Can I take LSD and my SSRI at the same time?

Dear Reader, 

Kudos to you for thinking about how the various substances you use may interact! Lysergic acid diethylamide (also known as LSD for short) is a psychedelic drug that can cause hallucinations. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), on the other hand, increase the amount of available serotonin in the brain. There hasn’t been extensive research done on the interactions between LSD and SSRIs, though SSRIs likely mute reactions to LSD. If you’re interested in learning more about LSD and SSRI use, read on! 

What are the interactions between LSD and SSRIs? 

Combining LSD and SSRIs likely dampens the effect of both. The experience of being high on LSD can provoke emotional epiphanies, hallucinations, and even troubling experiences, also known as a “bad trip”. If you’re on SSRIs and take LSD, it’s possible that you might experience weaker effects. Research suggests that this dampening of symptoms may be because SSRIs can blunt emotions.  

Additionally, taking both at the same time can be harmful. Both LSD and SSRIs increase the body’s serotonin levels. A person can experience serotonin syndrome when multiple substances increase the body’s levels of serotonin. This interaction can result in a variety of symptoms that range from mild to fatal including: 

• agitation 
• delirium 
• increased heart rate 
• diarrhea 
• tremors 
• hyperthermia 

However, researchers haven’t investigated this topic thoroughly. There is limited follow-up research to see if the results can be consistently replicated.  

Does LSD impact depression symptoms?  

Some research has examined LSD as a possible medical treatment for depression. When used in a supervised clinical setting, researchers have found that LSD can reduce depression symptoms by replacing them with feelings of joy and friendliness.   

It’s important to note, however, that while LSD has been looked at as a possible treatment for depression, research hasn’t examined how recreational LSD use affects the effectiveness of SSRIs. 

Where can I learn more about these interactions?  

If you continue to have questions about the interaction between these two substances, it might be helpful to work with a health care provider or mental health professional. They might be able to advise you about how long these substances will remain in your body. This way you can be informed before taking multiple substances that raise serotonin levels.  

Hoping you find the answers that you’re looking for!