Swimy recent encounter with the synergistic relationship between mono-amine oxidase inhibitors and the alkaloidal component of Psilocybe mushrooms (in a 99.5% pure crystal form) introduced a field of potential and furthered an understanding of neurotransmitter activity on a visceral and empirical level. The presence of mono-amine oxidase is responsible for the destruction of exhausted neurotransmitters such including those desired and undesired. Primarily, the effects in play on psychedelics are within the realms of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. The presence of these, and their stimulation of primary receptors (specifically the 5-HT set) is widely regarded as being responsible for the psychedelic activities of the tryptamines. If allowed to stimulate the receptors repeatedly without destruction by mono-amine oxidase, the effects manifested as a result of stimulation will be both magnified and lengthened. This explains the simplification of "taking an MAOI with mushrooms will double the dose experience." In a more specific manner, the presence of an MAOI results in a lengthened experience, usually lasting around 8-10 hours. More importantly however, the presence of endogenous neurotransmitters, rather than the primary source of those digested, provides an increased aspect of control over the experience. This implies an even greater significance on set & setting, as the neurotransmitters produced even early in the trip, will still be lingering until the tripper returns to ground-zero. Accordingly, the potential for a "bad-trip" is increased with MAOI ingestion, due to both the presence of endogenous neurotransmitters, and perhaps more poignantly the inability to destroy the chemistry of emotional stimulation. Therefore, an anxious or apprehensive psychonaut will find themselves deep in a world of anxiety and apprehension as the neurotransmitters responsible for these feelings remain undigested.
SWIMy personal experience dictates the above evidence as accurate and potentially useful in designing the atmosphere and conditions (physical and mental) in which a psychoactive experience should and can take place.
Be safe!
On ^ that note, always research the pharmacological interactions of any new substance, but especially MAOI, as the interaction with tyramine (common in foods such as chocolate, fish, mango, cheese...) is both common and unpleasant, even life-threatening.
This Crazy Pot Head agree's. In his experience, an MAOI such as Harmal is quite effective in lengthening and somewhat intensifying the effects of a 5-HT receptor agonist.
It is also worthy to note that the relationship between MAOI consumption to length and intensity of experience is linear from his anecdotal evidence. If a certain amount of MAOI will double the experience, half of it will add roughly 50%. He finds that 3 grams of powdered Harmal is enough for full MAOI inhibition, and he usually used 1 gram to add an hour or so to the psilocybin expeirence without having to follow a strict MAOI diet as 3 grams would require.
17-12-2007, 06:56
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