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TokerLogic t1_itsc96c wrote

Hi ! Has their been much research into psychedelics and the negative medication combinations? I’ve experienced rather negative trips whilst on lithium, unfortunately their wasn’t much or any information on this matter before I experienced it for my self. What exactly is happening to my brain whilst on lithium and taking psychedelics?

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psychsafetyalliance OP t1_itse0pq wrote

There hasn't been anywhere near as much as research into this as there should be. This is a bummer, as many people are interested in taking psychedelics to alleviate mental health issues which they currently take psychiatric medications for.

The task of studying contraindications between psychedelics and mental health conditions is mind-bogglingly complex given the number of combinations possible, and we've yet to find a truly definitive guide to what we know thus far.

Here's one table we've found about combining antidepressants with psychedelics, though it doesn't include lithium specifically.

As to what's happening to your brain on lithium and psychedelics, it comes down to the specific psychedelic and your specific brain, which even a trained expert would not be able to fully determine or predict.

That said, if you have had negative experiences taking psychedelics on lithium, it's probably a good idea to avoid doing so in the future: your brain could be trying to send you a message, and it's a good idea to listen when that happens.

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