DM Turner- The Esseential psychedelic guide

psychedelics increase pulse rate and blood pressure. The effects of using
psychedelics with medical problems, or most prescription drugs, is largely
unknown. Anyone in this situation should find a knowledgeable and
open-minded doctor to give them some advice. Pregnant women should also
consult such a doctor prior to using psychedelics.
The main physical danger with psychedelics is with those that are MAO
inhibitors and with combinations. Two psychedelics discussed in this book
are MAO inhibitors: 5-MeO-DMT and the Harmala alkaloids. Many
prescription anti-depressant drugs are also MAO inhibitors. MAO (Mono-
Amine-Oxidase) is an enzyme in the body which breaks down certain foods
and chemicals. If one has these foods or chemicals in their system while
taking an MAO inhibitor they will not be broken down, which can result in
discomfort, illness, or even death. Following this section is a list of items
not to be taken with MAO inhibitors. Prior to taking an MAO inhibitor I
review this list and do a double check on what's in my system. I've also
found it useful to memorize this list of items so that I don't eat any foods
that will make me sick while using MAO inhibitors.
MENTAL SAFETY:
Each person's mind and capacity for handling psychedelics is different.
Psychedelics are not for everybody, and some of the substances discussed in
this book are particularly heavy. Although most psychedelic trips are
experienced as baneficial, some people have had experiences that left them
distrurbed afterwards. The main reason for these negative experiences is
lack of preparation, rather than anything inherent in the person or in the
substance. One's chances of having a bad trip, or not being able to
reintegrate themselves afterwards, can be sharply reduced by learning about
the experience.
A point I should note here is that I've never heard of anyone experiencing
long term adverse effects through the use of natural psychedelics, such as
psilocybin mushrooms or mescaline-containing cacti. When disturbing
experiences are produced by these substances, the users seem to take it in
stride and come back to center.
People with schizophrenia, or any other type of mental disorder beyond the
common neurosis, should exercise extreme caution in using psychedelics.
When psychedelic research was widespread until 1966 there were many
successful results treating mental patients. However, people with mental
imbalances have a greater risk of a negative experience, especially without
the guidance of a therapist.
Psychedelics are much more than recreational drugs. They have the ability