Predicting drug–drug interactions between ayahuasca alkaloids and SSRIs using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling
Gabriella de Souza Gomes Ribeiro, Beatriz Aparecida Passos Bismara Paranhos, Fabiane Dörr, Mauricio Yonamine, Bianca Villanova, Lorena Terene Lopes Guerra, Adrieli Oliveira Raminelli, José Augusto Silva Reis, Caio César De Paula, Anna Beatriz Vicentini Zacharias, Jaime Eduardo Cecilio Hallak, Rafael G. Dos Santos, Frederico Severino Martins, Tânia Marcourakis
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences February 18, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2026.1768402 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or mechanistic framework Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Null |
| Topics | Ayahuasca Serotonin |
| Keywords | Paroxetine Pharmacology Fluoxetine Pharmacokinetics Antidepressant Sertraline Fluvoxamine Pharmacodynamics Drug interaction Serotonin reuptake inhibitor Moclobemide Dosing Harmine Monoamine oxidase inhibitor Venlafaxine Monoamine oxidase a |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | The analysis suggests a clinically relevant interaction between ayahuasca and SSRIs, as modest increases in DMT exposure may intensify serotonergic effects in individuals receiving antidepressant therapy. |
Abstract
The findings suggest a clinically relevant interaction between ayahuasca and SSRIs, as even modest increases in DMT exposure may intensify serotonergic effects in individuals receiving antidepressant therapy. This study provides a mechanistic and quantitative framework for assessing interaction risks between ayahuasca alkaloids and SSRIs, supporting clinical decision-making and harm-reduction strategies in contexts where controlled drug-drug interaction studies are not feasible.