I take a bunch of medication, a little bit too much, but I want to do a psychedelic therapy session with either MDMA or psilocybin. Is this possible? Do I need to taper off some medication and how long need I to be off? Or which one can I still keep taking without affecting the session too much? This is my medication list:
Considering this list of medication including antipsychotics, it would be best to reflect deeply on whether psychedelic therapy is currently the right path for you. Psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin can offer profound insights, but they are not always compatible with certain psychiatric conditions or complex medication regimens, particularly when antipsychotics like risperidone and tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine are involved.
Still, with proper guidance, support from your prescribing doctor, and careful tapering, a psilocybin session may become possible in the future. Below is a clear overview of what adjustments would be needed to explore either MDMA or psilocybin-assisted therapy safely and effectively.
Medication Compatibility Overview
Medication | MDMA Therapy | Psilocybin Session | Notes / Taper Time |
---|---|---|---|
Venlafaxine (SNRI) | ❌ Not allowed | ⚠️ Blunts trip | Taper + 2 weeks washout |
Clomipramine (TCA) | ❌ Dangerous | ⚠️ Risky effects | Taper + 2 weeks washout |
Risperidone (antipsychotic) | ❌ Blocks effects | ❌ Blocks effects | Taper + 2 weeks minimum |
Clonazepam (benzo) | ⚠️ Dampens experience | ⚠️ Dampens experience | Slow taper, stop ≥10 days before |
Buspirone | ✅ Mild impact | ⚠️ Blunts visuals slightly | Optional: stop 3–5 days before |
Methylphenidate | ⚠️ Heart risk | ⚠️ Can cause restlessness | Skip dose 24–48h before session |
Mirabegron | ❌ Unsafe | ⚠️ Monitor blood pressure | Taper, then wait 7–10 days |
MDMA causes a strong release of serotonin and dopamine. Several of your medications, especially venlafaxine, clomipramine, risperidone, and mirabegron, either block MDMA’s effects or dangerously increase the risk of side effects (like serotonin syndrome or heart issues).
MDMA therapy is currently not recommended until at least four medications are safely tapered under medical supervision, followed by 2–4 weeks of washout. Even then, emotional stability must be reassessed before proceeding.
Psilocybin works differently and is more compatible with certain medications. It can still be mildly blunted by SSRIs like venlafaxine, but the overall safety profile is better. However, risperidone and clomipramine must be stopped for the session to be effective.
Psilocybin therapy may become viable if risperidone and clomipramine are tapered off. Clonazepam should also be paused. Buspirone and methylphenidate can often stay, though skipping them on the day is advised.
Reflect honestly with a therapist or doctor: Is this the right time in your healing journey for psychedelic work?
If yes, start with the Triptherapie intake form to receive personal guidance.
Work with your prescriber to plan the safe tapering of risperidone, clomipramine, and clonazepam.
After stabilization and washout (2–4 weeks), you may explore a guided truffle session as a gentle starting point.
You don’t need to decide everything today. Let me know if you’d like help with a potential tapering timeline or want to explore non-psychedelic options for inner growth in the meantime.