Ayahuasca & Amphetamine
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew traditionally used by indigenous Amazonian cultures for spiritual and healing practices. Its effects result from the combination of two key components: a plant containing the hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and a source of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The most common preparation involves the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which provides the MAOIs, and the leaves of Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana, which contain DMT.
DMT is a powerful psychedelic compound structurally similar to serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. When ingested orally, DMT is usually broken down in the digestive system by enzymes called monoamine oxidases (MAOs), rendering it inactive. The presence of MAOIs from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine inhibits these enzymes, allowing DMT to reach the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, DMT interacts primarily with serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction produces altered states of consciousness characterized by vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, a sense of ego dissolution, and profound emotional and spiritual experiences.
The harmala alkaloids in the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, such as harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine, not only act as MAOIs but may also have psychoactive effects of their own. They are thought to contribute to the overall experience by modulating mood, enhancing introspection, and prolonging the effects of DMT. These alkaloids can also influence dopamine and other neurotransmitter systems, which may contribute to the feelings of euphoria or insight commonly reported by users.
Physiologically, ayahuasca can increase heart rate and blood pressure, cause nausea and vomiting (often referred to as “the purge”), and induce significant emotional catharsis. The purging is often regarded as a physical and spiritual detoxification process. Neuroimaging studies show that ayahuasca decreases activity in the brain’s default mode network, a system associated with self-referential thoughts and the sense of an isolated self, which may explain the common experience of ego dissolution.
Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that works by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play key roles in regulating mood, attention, arousal, and motivation. Amphetamine primarily acts by promoting the release of these neurotransmitters from their storage sites in nerve cells, and by inhibiting their reuptake, which results in higher concentrations of these chemicals in the synaptic cleft, the gap between nerve cells where communication occurs.
The process begins when amphetamine is absorbed into the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier, a selective barrier that protects the brain from potentially harmful substances. Once inside the brain, amphetamine interacts with the presynaptic neurons, which are the cells that release neurotransmitters. Specifically, amphetamine enters these neurons through transporter proteins that usually carry neurotransmitters like dopamine back into the neuron after they’ve been released. Once inside, amphetamine disrupts the normal function of these transporters, causing them to reverse their usual action and instead pump dopamine (and other neurotransmitters) out of the neuron into the synaptic cleft.
This release of dopamine into the synaptic cleft results in heightened stimulation of dopamine receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, which can lead to feelings of increased energy, focus, and euphoria. The elevated dopamine activity is particularly significant because dopamine is heavily involved in reward and pleasure pathways in the brain. This is why amphetamine can produce feelings of intense pleasure and motivation, and it is a major factor in the drug’s potential for abuse.
Amphetamine also promotes the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in the body’s “fight or flight” response. By increasing norepinephrine levels, amphetamine enhances alertness, arousal, and physical performance. The combined effects of increased dopamine and norepinephrine contribute to the drug’s stimulant properties, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and enhanced wakefulness.
In addition to its effects on dopamine and norepinephrine, amphetamine can also affect serotonin levels. Although the impact on serotonin is less pronounced than on dopamine and norepinephrine, the drug’s action on serotonin can contribute to mood changes and alterations in perception.
At the same time, amphetamine inhibits the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, further extending their effects. The reuptake process is a way for the brain to regulate neurotransmitter levels by taking them back into the releasing neurons for recycling. By blocking this process, amphetamine keeps neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft longer, leading to sustained stimulation of the postsynaptic neurons.
Additionally, the peripheral effects of amphetamine, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, are driven by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s stress response. This can lead to physical strain, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
The combination of ayahuasca and amphetamine would likely produce a highly unpredictable and potentially dangerous interaction due to the significant differences in how these substances act on the brain and body.
When combined, the stimulant effects of amphetamine would likely compete with the more introspective and dissociative effects of ayahuasca. The heightened levels of dopamine and norepinephrine induced by amphetamine could intensify the physical side effects of ayahuasca, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and feelings of anxiety. This could put significant stress on the cardiovascular system and lead to uncomfortable or even dangerous physical symptoms. Furthermore, the stimulant nature of amphetamine may counteract some of the sedative or calming aspects of the ayahuasca experience, potentially leading to a more chaotic psychological state.
On a psychological level, the combination of amphetamine’s euphoric and stimulating effects with the profound, often spiritual, and emotionally overwhelming nature of ayahuasca could result in a very disorienting experience. Amphetamine could amplify the sense of alertness and arousal that ayahuasca typically elicits, but also heighten the anxiety or paranoia that can accompany powerful hallucinogens. The experience of ego dissolution brought on by DMT could clash with the amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and overstimulation of the nervous system, making it difficult for the user to integrate the emotional or spiritual insights that are often part of an ayahuasca journey. This could lead to feelings of confusion, agitation, or panic.
Another important consideration is that both substances interact with the serotonin system, but in different ways. Ayahuasca, through its DMT component, directly stimulates serotonin receptors, while amphetamine, particularly at higher doses, can lead to increased serotonin release and inhibition of reuptake. The combination of these effects could theoretically overwhelm the serotonin system, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like hyperthermia, agitation, rapid heart rate, tremors, and confusion.
Overall, combining ayahuasca with amphetamine would likely create a highly unstable and risky physiological and psychological environment. While some individuals may attempt this combination out of curiosity or in search of an intensified experience, it is crucial to understand that such interactions are not well-studied and carry significant risks.
All things considered, we recommend avoiding this combination.
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