Herb & supplement monograph

Peyote Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Peyote interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Peyote is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Peyote is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

Check Peyote against your medication

Add one medication
Peyote
+
Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.
Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
On this page

Peyote Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the risk of a clinically significant Peyote drug interaction is high for anyone taking a stimulant medication, and every documented interaction is rated serious. All of the interactions in Peyote's profile are classed as major, and they center on one clear concern: combining Peyote with stimulants.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that matter most involve stimulant drugs, a broad group that includes amphetamines, sympathomimetic amines, cocaine, and even nicotine. Taken together with Peyote, these can raise the chance of harmful effects on the brain and nervous system, such as dangerous overstimulation. This concern is more than a lab theory; it is backed by human reports and smaller studies, which is why we treat it as a genuine safety issue rather than a precaution on paper.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of interacting medications looks large, nearly all of it traces back to this single stimulant concern rather than many separate problems. The supporting evidence is not from large controlled trials, but because the potential harm is serious, the consistent pattern in what has been reported deserves respect. In short, the list is long because so many medicines have stimulant effects, not because Peyote clashes with every type of drug.

Check your medications against Peyote

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Peyote interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Peyote

172 medications have a known interaction with Peyote, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

172 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Peyote.

2,830 drugs
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more› Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Flu Liquid Gels, Non Aspirin Cold Caps, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Flu Daytime Ex Strength, Tylenol Flu Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine› Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin› Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. 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.
  • Possible. 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
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Peyote combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Peyote affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Peyote is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Peyote interacts with
Stimulant Drugs
Stimulant Drugs

Concomitant use of peyote with stimulant drugs may increase the risk of adverse CNS effects. Some CNS stimulants include nicotine, cocaine, sympathomimetic amines, and amphetamines.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Peyote: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Peyote is a small spineless cactus that contains mescaline, a powerful hallucinogen. It is a federally controlled substance in the United States (with a narrow exemption for certain Native American religious use), is not a safe or proven dietary supplement, and should not be used for self-treatment.

Scientific name
Lophophora williamsii
Family
Cactaceae
Part used
Crown (top) of the cactus, often dried into 'buttons'
Common forms
Dried buttons, chewed material, brewed tea (used ceremonially); rarely sold as a legal supplement
People commonly use it for
  • Traditional and religious ceremonies
  • Spiritual or visionary experiences
  • Folk use for pain and fatigue
  • Folk use for fever and skin conditions

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Peyote is a hallucinogen and a controlled substance with no established medical use as a supplement.

PregnancyUnsafe

When used orally. The active constituent of peyote, mescaline, may be teratogenic.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingUnsafe

When used orally. The active constituent of peyote, mescaline, may be teratogenic.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Peyote is a small, slow-growing, spineless cactus that grows in northern Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States, especially southern Texas. It has been used for hundreds of years in the religious and healing ceremonies of certain Indigenous peoples.

The most active part is the top of the cactus, which is dried into round pieces often called buttons. These are chewed or brewed into a tea. The main psychoactive chemical in peyote is mescaline, a substance that causes strong changes in perception, mood, and thinking.

Peyote is not sold as an ordinary dietary supplement. In the United States it is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it is illegal to possess or use outside of a narrow legal exemption for members of the Native American Church.

Uses & effectiveness

Most use of peyote is ceremonial and spiritual rather than medical. In traditional settings it is used to produce visions and altered states during religious rituals. Some folk traditions have also used it for pain, fever, fatigue, and skin problems.

There is no reliable scientific evidence that peyote effectively treats any medical condition. There is early interest in mescaline and other psychedelics for mental health research, but this is preliminary, conducted under strict controls, and does not support using peyote on your own.

Because peyote is a controlled hallucinogen with serious risks, it should not be used as a self-care remedy or supplement.

How it works

The main active compound in peyote is mescaline, a naturally occurring psychedelic. Mescaline is thought to act mainly on certain serotonin receptors in the brain (especially the 5-HT2A receptor), which can change how a person sees, hears, feels, and thinks.

This is the same general pathway that other classic psychedelics act through. The effects can include vivid visual changes, altered sense of time, and intense emotional shifts. Much of what is known comes from laboratory studies and limited human research, and effects can vary widely from person to person.

Safety & precautions

Peyote is a powerful hallucinogen and should be considered unsafe for general use. It can cause unpredictable and frightening mental effects, and there is no standardized, quality-controlled product.

People with a personal or family history of mental health conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder are at especially high risk and should never use it. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure, which may be dangerous for people with heart conditions.

Pregnancy: Avoid. Hallucinogens can be harmful and should not be used during pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Avoid. Mescaline may pass into breast milk and reach the baby.

Beyond health risks, peyote is illegal to use in most situations in the United States. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any unfamiliar substance.

Side effects

Common effects of peyote include nausea and vomiting (very common, often early after taking it), dizziness, sweating, chills, headache, and dilated pupils. It commonly raises heart rate and blood pressure.

Mental effects can include intense visions, anxiety, panic, confusion, and frightening experiences sometimes called a "bad trip." Rare but serious risks include severe psychological distress, accidents or injury due to impaired judgment, and triggering or worsening mental illness in vulnerable people.

Peyote: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Peyote from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, ingestion of peyote can cause mild gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, within the first 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. It can also cause mydriasis, mild tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, tremor, and visual hallucinations within about an hour after ingestion. It has also been reported to cause anxiety, paranoia, fear, and emotional instability which can lead to self-inflicted or accidental injury. Mescaline, a constituent of peyote, at doses of 20 mg/kg or greater, can cause hypertension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, and rarely death.

  1. Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Lu, B. Y., Woofter, C., and Escalona, R. A case of prolonged peyote-induced psychosis resolved by sleep. J.Clin.Psychiatry 2004;65(10):1433-1434.
  4. Pelner, L. Peyote cult, mescaline hallucinations, and model psychosis. N.Y.State J.Med. 11-1-1967;67(21):2838-2843.
  5. Carstairs SD, Cantrell FL. Peyote and mescaline exposures: a 12-year review of a statewide poison center database. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(4):350-3.
Reports by condition
Anxiety Psychiatric

Orally, peyote can cause psychic effects and visual hallucinations similar to LSD, peaking between 4 to 6 hours after ingestion. It has also been reported to cause anxiety, paranoia, fear, and emotional instability, which can lead to self-inflicted or accidental injury. Symptoms usually subside less than 24 hours after ingestion.

  1. Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Lu, B. Y., Woofter, C., and Escalona, R. A case of prolonged peyote-induced psychosis resolved by sleep. J.Clin.Psychiatry 2004;65(10):1433-1434.
  4. Pelner, L. Peyote cult, mescaline hallucinations, and model psychosis. N.Y.State J.Med. 11-1-1967;67(21):2838-2843.
  5. Carstairs SD, Cantrell FL. Peyote and mescaline exposures: a 12-year review of a statewide poison center database. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(4):350-3.
Depression Neurologic/CNS

Orally, peyote can cause sympathomimetic effects, including mydriasis, sweating, and tremor, within approximately an hour after ingestion. Mescaline, a constituent of peyote, at doses of 20 mg/kg or greater, can cause respiratory depression and, rarely, death. Symptoms usually subside less than 24 hours after ingestion.

Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, ingestion of peyote can cause mild gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, within the first 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. However, a ten-year retrospective review of the California Poison Control System database suggests that vomiting and nausea following intake of peyote or peyote tea is rare. In one case, forceful vomiting following peyote intake resulted in Mallory-Weiss esophageal lacerations and death in a 32-year-old man. The death was deemed likely due to aspiration during vomiting.

  1. Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Carstairs SD, Cantrell FL. Peyote and mescaline exposures: a 12-year review of a statewide poison center database. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(4):350-3.
  4. Nolte, K. B. and Zumwalt, R. E. Fatal peyote ingestion associated with Mallory-Weiss lacerations. West J.Med. 1999;170(6):328.
Hypertension Cardiovascular

Orally, peyote can cause sympathomimetic effects, including mild tachycardia and hypertension, within approximately an hour after ingestion. Mescaline, a constituent of peyote, at doses of 20 mg/kg or greater, can cause hypertension, bradycardia, and, rarely, death. Symptoms usually subside less than 24 hours after ingestion.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established or safe medical dose for peyote. It is not a regulated supplement, and the amount of mescaline in plant material can vary a great deal, which makes the effects unpredictable and dangerous.

Because peyote is a controlled substance and a strong hallucinogen, HelloPharmacist does not provide dosing guidance. If you have questions or concerns, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Peyote & Pregnancy

Unsafe

When used orally. The active constituent of peyote, mescaline, may be teratogenic.

  1. Gilmore HT. Petoye use during pregnancy. S D J Med 2001;54:27-9.

Peyote & Breastfeeding

Unsafe

When used orally. The active constituent of peyote, mescaline, may be teratogenic.

  1. Gilmore HT. Petoye use during pregnancy. S D J Med 2001;54:27-9.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 7 references that drive our Peyote monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Gilmore HT. Petoye use during pregnancy. S D J Med 2001;54:27-9.
  4. Nolte, K. B. and Zumwalt, R. E. Fatal peyote ingestion associated with Mallory-Weiss lacerations. West J.Med. 1999;170(6):328.
  5. Lu, B. Y., Woofter, C., and Escalona, R. A case of prolonged peyote-induced psychosis resolved by sleep. J.Clin.Psychiatry 2004;65(10):1433-1434. PubMed
  6. Pelner, L. Peyote cult, mescaline hallucinations, and model psychosis. N.Y.State J.Med. 11-1-1967;67(21):2838-2843.
  7. Carstairs SD, Cantrell FL. Peyote and mescaline exposures: a 12-year review of a statewide poison center database. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(4):350-3. PubMed
Keep reading

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.

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Peyote: Common Questions

Does Peyote interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 172 medications with a known interaction with Peyote, including 172 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Peyote interacts with a specific drug.
How are Peyote interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Peyote with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Peyote interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Peyote used for?
Peyote is mainly used in traditional religious and spiritual ceremonies for its vision-producing effects. It is not a proven treatment for any medical condition.
Is Peyote legal?
In the United States, Peyote is a Schedule I controlled substance and is generally illegal to possess or use, with a narrow legal exemption for certain Native American religious ceremonies.
Is Peyote safe to take?
No. It is a powerful hallucinogen that can cause nausea, frightening mental effects, and raised heart rate and blood pressure, and it can be especially dangerous for people with mental health or heart conditions.
Can I use Peyote while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Hallucinogens like Peyote should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because they can be harmful to the baby.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Where next
Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Peyote?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist