FAQ (Detailed Info)

Updated December 3, 2024.

What are the requirements for using psilocybin?

You must be at least 21 years of age. Additionally, under Oregon law, you may not use psilocybin if you:

1. Have taken the prescription drug Lithium in the past 30 days

2. Have had a psychotic episode in your life

3. Are having thoughts of causing harm or wanting to cause harm to yourself or others

This is the minimum to ensure a base level of client safety. It is vitally important for your safety as well as mine that you are honest about your medical and psychological status and history. If psilocybin is not for you, we may discuss alternative resources. 

Is this a medical or psychological treatment?

I would not describe it that way. You will probably find our work helpful and even therapeutic. I have 1 year of experience as a volunteer crisis counselor, a position which required 3 months of training. My integration method is a futures studies approach to oral history, not psychotherapy. 

The Oregon model allows any type of use, such as:

• Clinically-minded use

• Spiritual use

• Recreational use

• Imagining creative approaches to business or research problems

Facilitators and service center owners and operators may have formal training in psychology or social work, but this is not required. This was intended to ensure that people from many walks of life would be able to contribute to the growing profession. 

However, there is clinical evidence showing that psilocybin is useful for a range of psychological conditions. If you are receiving medical or psychological treatment, I would encourage you to work with your clinician to ensure that psilocybin is right for you.

What is psilocybin useful for?

In the clinical literature, psilocybin has shown promise for a range of conditions across the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. This spectrum includes conditions like:

• Problem or disordered drinking or drug use

• Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia

• Behavioral addictions like gambling, sex, and gaming

• Social anxiety

Bear in mind that clinical evidence is in its early stages, and that psilocybin may or may not be useful for any of the above conditions. People typically try psilocybin after more conventional treatments have not been successful. 

What is psilocybin not recommended for?

Psilocybin is not recommended for those with severe blood pressure or heart conditions, for those who are pregnant, or who have a history of epilepsy, another seizure disorder, heart attack, or stroke. 

I would not advise psilocybin to be used by people with many psychological conditions, such as:

• Dissociative identity disorder

• Depersonalization-derealization disorder

• Psychotic disorders

• Personality disorders

Also, I would not recommend psilocybin if you:

• Often have thoughts of harm, violence, or suicide

• Hear voices or see things that are not there

• Experience distress when thinking about yourself as being composed of “parts”

If you have a personal or family history of primary psychotic or affective disorders like Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder, an abundance of caution would be advised, because psilocybin may trigger onset of such disorders. An abundance of caution is similarly advised if you have a history of alcohol or substance-induced paranoia or psychosis.

It is vitally important for your safety as well as mine that you are honest about your medical and psychological status and history. If psilocybin is not for you, we may discuss alternative resources. 

Please note that due to limited available clinical evidence, it is not possible to anticipate all possible medical or psychological reactions, and the above information may be incomplete.

What are the side effects of psilocybin?

Distortions of hearing and vision are expected. Closed-eye hallucinations are common, and are typically personally meaningful. Anxiety during your session and a headache as it ends are common. 

Nausea is common, but you will be offered guidance on how to prepare your product in a way which significantly reduces the chance of stomach upset. Confusion, fear, high blood pressure, nausea, and paranoia may also occur. Psilocybin is not addictive. 

Will psilocybin interact with my medications?

It is possible that psilocybin may interact with your medications. Clinical evidence is in its early stages, so not much is known. Also, people typically use natural psilocybin products, which may contain chemicals related to psilocybin or similar to chemicals used in the body that researchers are not aware of. It is always better to err on the side of safety.

The prescription drug lithium may interact with psilocybin with potentially fatal consequences. Practical experience has shown that ondansetron (Zofran) is not advised for use alongside psilocybin due to a severe reaction which may persist long after the administration session. 

Any drug which influences serotonin, a substance in the brain, may interact with psilocybin, either causing a dangerous reaction or blocking the effects of psilocybin. For this reason, it is not recommended that psilocybin be used while any of the following drugs may be in the body:

Triptans like sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan and eletriptan, buspirone (BuSpar), trazodone (Desyrel), codeine, fentanyl, tramadol, linezolid (Zyvox), ritonavir (Norvir), methysergide, ziprasidone, olanzapine, clozapine, palonosetron, and cyproheptadine. 

Some natural drugs such as St. John’s Wort and ginseng may also interact with psilocybin. A list of more serotonergic drugs is available at the bottom of this page.

If you are taking an SSRI like sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa),  fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Brisdelle or Paxil) or fluvoxamine, or any other antidepressant like a MAOI or a tricyclic, it may block the effects of psilocybin. Some may have success using a larger dose of psilocybin to counteract this blocking effect, but success is not guaranteed. Tapering SSRIs or any other antidepressant can be dangerous and even fatal because you may be stopping treatment, and because of Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.

Also, because psilocybin can increase heart rate and blood pressure, it is not recommended for use alongside stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) or lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse).

Bear in mind that the lists of drugs provided on this page are not all-inclusive due to limitations of clinical evidence as well as practical limitations. 

You may bring any medications which are not expected to interact with psilocybin to your administration session in their original, labeled containers. 

May I bring food or beverages to my administration session?

Yes, but only if they are prepackaged food and beverages which have not been opened. I would recommend bringing water for sipping during and after your session, as well as a high-energy snack like a trail mix for breaking your fast after your session.

May I bring alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs to my administration session?

No. Also, if you appear to be under the influence when you arrive for your administration session, it will be my responsibility not to move forward on that day. It is recommended that you safely cease use several days before your session, and avoid any triggers in the meantime. 

How does this work, step by step?

Psilocybin-assisted personal growth typically involves consuming the medicine between 2 and 15 times. These administration sessions can be anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks apart.

Each administration session is followed by 1 or more integration sessions. Integration is crucial for bringing the insights of your psilocybin journey into your daily life.

A typical course of psilocybin-assisted personal development works like this:

1. Consultation. You and I hold a consultation to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and assess what approach may be right for you. This is typically a phone call or a Google Meet call.
   
   

2. Preparation Session. If psilocybin may be right for you, we work together to develop a plan to ensure your administration session is safe and comfortable. This involves quite a bit of paperwork and it takes about a half day. It can take place in a private place in person or via Google Meet.
   
   

3. Administration Session. If we develop a suitable plan, you may purchase and consume psilocybin at a service center, where I will supervise and support you, ensuring your safety and comfort. This usually takes half a day. You will need to rest at home for the remainder of that day, and many people need to rest for 1 or 2 days afterward.
   
   

4. First Integration Session. After your first administration session, I will help you make sense of your experience, and develop a topic list for your recorded interview.
   
   

5. Past and Possibility Integration. We will hold a recorded interview, usually between 1 and 2 hours. You will receive a copy of your recorded interview.

If you wish, we may hold additional administration and integration sessions. 

How can I prepare to use psilocybin?

If you have been contemplating making some changes to your daily habits, like eating better, improving your sleep hygiene, exercising more, or being more assertive or kind, psilocybin can help to make those changes easier for you. It is a good idea to start making those changes before using psilocybin.

For many people, music is a central part of the psilocybin experience. You may want to prepare a lengthy playlist that is meaningful to you on a personal level (not music to jam out to). Alternatively, you may want to use the Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Playlist, which is available on Spotify.

Because social support is vitally important for ensuring you have a satisfactory outcome, it is best to let open-minded loved ones know about your plan and how they can support you afterward. 

If you are working with a psychotherapist who is open-minded, I would definitely recommend letting them know about your plan beforehand and discussing whether psilocybin is right for you. 

As a precaution, it is good to also have some warmline and crisis resources on hand in case you need them after your experience.

Importantly, on the day of your session, it is best to have a light breakfast 2 to 3 hours before you plan to use psilocybin. 

What are some warmline and crisis resources?

• The Fireside Project (psychedelic-specific): 623-473-7433

• Lines for Life specialized lines:

  • Alcohol & Drug Helpline: 800.923.4357

  • Military Helpline: 888.457.4838

  • Racial Equity Support: 503.575.3764

  • Senior Loneliness Line: 503.200.1633

• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ-specific): (212) 695-8650

• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

• National Lifeline: 988

Can my psychotherapist or loved one attend my administration session?

As of this writing, under Oregon law, a psychotherapist may not attend your administration session unless they are licensed in Oregon as a psilocybin facilitator. 

A loved one may only attend your administration session if they are needed for a specific medical or disability-related purpose, but not for emotional support.

Some people may be open to recording a de-escalation script for you that you can store on an audio recorder if needed. An example script is available here: (Link to script).

Can I drive or bike home after using psilocybin?

Oregon law does not permit you to operate a motor vehicle or a bicycle after leaving a psilocybin administration session. 

You will need to arrange transportation for yourself, such as asking an open-minded loved one to pick you up, or arrange for a place to stay which is within walking distance of the service center. 

Taking public transit afterward is permitted by law, but it may be easier to get lost, and you may be more sensitive to noises and social situations, and less able to react to the usual hazards of life safely.

What can I do to take good care of myself after using psilocybin?

After your experience, I recommend at least 2 days of rest, away from work, social, and family responsibilities. I would recommend preparing food in advance. 

For the next few weeks after your experience, your mind will be more easily influenced than usual. It is very important to ensure you will be in a supportive space socially during this time. 

I would not recommend making major life changes, such as a career change or a marriage, during or shortly after your experience.

What can I expect in terms of results?

Most people experience psilocybin as miraculous. It really can feel that way, especially as it helps you to deepen your reflections and broaden your imagination. 

Still, psilocybin is not magic. Research has shown that integration is key to success, and that many clients feel a need to return to it about once a year to experience continued benefits.

How much will this cost?

I am able to hold space at Chariot, a licensed service center in Portland, Oregon. The cost for preparation and administration can vary. There are 3 separate payments required for an administration session:

1. The rent of the room during the day of your administration session. This is paid directly to the service center. This may be paid by credit card, and there is a fee for using a credit card, which is split between you and Chariot. Group spaces may cost as much as $2,800 total, but the room rental for a typical private session is typically around $600. The credit card fee typically ranges from $21–$30.
   
   

2. The cost of my time for preparation (video call) and administration (in person). The first round of preparation and administration will be $795, and it must be paid in cash only before the administration session. If we decide during preparation that you cannot proceed to administration, I will not charge you for my time.
   
   You may undergo several additional administration sessions during that same year without going through preparation again. My time will cost $395 for each additional administration session.
   
   

3. The cost for the product may vary by dosage and product availability. A typical dose of 20 mg with an optional 10 mg booster dose may cost $210 ($182 for product + $28 tax). Those with sensitivities may prefer a smaller dose such as 15 mg with an optional 10 mg booster, which may cost $175 ($151 + $24 tax). These costs must be paid directly to the service center in cash only. Any unopened booster packages will be refunded at the end of your session. 

One round of my integration service, including one topic interview and one recorded and transcribed interview, is $795. Additional rounds of integration will cost the same amount. 

Given the above figures, one round of preparation and administration could cost as much as $1626 ($621 for the room + $795 for my time during administration + $210 for the product). 

Adding one round of Past and Possibility (recorded interview) integration would cost an additional $795, bringing the total to $2421. If you would like to receive basic integration services without the recorded interview, it will cost $95 for each 50-minute session. As an alternative, if you have an established psychotherapist or counselor who is able to bill your insurance, you may be able to work with them to integrate your psilocybin experience into your daily life as well. 

Additionally, if you are coming from out of town, you will need to arrange for a safe and private place to stay the next couple of nights after your administration session. I would recommend booking at least 2 nights at a nearby hotel.

Please note that these cost estimates are provided for illustrative purposes only, and that prices may vary over time due to factors beyond my control. You will always be informed of the true cost for your services and products well before you are asked for payment. 

Psilocybin services are not currently covered by medical insurance. Costs and cash requirements are due to a range of factors related to legal status and requirements as well as licensing fees paid to Oregon Health Authority. Partial funding for your journey may be available via the Sheri Eckert Foundation (link here).

What if I have more questions?

For additional questions, email me at info@pastandpossibility.com, or call or text me at ‪(971) 249-2011‬. Your first consultation will be free of charge.

Could you list some serotonergic drugs which could interact with psilocybin?

Acepromazine, Agomelatine, Alaproclate, Almotriptan, Alosetron, Alprenolol, Alverine, Amisulpride, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Amperozide, APD791, Apomorphine, Aripiprazole, Aripiprazole lauroxil, Asenapine, Azasetron, Befiradol, Blonanserin, Brexpiprazole, Brilaroxazine, Bromocriptine, Bufotenine, Buspirone, Butriptyline, Cabergoline, Cannabidiol, Captodiame, Cariprazine, Cerlapirdine, Chlorpheniramine, Chlorpromazine, Chlorprothixene, Cilansetron, Cinitapride, Cisapride, Citalopram, Clomipramine, Clozapine, Codeine, Cyamemazine, Cyclobenzaprine, Cyproheptadine, DA-8031, Dapoxetine, Deramciclane, Desipramine, Desvenlafaxine, Dexfenfluramine, Dexmethylphenidate, Dextromethorphan, Dihydroergotamine, Dimethyltryptamine, Dolasetron, Dosulepin, Dotarizine, Doxepin, DU125530, Duloxetine, Eletriptan, Eltoprazine, Epinastine, Eplivanserin, Ergoloid mesylate, Ergometrine, Ergotamine, Escitalopram, Esmirtazapine, Etoperidone, F-15599, Felcisetrag, Fenfluramine, Fentanyl, Flibanserin, Fluoxetine, Flupentixol, Fluspirilene, Fluvoxamine, Frovatriptan, Gepirone, Granisetron, Idalopirdine, Iferanserin, Iloperidone, Imipramine, Indalpine, Iprazochrome, Isocarboxazid, Ketanserin, Landipirdine, Lasmiditan, Lecozotan, Levomilnacipran, Linezolid, Lisuride, Lithium carbonate, Lithium cation, Lithium citrate, Lofexidine, Lorcaserin, Lorpiprazole, Loxapine, Lumateperone, Lurasidone, Lysergic acid diethylamide, m-Chlorophenylpiperazine, Maprotiline, Mazindol, Meperidine, Mescaline, Mesoridazine, Metergoline, Methadone, Methotrimeprazine, Methysergide, Mianserin, Midomafetamine, Milnacipran, Minaprine, Mirtazapine, MK-212, MMDA, Moclobemide, Molindone, Mosapride, N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-cyanophenylethylamine, Naftidrofuryl, Naluzotan, Naratriptan, Naronapride, Nefazodone, Nortriptyline, Olanzapine, Ondansetron, Paliperidone, Palonosetron, Paroxetine, Penbutolol, Pergolide, Phenelzine, Piclozotan, Pimavanserin, Pindolol, Pipamperone, Pipotiazine, Pirlindole, Pizotifen, Procarbazine, Promazine, Promethazine, Propiomazine, Protriptyline, Prucalopride, PRX-08066, Quetiapine, Ramosetron, Rasagiline, Renzapride, Repinotan, Risperidone, Ritanserin, Ritonavir, Rizatriptan, Robalzotan, Roluperidone, Rotigotine, Sarpogrelate, Selegiline, Seproxetine, Serotonin, Sertindole, Sertraline, Sibutramine, Sumatriptan, SUVN-502, Tandospirone, Tapentadol, Tedizolid phosphate, Tegaserod, Tenamfetamine, Tetrahydrocannabivarin, Thioproperazine, Thioridazine, Thiothixene, Tianeptine, Tramadol, Tranylcypromine, Trazodone, Triflupromazine, Trimipramine, Tropisetron, Urapidil, Vabicaserin, Venlafaxine, Vilazodone, Volinanserin, Vortioxetine, Wortmannin, Xaliproden, YKP-1358, Yohimbine, Zimelidine, Ziprasidone, Zolmitriptan, Zotepine, Zuclopenthixol, (2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylthioamphetamine), (4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine), (4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine), (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine).