Who should stay away from these seeds
Updated
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment found adverse effects in otherwise healthy people at amounts sold as normal, and concluded that no safe level exists (RIVM, 2020). For the groups below the risk is clearly higher, and the honest advice is simple: do not take these seeds at all.
People who should not take them
Pregnant or breastfeeding women. The seeds contain ergometrine and methylergometrine, ergot alkaloids that make the muscle of the uterus contract (Paulke et al., 2015; Wikipedia: Ergometrine). There are no data on effects on the unborn child. RIVM names pregnant women as a vulnerable group.
Anyone with heart or blood vessel problems. Raised heart rate and blood pressure are documented in volunteers and patients, with readings up to 185/130 in one case (risks page). This includes high blood pressure, heart disease, a history of stroke or heart attack, poor circulation in hands or feet (for example Raynaud's phenomenon).
People with liver disease. Older literature named a history of liver disorders as a risk factor, probably because the liver breaks down the alkaloids (Gottlieb, 1973, in RIVM 2020).
People with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Psychosis-like states occurred in the case literature and in one of four healthy volunteers. Someone with a vulnerability has more to lose.
Anyone under 18. Several of the serious cases involved teenagers aged 15 to 18. RIVM notes that children and adolescents are probably more prone to adverse effects because their bodies and minds are still developing.
Anyone in a crisis or under heavy stress. Panic, despair, feelings of being trapped and suicidal thoughts appear in the user reports summarised by Juszczak and Swiergiel (2013).
Dangerous combinations
| Combined with | Why it is a problem |
|---|---|
| Medicines acting on serotonin, dopamine or adrenaline | LSA binds to the same receptors. RIVM states interactions "cannot be ruled out". This includes many antidepressants, antipsychotics and ADHD medication. One severe case (seizures, blood pressure 185/130) occurred in a man taking the antidepressant clomipramine. |
| MAO inhibitors | Several Dutch shops warn against this combination, as RIVM documented. MAO inhibitors include certain antidepressants and harmala alkaloids (Syrian rue, ayahuasca brews). |
| Migraine medicines (triptans, ergotamine) and other ergot drugs | They also narrow blood vessels. |
| Stimulants (amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, high doses of caffeine), decongestants | They raise heart rate and blood pressure on top of the seeds. |
| Alcohol | Adds nausea and confusion. One hospitalised 17-year-old had combined the seeds with alcohol. |
| Cannabis | Often used against the nausea, but present in several severe cases, including the fatal fall described on the risks page. |
| Other LSA seeds (morning glory, ololiuqui) | Add more of the same alkaloids; RIVM mentions combined exposure as a risk. |
Never stop or skip prescribed medication to take anything recreational. If you take medication and want to know about interactions, a pharmacist can tell you confidentially.
Driving and work
A study designed to test driving ability after these seeds had to be stopped because three of the four volunteers became too ill (Kremer et al., 2012). Effects can last into the next day. Driving under the influence is illegal in most countries and dangerous everywhere.
Signs that need help
Call the emergency number (112 in Europe, 911 in North America, 999 in the UK) when someone:
- has chest pain, a pounding or racing heart that does not settle, or a sudden severe headache
- has cold, white or blue fingers or toes, or numbness in a limb
- has a seizure, faints or cannot be woken
- keeps vomiting and is not fully alert
- is panicking to the point of danger, tries to run off or talks about harming themselves or others
Lay a drowsy person who has vomited on their side, stay with them, and tell the ambulance crew what was taken and when. In the Netherlands, the Drugs Infolijn of the Trimbos Institute answers questions about drugs on 0900-1995.
Read on
- Nausea and vasoconstriction
- Legal status
- Growing the vine as an ornamental