01Look at your health
Physical health, mental health and family history all matter.
02Review medications
Include prescriptions, supplements and recent changes.
03Consider your timing
Stability and support matter. A checklist cannot clear you to proceed.
Are psychedelics safe for me?
Before venturing on a psychedelic journey, you want to ensure the timing is right and understand the risks. A medical screen considers physical health, mental health, medications and recent changes. Being in a private setting does not remove those concerns. Psychedelics can introduce uncertainty or chaos that takes time and support to make sense of. If life is already unsettled, postponing may be the wiser choice. This page is a starting point for assessment, not a clearance to proceed.
Use this information to identify questions for a professional assessment. It is not a pass/fail checklist.
Age, pregnancy & physical health
- You are under 19. Entheo’s resources are intended for adults; this is not a biological safety threshold.
- You are pregnant, nursing or trying to conceive.
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- You have an uncontrolled heart condition.
- You have had a recent surgery or are recovering from a significant physical injury.
Mental health & family history
- You have active or recently active suicidality.
- You have a personal or relevant family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder.
- You have schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.
- Your mental health is unstable or your symptoms are worsening.
- You have an uncontrolled eating disorder.
- You have uncontrolled anger issues.
Medications
- Lithium, MAOIs or a complex medication combination need specific professional assessment. Do not stop prescribed treatment to make a journey possible.
- Include tramadol, cough medicines, stimulants, supplements and recent medication changes in your review—not just antidepressants.
Motivation & life circumstances
- You want to rebel against, escape or avoid some given situation.
- You are going through a significant life change and have an unstable living situation.
Do not abruptly stop an SSRI or another psychiatric medication to prepare for a psychedelic experience. Taking an antidepressant does not automatically mean you need to taper. Continuing, changing or tapering a medication is an individual decision with the prescribing clinician, taking into account the particular medication, psychedelic and your current health. Never increase a psychedelic dose to overcome suspected medication-related blunting. Read Medication considerations for the substance-specific evidence and questions to bring to your prescriber.
Medication evidence reviewed: September 27, 2026.
Why people ask about psychedelics
These are reasons people become interested, not conditions this page recommends treating with psychedelics. The evidence differs by condition and substance. A diagnosis or a wish for change does not establish that a psychedelic is appropriate.
You are curious about
- Experiencing other states of consciousness.
- Finding new avenues to improve well-being.
- Exploring a different perspective or way of thinking.
- Improving self-acceptance.
- Finding new perspectives on personal issues.
- Feeling more connected.
- Expanding personal growth opportunities.
- You’re feeling stuck or looking for purpose.
Some people ask because they are seeking help with
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- End of life anxiety
- Substance use disorders
- Cluster headaches and chronic pain
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Bring questions about your health and medications to your prescribing clinician. If they do not work with psychedelics, ask whether a pharmacist or relevant specialist can help. Coaching and a guidebook cannot provide medical clearance.