeks Before the Ceremony:

The following substances are dangerous and prohibited within 2 weeks before the plant spirit connection. It is crucial to stop using these substances and allow your body time to clear them before participating in a ceremony.

– Cocaine, amphetamines, and ephedrine
– MDMA (Ecstasy), MDA, MDEA, PMA
– Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine, opium)
– Dextromethorphan (DXM)
– Kratom
– 5-MeO-DMT
– Mescaline (any phenethylamine)
– Barbiturates
– Anesthetics
– Ephedra/ephedrine (e.g., Xtenzion, Ultra Boost, Superstacker, Ephedra Supercaps)
– Pseudoephedrine
– Macromerine
– Phentermine
– Iboga (Avoid Ayahuasca for at least 6 weeks after using Iboga)
– Marijuana and Alcohol (preferably stop earlier)
– Any other consciousness-expanding drugs not listed here

Supplements and Herbal Medicines
Stop 2 Weeks Before the Ceremony:
The following supplements and herbal medicines should not be used for plant spirit connections:

– St. John’s Wort
– Kava
– Kratom
– Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum)
– Ephedra
– Ginseng
– Yohimbe
– Sinicuichi
– Rhodiola Rosea
– Boswellia
– Nutmeg
– Scotch Broom
– Valerian
– Licorice Root
– Cannabis

Contraindications for Medications

Stopping 6 to 8 Weeks Before the Ceremony

Medications that are MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause dangerous side effects when taken in combination with plant spirits. All medications affecting the serotonin system, including SSRIs (antidepressants) and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants), may be harmful. Revermann Shares advises discontinuing SSRI medications 6 to 8 weeks prior to a ceremony or retreat.

Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers/sedatives) should not be used 4 weeks before the ceremony or retreat.

Always consult your doctor before stopping or tapering off any medication. Some of these medications can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly, so it’s essential to take adequate time and not discontinue on your own initiative.

 

 Contraindicated Medications

MAOIs and SSRIs:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as: citalopram (Cipramil®), escitalopram (Lexapro®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), fluvoxamine (Fevarin®), paroxetine (Seroxat®), sertraline (Zoloft®)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as: venlafaxine (Efexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as: amitriptyline (Tryptizol®), clomipramine (Anafranil®), imipramine, nortriptyline (Nortrilen®)

Benzodiazepines:

  • Examples include: oxazepam (Seresta), diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax)

CNS Depressants:

  • Including barbiturates like phenobarbital and pentothal, and other substances affecting the central nervous system.

Asthma Inhalers/Anti-Asthma Medications:

  • Including medications used to treat asthma and respiratory conditions.

Antihypertensives:

  • Medications for high blood pressure.

Appetite Suppressants:

  • Such as diet pills containing sibutramine.

Other Medications:

  • Asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory medications
  • Antihistamines and cold, sinus, or allergy medications containing dextromethorphan (DXM) or similar compounds
  • Antipsychotics
  • Anticholinergics like biperiden
  • Bromocriptine, buspirone, disulfiram, hydralazine, levodopa, L-tryptophan, sympathomimetic amines (including pseudoephedrine and ephedrine)
  • Opiates and opioids (e.g., heroin, morphine, codeine)
  • Various other sedatives and stimulants

Specific Medications:

  • Avoid tricyclic antidepressants within two weeks of using MAO inhibitors due to serious side effects.
  • Using fluoxetine (Prozac) within five weeks after MAO inhibitors is prohibited due to potential severe effects such as high fever, stiffness, high blood pressure, mental changes, confusion, and hypomania.

 

Safety Guidelines

All physical and mental health conditions, as well as any medications you are using, must be honestly and fully disclosed from the moment of booking. This is for your own safety and health. Consult your doctor if you are considering stopping prescribed medications. Inform your doctor or medical specialist that you will be connecting with a reversible MAOI during an inner process journey.

 

Guidelines for Medication Use with Plant Spirit Connection

All prescription medications, certain supplements, and illegal drugs should be discontinued at least 2-8 weeks prior to connecting with plant spirits, depending on the specific type (see contraindications above).

Many over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, only need to be discontinued 48 hours before the plant spirit connection, though Revermann Shares recommends stopping them 2 weeks in advance.

Specific medications like MAO inhibitors and SSRIs pose significant health risks in combination with plant spirits and require a longer discontinuation period. Refer to the list above for specific medications and their recommended discontinuation times.

Some medications can cause mild to severe withdrawal symptoms, so tapering off may require more time.

ALL OTHER MEDICATIONS: Discontinue use for at least 1 week before and 1 week after the ceremony. When in doubt, always consult your doctor.

Exclusion from Participation
Revermann Shares reserves the right, for your safety and that of Revermann Shares, to refuse participation in a psychedelic session based on the information provided or the telephone conversation. In case of doubt, written consent from a treating physician, medical specialist, or therapist will be required.

For more information regarding physical, mental, and spiritual preparation before the connection, please read the preparation page. If you have questions about the content of these plant spirit processes, please email info@revermannshares.nl.

 

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