13 March 2026 14:48
Topic starter
2
I take Mirtazapine 45 mg and Elvanse 30 mg. Is it still possible to have a psilocybin session? I have complex PTSD from childhood and hope that this will allow me to live through the associated feelings, process things, and afterwards learn to love myself a little more.
1 Answer
2
14 March 2026 11:19
Yes, in some cases is a psilocybin session still possible, but consultation with your own doctor is necessary regarding your medication. This is because adjustments need to be made. Especially mirtazapine can affect the effect of psilocybin.
Mirtazapine and psilocybin
Mirtazapine acts on, among other things, the 5-HT2A receptor, the same receptor through which psilocybin exerts its primary psychedelic effect. Because mirtazapine partially blocks this receptor, the effect of psilocybin can clearly weaker or sometimes almost absent are.
Therefore, in practice, one of the following options is chosen for some people:
- Temporarily taper off Mirtazapine under the supervision of a doctor or psychiatrist before a psilocybin session takes place.
- Switching to an SSRI, also under medical supervision. SSRIs can also reduce the effect somewhat, but generally block the 5-HT2A receptor less strongly than mirtazapine.
Which option is appropriate depends heavily on your personal situation, the stability of your symptoms, and the advice of your healthcare provider. It is therefore important this always discuss with a doctor and never to stop medication yourself.
Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and psilocybin
Elvanse is a ADHD stimulant which increases dopamine and noradrenaline. This medication usually does not directly block the psychedelic effect, but it can:
- the increase heart rate and blood pressure
- the increase mental activation, which can provide a more intense experience
Therefore, during psychedelic sessions, it is often advised to to skip ADHD medication on the day of the session, if that is medically justified. This is also done in consultation with the attending physician.
PTSD and psilocybin
Many people with trauma or complex PTSD hope with psychedelic therapy to be able to get deeper in touch with feelings and process them. In practice, we regularly see that people during a session:
- experiencing old emotions again
- develop more compassion for oneself
- better understand patterns from the past
- feel more inner peace after a session
- gain other perspectives
The goal is not only reliving difficult feelings, but above all processing it, so that there is more room for self-acceptance and peace.
Do you need help with your medication? We can also connect you with a doctor.
See also PTSD and psychedelics