General Warnings

• Not suitable for persons under 18 years of age.
• Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Do not drive or operate machinery after use.
• Do not combine with alcohol, medication (especially MAO inhibitors or antidepressants), or other drugs.

Contraindications (When NOT to use?)

• In case of mental or psychiatric complaints (such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, or panic disorders), as the use of this substance can worsen or prolong these symptoms.
• In case of a personal or family predisposition to psychosis, because the substance can trigger an acute psychosis or a relapse.
• When you are in an unstable emotional or mental state (unwanted 'set').
• In an unsafe, busy, or unpleasant environment (unwanted 'setting'). Use always requires a familiar environment and preferably the presence of a sober 'trip sitter'.
• As self-medication or a replacement for regular psychological therapy. The use of this substance within uncontrolled (truffle) ceremonies is not scientifically proven to be effective and can increase existing complaints due to a lack of medical supervision.
• If the mushrooms were obtained from nature through foraging. Due to the strong visual resemblance to highly toxic species, searching for them yourself is life-threatening.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

• Acute psychological complaints (Bad trip): Use can turn into a bad experience characterized by extreme anxiety, panic, suspicion, and confusion. One can lose contact with reality and control over thoughts. A trip lasts an average of four to six hours and cannot be medically stopped in the meantime; the effects only disappear when the substance has worn off.
• Physical side effects (Body Load): Users may experience a heavy and uncomfortable feeling in the body. This can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, chills, and excessive sweating.
• Risk of high dosage: The exact concentration of active substances cannot be determined from the outside of mushrooms or truffles. This also applies to home-grown or dried products, making the potency unpredictable.
• Rapid tolerance (Habituation): Although the chance of a physical or psychological addiction is virtually non-existent, a very rapid tolerance occurs. With repeated use in succession, the effects disappear completely, meaning a break must be taken to restore efficacy.
• Flashbacks and HPPD: There is a risk that you may suffer from Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder after use. With this condition, visual disturbances (such as flashes of light, afterimages, or moving objects) or parts of the trip are re-experienced long after the active substance has left the body.
• Depersonalization and Derealization: After an intense experience, a reaction may occur where your own body (depersonalization) or the immediate environment (derealization) feels strange, unreal, or disconnected.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and never replaces the advice of a physician or medical specialist. In case of doubt about its use or if complaints occur, always consult your general practitioner.