MAO inhibitor
MAO inhibitors, or MAOi, are substances found in medicines and plants. Previously, MAO inhibitors were also used as antidepressants because they prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters, among other things. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase. An MAO inhibitor, or MAOi, therefore prevents the action of MAO, which ensures that neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are not broken down as quickly.

Tyramine
Tyramine is also broken down by MAO, and this is necessary to prevent high blood pressure and cerebral hemorrhages. Tyramine can pose a problem during the use of non-selective MAO inhibitors. This problem can be avoided by using selective MAO inhibitors instead of non-selective MAO inhibitors. Another option is a tyramine-restricted diet.
Read more about the here tyramine-restricted diet
MAO inhibitors and psychedelics
Most psychedelics are monoaminos and are therefore broken down by the MAO enzymes that occur naturally in our bodies (stomach, brain, etc.). Some psychedelics, such as psilocybin/psilocin from truffles, are broken down very slowly and last for about 4-6 hours. Other psychedelics, such as DMT, are broken down within 15 minutes, meaning they cannot even reach the brain when taken orally. If you add an MAO inhibitor to DMT, the MAO enzyme temporarily stops working, allowing DMT to reach the brain. The combination of DMT and an MAO inhibitor is called ayahuasca or anahuasca, and the MAO inhibitor is necessary for its effect. The combination of psilocybin/psilocin with MAO inhibitors is called psilohuasca; the MAO inhibitor is not necessary but does ensure a longer and deeper trip, or it allows you to use less psilocybin/psilocin (as a cost-saving measure).
Psiloflora
Because there is no need to use MAO inhibitors when using psilocybin-containing truffles or magic mushrooms, but an MAO inhibitor can prolong and deepen the trip, this is still done quite frequently in the form of psilohuasca. However, we believe that a strong MAO inhibitor poses slightly too much risk (see above regarding tyramine). A milder MAO inhibitor, such as passionflower, deepens and prolongs the trip without creating many additional risks. In our opinion, it is the best choice when it comes to the quality of the trip and health safety.
Tailor-made advice
If you have us organize a psychedelic ceremony, it can take place at your location anywhere in the Netherlands. You can put together your own group or undergo a ceremony individually. We can advise you on preparation and which psychedelics would suit you. Most of our clients choose truffle ceremonies based on truffles (tea with herbs, vitamins, minerals, and truffles). Psiloflora (Tea made from truffles, passionflower, minerals, and herbs) is now an increasingly popular alternative. A smaller group opts for an LSD analogue. We also have experience with synthetic analogues of psilocin (a visual and colorful trip). Additionally, a few individuals take a super large dose of psychedelics (heroic dose), and we can advise you on this as well.
Combining various (psychedelic) substances is possible and can have synergistic effects. We do not advise doing this on your own initiative, as it can also lead to health problems, even death.
More information about our services
Truffle ceremony (psilocybin) | Psiloflora ceremony | LSD therapy