Our tapering principles
We never ask anyone to taper without prescriber involvement
Tapering a psychiatric medication without medical supervision carries real risk. Every tapering plan Ceremonia supports is coordinated with your prescribing doctor or psychiatrist. We do not provide tapering schedules independently, we provide the framework; your prescriber provides the clinical oversight.
Tapering timeline is built around you, not the retreat schedule
Some medications require days to clear. Others require weeks or months. We build the retreat timeline around what is medically safe for you, not the other way around. If tapering cannot be completed safely in time, we hold your application until conditions allow.
Not all medications require tapering
Many medications can be held for a retreat window safely with prescriber guidance. Others require gradual reduction. Some cannot be safely stopped at all, in which case, we review whether participation is appropriate based on the specific medication and retreat type.
Ayahuasca has stricter requirements than psilocybin
Ayahuasca contains a naturally occurring MAOI. Serotonergic medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, St. John's Wort) require a full washout before ayahuasca retreats. This is not a caution, it is a requirement. Psilocybin retreats have more flexibility, but still require individual pharmacist review.
Tapering timelines by medication class
Specific timelines require pharmacist review per applicant. Agent-specific guidance will be added after medical review is complete.
| Medication category | Guideline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram) | [CONTENT GAP: Washout timeline for psilocybin vs. ayahuasca, pharmacist review required before publish] | Varies by agent and dose. Fluoxetine has a significantly longer half-life than other SSRIs. |
| SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine) | [CONTENT GAP: Washout timeline, pharmacist review required before publish] | — |
| Stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, methylphenidate) | [CONTENT GAP: Hold or taper timeline, pharmacist review required before publish] | — |
| Antipsychotics | [CONTENT GAP: Highly variable by agent, pharmacist review required before publish] | Tapering antipsychotics requires close psychiatric supervision. Never stop without prescriber involvement. |
| Mood stabilizers (e.g., lamotrigine, valproate) | [CONTENT GAP: Interaction profile and timeline, pharmacist review required before publish] | — |
How the tapering process works
You list all medications on your screening application.
Our pharmacist reviews your list and identifies any that require adjustment.
We contact you with a recommendation: hold, taper, or no change needed.
If tapering is required, we provide a framework to share with your prescriber.
Your prescriber confirms the plan and supervises the taper.
We confirm clearance before finalizing your retreat placement.