Ayahuasca Deaths and Side Effects, How To Avoid Them in 2025

Written by Johnny Tabaie · Founder & Director of OperationsMedically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, MD · Medical Director & ReviewerLast medically reviewed: August 2026

The Warning of Ayahuasca Deaths, Side Effects, and How to Avoid Them 2025

Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew known for its psychoactive properties, has gained global popularity for its purported spiritual and therapeutic benefits. However, its consumption is not without risks. Several fatalities have been reported across different regions, underscoring the potential dangers associated with its use.

Reported Ayahuasca Deaths Related Fatalities: Buyer Beware, Not All Ayahuasca Centers Are The Same

1. Peru:
   • Kyle Nolan (2012): An 18-year-old American, Kyle Nolan, died after participating in an ayahuasca ceremony at the Shimbre Shamanic Center in Puerto Maldonado, Peru. The shaman, Mancoluto, attempted to conceal Nolan’s death by burying his body, leading to his arrest. CNN News Ayahuasca
2. Mexico:
   • Matthew Mellon (2018): Billionaire banking heir Matthew Mellon died in April 2018 in Cancun, Mexico, where he was planning to check into the Clear Sky Recovery clinic, which specializes in therapy utilizing ibogaine, a medication with psychedelic properties. However, he was reported to have died in a hotel room in Cancun before arrival at the clinic, suffering a fatal heart attack after taking ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic drink. New York Times Mathew Mellon
3. Europe:
   • Unidentified British Man (2018): A 19-year-old British man died in Spain after consuming ayahuasca during a retreat. He reportedly suffered a fatal reaction, highlighting the potential dangers of participating in such ceremonies without adequate medical oversight.
     The Guardian Ayahuasca Death
4. Australia:
   • Dawson Clarke (2021): In 2021, 24-year-old Australian Dawson Clarke died after consuming ayahuasca during a ceremony in Peru. His death raised concerns about the safety and regulation of such retreats, especially for international participants.
   • The Sydney Morning Herald
5. Peru:
   • Denis Claude Yves Pointereau (2012): A French general practitioner and prison doctor, Denis Claude Yves Pointereau, took his own life in Iquitos, Peru, after participating in an ayahuasca ceremony. His death highlights the potential psychological risks associated with ayahuasca use, especially for individuals with underlying mental health conditions.
     WFTV
6. Florida, USA:
   • Brandon Begley (2018): In April 2018, 22-year-old Brandon Begley attended a retreat at the Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth in Orlando, Florida. After participating in multiple ayahuasca ceremonies and a kambo ritual, he experienced severe symptoms, including excessive water intake leading to hyponatremia. Despite his deteriorating condition, medical assistance was delayed, and he tragically passed away. In May 2024, a jury found Soul Quest and its owner negligent, awarding $15 million to Begley’s family.
     Vice

Potential Ayahuasca Side Effects

While many seek ayahuasca for its transformative experiences, it’s crucial to be aware of its potential side effects:

• Physical Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate are common during ceremonies.
• Psychological Effects: Users may experience intense hallucinations, emotional distress, or exacerbation of underlying mental health conditions.
• Interactions with Medications: Ayahuasca can interact dangerously with certain medications, particularly antidepressants, leading to serotonin syndrome.

How To Prevent Ayahuasca Side Effects and Deaths: Details on Substances and Habits to Avoid

1. Antidepressants (SSRIs and MAOIs):
   • Why They’re Dangerous: Antidepressants increase serotonin levels, and Ayahuasca’s MAO inhibitors can cause a severe overload, leading to serotonin syndrome, which includes confusion, high blood pressure, and even seizures or death.
   • How to Prepare: Discontinue antidepressants under medical supervision at least 4-6 weeks prior to your ceremony.
2. Benzodiazepines:
   • Why They’re Dangerous: Medications like Xanax or Valium suppress central nervous system activity, which can blunt or block Ayahuasca’s effects, limiting its healing potential.
   • How to Prepare: Gradually taper off these medications with medical oversight well in advance of the ceremony.
3. Antibiotics:
   • Why They’re Dangerous: Certain antibiotics may interact with Ayahuasca’s MAO inhibitors, potentially leading to toxic reactions or gastrointestinal distress.
   • How to Prepare: Inform your facilitator of any antibiotic use and delay your ceremony until treatment is complete.
4. Pork and Processed Foods:
   • Why They’re Dangerous: These foods are high in tyramine, which can interact with Ayahuasca and cause spikes in blood pressure or other adverse reactions.
   • How to Prepare: Follow a clean, plant-based diet free of pork, processed foods, and tyramine-rich ingredients for at least two weeks before your ceremony.
5. Unhealthy Eating Habits:
   • Why They’re Dangerous: Diets high in sugar, caffeine, and processed foods can disrupt your body’s balance, making it harder to handle Ayahuasca’s intense effects.
   • How to Prepare: Transition to a nutrient-dense, organic diet free from alcohol, caffeine, and refined sugars. At Holistic Sanctuary, we provide clients with organic superfoods to prepare their bodies.
6. Unhealthy Lifestyles:
   • Why They’re Dangerous: Stress, lack of sleep, and sedentary habits weaken the body’s ability to integrate Ayahuasca’s healing effects.
   • How to Prepare: Prioritize rest, hydration, exercise, and mindfulness practices in the weeks leading up to your ceremony.

Holistic Sanctuary: Setting the Gold Standard in Ayahuasca Safety, Medically Supervised Retreats in Luxury

While Ayahuasca’s therapeutic potential is undeniable, the risks involved highlight the necessity of choosing a retreat that prioritizes safety, medical supervision, and holistic care. Holistic Sanctuary has established itself as the most exclusive Ayahuasca Retreat in the world, offering unparalleled safety measures, luxury accommodations, and world-class therapeutic care.

Comprehensive Safety Measures And The Safest Ayahuasca Center in The World

Unlike many other retreats offering short-term programs, Holistic Sanctuary does not condone “3-, 4-, or even 7-day quick-fix retreats.” Instead, we have developed a comprehensive, science-backed protocol designed to ensure the safety and success of every individual undergoing or seeking an Ayahuasca Near Me. Key aspects of this safety-first approach include:

1. Thorough Medical Evaluations: Every client undergoes an in-depth medical evaluation to assess their physical and mental readiness for the experience. This ensures any underlying conditions are identified and addressed.
2. Licensed Medical Supervision: Each ceremony is conducted under the supervision of licensed professionals trained to handle emergencies and ensure a safe journey.
3. Tailored Preparation and Integration: Clients receive personalized preparation, including detoxification and holistic therapies, ensuring their body and mind are in an optimal state for Ayahuasca’s transformative effects. Post-ceremony integration sessions help process and maximize the benefits of the experience.
4. Exclusive Focus on Safety: Holistic Sanctuary has maintained a 15-year internal record without a single serious adverse incident through rigorous attention to every detail of the process. This achievement sets it apart as the safest option for those seeking to explore Ayahuasca’s potential.

How To Prevent Ayahuasca Side Effects and Deaths in Luxury Accommodations and Holistic Care a 15-Year Internal Record Without a Single Serious Adverse Incident

Holistic Sanctuary’s retreat offers unmatched luxury in a serene oceanfront setting. Every client is treated as a VIP, with access to:

• Private, Spacious Accommodations: Each client stays in a private suite designed for comfort, relaxation, and healing.
• 9+ Hours of Daily Holistic Treatments: These include therapies like HBOT, reiki, red-light and sauna, massage, yoga, meditation, IV infusions, and organic superfood meals to nourish the body and mind.
• World-Class Therapeutic Care: A dedicated team of professionals provides one-on-one support throughout the entire stay, ensuring a deeply personalized experience.

A Closely Supervised Environment for Ayahuasca Ceremonies with Medical Care 24 Hours Per Day 

Holistic Sanctuary’s meticulous attention to safety, combined with its luxurious environment, creates the ideal setting for transformative healing through Ayahuasca. With its commitment to safety and success, it stands as the gold standard for Ayahuasca retreats worldwide. Clients can embark on their journey with confidence, knowing they are in the care of the most experienced and safety-conscious team in the industry.

For those seeking a transformative experience with Ayahuasca, there is no better choice than Holistic Sanctuary, where luxury, safety, and profound healing converge.

Conclusion:

The allure of ayahuasca’s profound experiences must be balanced with an understanding of its risks. Fatalities in Peru, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and the United States highlight the potential dangers, especially when ceremonies are conducted without proper supervision or in regions where ayahuasca use is illegal. Prospective users should exercise caution, ensure ceremonies are led by experienced practitioners, and be fully informed of the legal and health implications.

SOURCES

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ayahuasca

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-ayahuasca-personal-death-subjective-literature.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/2-witnesses-claim-5th-amendment-222146350.html

Written by Johnny Tabaie · Founder & Director of OperationsMedically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, MD · Medical Director & ReviewerLast medically reviewed: August 2026