PEYOTE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Peyote is a small cactus. Parts of the cactus crown may be chewed or soaked in water to make a tea. In the US, it is illegal to possess peyote. However, peyote can be used in religious ceremonies of the Native American Church.

People use peyote to cause hallucinations, and for conditions such as fevers, wounds, and joint pain, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using peyote can also be unsafe.

How does it work ?

Peyote contains a chemical called mescaline, which causes hallucinations.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Fever.
Joint pain (rheumatism).
Bone fractures.
Wounds.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of peyote for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Peyote is UNSAFE for use. It can cause nausea and vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, fear, and emotional instability. It can also raise blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate. Changes in vision, drooling, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness may also occur. Although it is rarely fatal, peyote can cause homicidal, psychotic, or suicidal behavior related to the hallucinations.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if peyote is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is UNSAFE to use peyote if you are pregnant. The mescaline in peyote can cause birth defects.

Surgery: Peyote acts like a stimulant. Doctors worry that it might interfere with surgery by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Stop taking peyote at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Interactions

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

Stimulant drugs interacts with PEYOTE
Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Peyote might also speed up the nervous system. Taking peyote along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Avoid taking stimulant drugs along with peyote.

Some stimulant drugs include diethylpropion (Tenuate), epinephrine, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and many others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of peyote depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for peyote. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Yamakoshi, J., Sano, A., Tokutake, S., Saito, M., Kikuchi, M., Kubota, Y., Kawachi, Y., and Otsuka, F. Oral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds improves chloasma. Phytother Res 2004;18(11):895-899. View abstract.

Yamasaki, R., Dekio, S., and Jidoi, J. Contact dermatitis from grape bud. Contact Dermatitis 1985;12(4):226-227. View abstract.

Zern, T. L., Wood, R. J., Greene, C., West, K. L., Liu, Y., Aggarwal, D., Shachter, N. S., and Fernandez, M. L. Grape polyphenols exert a cardioprotective effect in pre- and postmenopausal women by lowering plasma lipids and reducing oxidative stress. J Nutr. 2005;135(8):1911-1917. View abstract.

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US Department of Justice. Drug Enforcement Administration. Diversion Control Division. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/cfr/1307/1307_31.htm. Accessed July 5, 2019.

US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Peyote and Mescaline Drug Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Peyote%20and%20Mescaline-2020_0.pdf. Accessed on: Nov 2, 2022.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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PEYOTE - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Special Precautions and Warnings

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Interactions

Major Interaction

Stimulant drugs interacts with PEYOTE

Dosing