8 April 2024 20:49
Topic starter
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Can you continue taking paroxetine if you want to do a truffle session?
The same applies to paroxetine and all other SSRIs and SNRIs, namely that the psilocybin ingested during a truffle session may have a less potent effect. Recent scientific research has shown that there is no increased risk of complications such as serotonin syndrome when using SSRIs for a truffle session. According to that research, psilocybin truffles can be used while SSRIs are also being used, including Citalopram (Cipramil), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (Fevarin), Paroxetine (Seroxat), and Sertraline (Zoloft).
The sedative effect of SSRIs such as paroxetine on psilocybin
Scientific studies suggest that combining SSRIs with psilocybin during a truffle session could reduce the effects of psilocybin, but that combining SSRIs with psilocybin does not result in dangerous interactions. Although SSRIs may slightly reduce the effects of the magic truffles, it appears that the therapeutic effects of psilocybin are still present, albeit possibly less intense. While more research is needed to understand the exact interaction between SSRIs and psilocybin, we can already state that the emotional response and depth of the trip are slightly reduced.
Stopping the SSRI before using truffles?
If you are currently taking SSRIs such as paroxetine (Seroxat) and are interested in using truffles or magic mushrooms, it is important to discuss this with your treating physician. You can discuss whether tapering off your SSRI, and thereby achieving a stronger effect from the psilocybin trip, is more important than the withdrawal symptoms caused by tapering off the SSRI. A choice must be made from the following three options because a psilocybin, truffle, or magic mushroom session will also be less effective if withdrawal symptoms are present, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, mood swings, or electric shocks:
- No truffle session, but choose other forms of therapy (EMDR, CBT, etc.)
- Continue taking the SSRI medication and accept the potentially reduced effect of psilocybin, or try a higher dosage during a possible second psilocybin session.
- Taper off the SSRI (in consultation with a doctor) and do a truffle session after the withdrawal phase.
It is always important to ask your treating physician for advice regarding your specific situation. At Triptherapie, we do not provide medical advice, but you can discuss our non-medical suggestions.
More info: Psilocybin and SSRI | Truffle session
1 Answer
1
24 January 2026 19:06
You can paroxetine continue taking if you have a truffle session want to do, but it is important to know that this affects the action of psilocybin. Paroxetine is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), and SSRIs generally weaken the effect of psilocybin. This is because psilocybin acts via the same serotonin receptors that are already affected by SSRIs. This therefore also applies to this most widely used SSRI:
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Paroxetine – Seroxat, Paxil
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Fluoxetine – Prozac
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Sertraline – Zoloft
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Citalopram – Cipramil
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Escitalopram – Lexapro, Sipralexa
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Fluvoxamine – Fevarin
The experience during a truffle session can be caused by SSRIs less visual, less intense and less emotional be. For some people, that is actually pleasant, for example with anxiety or overstimulation, because the experience then feels safer. Others find it a shame if the full depth of the session is lacking.
Nevertheless, a session remains therapeutically valuable. Psilocybin also supports the under-SSRI neuroplasticity of the brain and can lead to gentle insights, improved mood and stress reduction. Some clients even use a session as an intermediate step to gain clarity regarding their mental process or to explore whether tapering off their medication is desirable in the long term.
If you want maximum depth, you can consider together with your doctor to to gradually taper off paroxetine. Never do this on your own. During the tapering and the subsequent withdrawal phase, it is important not to schedule a session, as withdrawal symptoms can interfere with the effect of psilocybin.
If in doubt, you can always first fill out the intake for a truffle session. This also takes into account medication use and whether a session is safe and beneficial at this time. This way, you receive personalized advice that suits your situation.