Requirements for a safe psilocybin journey

When consumed in a safe environment with a trustworthy and competent guide, psilocybin is proven to be one of the safest mind-altering substances available. However, a psilocybin experience is not for everyone.

Each criterion on the following list increases the probability of your having a safe and transformative experience. Of course, failing to meet one or more of these conditions does not necessarily disqualify you immediately, but does present its own challenges. Please review these guidelines and use psilocybin safely at your own risk.

  • You have a relatively stable life situation (housing, relationships).

  • You feel comfortable self-reflecting, taking ownership of issues that arise in your life, and listening well.

  • You have no history of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, bipolar I or II disorder, or any personality disorder (e.g. borderline, narcissistic, schizoid, anti-social).

  • You have no known family history of schizophrenia.

  • You have not been diagnosed with PTSD or C-PTSD, or you are working with trained clinical guides or accredited therapists and can plan to engage in intensive therapy with them before and after your psilocybin session.

  • You have not been diagnosed with (treatment-resistant) unipolar depression (especially with suicidal ideation), unless you have an established therapist who can help you before and after your session.

  • You do not have Cushing’s syndrome.

  • You do not have severe anxiety for which you are taking medications (e.g. benzodiazepines).

  • You are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • You do not have any disabling, unstable or acute mental illness or addiction-related condition (e.g. active alcohol withdrawal).

  • You do not have any disabling medical condition including but not limited to cardiovascular disease / hypertension / aneurysm.

  • You do not have hypothyroidism (can be risky but may or may not prevent this work).

  • You have no history of neurological disorders (e.g. stroke, epilepsy, serious brain injury).

  • You do not have suicidal or homicidal ideation.

  • You do not have anger management problems.

  • You are not going through a major spiritual emergence/emergency process.

  • You have not taken fluoxetine (Prozac), for at least 6 weeks

  • You have not taken any of the following medications for at least 2 weeks (longer is ideal): tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, anafranil, asendin, aventyl, elavil, endep, norfranil, norpramin, pamelor, sinequan, surmontil, tipramine, tofranil, vivactil), antipsychotics (aripiprazole, asenapine, cariprazine, clozapine, haloperidol, lurasidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone), lithium, SSRI/SNRIs, MAOIs, ritonavir/indinavir/efavirenz, lamictal (lamotrigine), 5-HTP, St. John’s Wort or any other supplements that may affect serotonergic function.

If you meet all these criteria, you are in a good position to consider exploring the benefits of psilocybin.

If you have questions regarding potential interactions between psilocybin and other medications or substances, please consider a consultation with Dr. Emily Kulpa.

Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.

If you want to explore further, you can also fill in our intake form: