Ayahuasca + Buproprion, Dextromethorphan
Buproprion, Dextromethorphan brand name: Auvelity.
Buproprion, Dextromethorphan falls into 3 drug categories that Ayahuasca can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, ayahuasca might increase levels of serotonin, which may have additive effects with serotonergic drugs.
Read the full interaction reportAyahuasca and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan
These two interact in 3 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 3 Interactions?
Ayahuasca interacts with whole categories of medication. Buproprion, Dextromethorphan falls into 3 of those categories, so it can interact with Ayahuasca in 3 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
SEROTONERGIC DRUGS
1 of 3Why this applies to Buproprion, Dextromethorphan
Buproprion, Dextromethorphan falls under SEROTONERGIC DRUGS — the group Ayahuasca interacts with.
In vitro and animal research shows that harmaline and harmine, constituents of ayahuasca, strongly and reversibly inhibit monoamine oxidase A and weakly inhibit monoamine oxidase B. The dimethyltryptamine and tetrahydroharmine constituents of ayahuasca have also demonstrated serotonergic activity. A case of serotonin syndrome characterized by tremors, sweating, shivering, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and disorientation has been reported in a 36-year-old male who consumed 100 mL of ayahuasca while taking fluoxetine 20 mg daily. Combining serotonergic drugs with ayahuasca might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Auvelity is a combo of dextromethorphan and bupropion. Two things matter here. First, dextromethorphan nudges serotonin upward, and ayahuasca does too. Stacking them could push serotonin too high, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome (think shivering, sweating, agitation, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching, nausea, and confusion).
Second, ayahuasca acts like an MAO inhibitor, and mixing MAOIs with bupropion is a well-known no-go because it can spike blood pressure and lower the seizure threshold. The interaction we have on file is rated theoretical, but with this particular combination I would treat it as a real concern rather than a maybe. Please don't combine these on your own. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Kawanishi, K., Hashimoto, Y., Fujiwara, M., Kataoka, Y., and Ueki, S. Pharmacological characteristics of abnormal behavior induced by harmine with special reference to tremor in mice. J Pharmacobiodyn 1981;4(7):520-527. PubMed
- Herraiz, T., Gonzalez, D., Ancin-Azpilicueta, C., Aran, V. J., and Guillen, H. beta-Carboline alkaloids in Peganum harmala and inhibition of human monoamine oxidase (MAO). Food Chem Toxicol 2010;48(3):839-845. PubMed
- Fuller, R. W., Wong, C. J., and Hemrick-Luecke, S. K. MD 240928 and harmaline: opposite selectivity in antagonism of the inactivation of types A and B monoamine oxidase by pargyline in mice. Life Sci 1986;38(5):409-412. PubMed
- Abdel-Fattah, A. F., Matsumoto, K., Murakami, Y., Adel-Khalek, Gammaz H., Mohamed, M. F., and Watanabe, H. Central serotonin level-dependent changes in body temperature following administration of tryptophan to pargyline- and harmaline-pretreated rats. Ge PubMed
- Bergstrom, M., Westerberg, G., and Langstrom, B. 11C-harmine as a tracer for monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A): in vitro and in vivo studies. Nucl Med Biol 1997;24(4):287-293. PubMed
- Gerardy, J. Effect of moclobemide on rat brain monoamine oxidase A and B: comparison with harmaline and clorgyline. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 1994;18(4):793-802.
- Sacher, J., Houle, S., Parkes, J., Rusjan, P., Sagrati, S., Wilson, A. A., and Meyer, J. H. Monoamine oxidase A inhibitor occupancy during treatment of major depressive episodes with moclobemide or St. John's wort: an [11C]-harmine PET study. J Psychiatry
- dos Santos RG. Safety and side effects of ayahuasca in humans--an overview focusing on developmental toxicology. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2013 Jan-Mar;45(1):68-78. PubMed
- dos Santos RG. A critical evaluation of reports associating ayahuasca with life-threatening adverse reactions. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2013 Apr-Jun;45(2):179-88. PubMed
- Callaway JC, Grob CS. Ayahuasca preparations and serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a potential combination for severe adverse interactions. J Psychoactive Drugs. 1998 Oct-Dec;30(4):367-9. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES
2 of 3Buproprion, Dextromethorphan also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES.
Ayahuasca contains beta-carboline alkaloids, including harmine and harmaline. In vitro research suggests that the beta-carboline alkaloids might inhibit CYP2D6 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports..
Here's the situation with Auvelity, which pairs bupropion and dextromethorphan. Your liver uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to clear dextromethorphan. Lab studies hint that the beta-carboline compounds in ayahuasca (harmine and harmaline) may block that enzyme. If that happens in your body, dextromethorphan could build up, possibly bringing on dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or a racing heart.
There's a bigger worry here, though. Ayahuasca acts like an MAOI, and combining MAOIs with both bupropion and dextromethorphan can raise the risk of serious reactions like serotonin syndrome or dangerous blood pressure spikes. This enzyme part is only theoretical from test-tube work, but the overall mix is risky. Please talk with your doctor or pharmacist before going anywhere near ayahuasca.
- Zhao, T., He, Y. Q., Wang, J., Ding, K. M., Wang, C. H., and Wang, Z. T. Inhibition of human cytochrome P450 enzymes 3A4 and 2D6 by β-carboline alkaloids, harmine derivatives. Phytother Res 2011;25(11):1671-1677.
- dos Santos RG. Safety and side effects of ayahuasca in humans--an overview focusing on developmental toxicology. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2013 Jan-Mar;45(1):68-78. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
3 of 3Buproprion, Dextromethorphan also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
Ayahuasca contains beta-carboline alkaloids. In vitro research suggests that beta-carboline alkaloids competitively inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Here's the thing with Auvelity (a combo of bupropion and dextromethorphan): the bupropion piece is actually there to slow down how fast your body clears the dextromethorphan, which is what makes this medication work. On top of that, lab studies suggest the beta-carboline compounds in ayahuasca can block the CYP3A4 enzyme. If that enzyme slows down, levels of dextromethorphan could climb higher than intended.
The bigger worry, though, is that ayahuasca acts as an MAOI, and combining it with both bupropion and dextromethorphan raises the risk of serotonin overload (agitation, fast heart rate, high blood pressure) and even seizures. This combo is one I'd strongly steer you away from. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before going anywhere near it.
- Zhao, T., He, Y. Q., Wang, J., Ding, K. M., Wang, C. H., and Wang, Z. T. Inhibition of human cytochrome P450 enzymes 3A4 and 2D6 by β-carboline alkaloids, harmine derivatives. Phytother Res 2011;25(11):1671-1677.
- dos Santos RG. Safety and side effects of ayahuasca in humans--an overview focusing on developmental toxicology. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2013 Jan-Mar;45(1):68-78. PubMed
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
- ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
- UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
- AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
- BCase-control study.
- CConsensus.
- DAnecdotal evidence.
These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Ayahuasca Also Interacts With Other Medications
Ayahuasca has 803 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Buproprion, Dextromethorphan one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Ayahuasca
We haven’t checked that one against Ayahuasca yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Ayahuasca. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Buproprion, Dextromethorphan
This page covers Ayahuasca only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Buproprion, Dextromethorphan page lists 178 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Grapefruit (major), Lithium (major), St. John's Wort (major) and 1,3-dmaa (moderate).
By severity: 4 major · 134 moderate · 40 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Buproprion, Dextromethorphan page
“Auvelity pairs dextromethorphan with bupropion to treat depression, and its interaction list is one to approach carefully, with 178 supplements on file and four of them rated major. St.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Where Ayahuasca and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#903 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#964 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
About Ayahuasca
What is Ayahuasca?
- Spiritual and ceremonial rituals
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance use disorders
- Personal or emotional insight
Ayahuasca is a powerful psychoactive brew that combines a DMT-containing plant with a vine that allows the DMT to take effect, causing intense hallucinations. It is illegal in many places, can trigger dangerous reactions, and is not recommended for self-use; talk to a doctor or pharmacist before considering it.
About Dextromethorphan and Bupropion
What Is Dextromethorphan and Bupropion Used For?
Brand name: Auvelity
Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) is approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It is also approved to treat agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease in adults.
Auvelity is not intended as an as-needed treatment for Alzheimer's-related agitation — it is a scheduled, ongoing medication. It is not approved for use in children or adolescents.
Other Drugs & Ayahuasca
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Ayahuasca — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
803 interactions
- Diltiazem ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Apomorphine ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Ivabradine ›
- Lofepramine ›
- Medroxyprogesterone ›
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ›
- Nortriptyline ›
- Propoxyphene ›
- Rifampin ›
- Selegiline ›
- Sumatriptan Succinate ›
- Testosterone Undecanoate ›
- Aripiprazole ›
- Caffeine (otc Drug) ›
- Ciclesonide ›
- Clonazepam ›
- Cyclobenzaprine ›
- Dapsone ›
- Desipramine ›
- Doxepin ›
Showing 60 of 803 moderate interactions — see all 803 on the Ayahuasca page.
No interaction 2,026 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Ayahuasca against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Aspirin ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Docusate ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Metformin ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Bupropion ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Naproxen ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Acetaminophen, Aspirin ›
- Mannitol ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Acetylsalicylic Acid ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Valsartan ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Canagliflozin, Metformin ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Flutemetamol F-18 ›
- Insulin Degludec, Liraglutide ›
- Atenolol ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine ›
- Sacubitril, Valsartan ›
- Factor 7a ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 2,026 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Ayahuasca list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Buproprion, Dextromethorphan Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient
Natural Medicines records Buproprion, Dextromethorphan as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Ayahuasca — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Buproprion, Dextromethorphan nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Ayahuasca and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan Together: Common Questions
Can you take Ayahuasca with Buproprion, Dextromethorphan?
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Ayahuasca and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan?
How serious is the Ayahuasca and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Buproprion, Dextromethorphan and Ayahuasca?
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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.