Can I Participate if I am Taking an SSRI/SNRI medication?
Beckley Retreats programs are non-medical and not intended to treat conditions managed by SSRIs or SNRIs.
At Beckley Retreats, we want to make psilocybin ceremonies available to a wide group of individuals while also creating the right environment for group programming. Prospective guests on SSRIs/SNRIs may be considered for attendance on a case by case basis, we are happy to provide education on recent research and data, but generally require that participants obtain the guidance and support of their prescribing physician on what the right choice is for them.
It is generally accepted that a major part of the psychedelic action of psilocybin is due to its activity at the serotonin receptor called 5HT2A. SSRI and SNRI medications also act on the serotonin system in complex ways including the 5HT2A receptor. There has been clinical trail data published that suggest people who have taken psilocybin and SSRI/SNRI medications at the same time report a less intense psychedelic experience, however more recent clinical trial data suggests this may not be a causative relationship.