Ibogaine is a powerful substance which has helped thousands of people end the nightmare of addiction, deal with serious mental health struggles, and further their spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. However, like all powerful substances, it should never be used without appropriate safety precautions and the advice and supervision of experienced professionals. While experience has taught us that ibogaine can be used safely if the dosage is carefully determined and responsible procedures are in place, there are serious side effects which can occur during ibogaine treatment. Even seemingly healthy individuals have experienced severe and life-threatening adverse events under the influence of the substance. If you are hoping to safely obtain ibogaine treatment, we urge you to take the time to read up on the risks of ibogaine use, starting with our guide to the potential side effects of treatment.
Routine Side Effects
It is common to experience ataxia, or difficulty coordinating muscles and movement, after ingesting ibogaine. This is one of the many reasons why it is absolutely inadvisable to use the substance alone. You might need assistance using the bathroom, staying hydrated (a dry mouth is also quite common), or getting to a hospital should the need arise. Nausea and vomiting are also common side-effects, so having someone at your bedside to help you deal with these issues is absolutely essential. Because nausea and dizziness are commonly experienced under the influence of ibogaine, it’s recommended that you spend your time under the influence lying down, a position which can mitigate these side effects. These symptoms can persist for a period of up to 24 hours, so make sure you will have anything you may need close at hand. Ibogaine use is also often accompanied by a decrease in body temperature, so we’d recommend ingesting the substance in a warm setting.
In the period following the peak influence of ibogaine, there is likely to be a sleepless period lasting from 24 to 72 hours. It is common to feel lethargic and irritated at this stage of treatment, and focusing on the lessons and goals you’ve worked on in pre-treatment is extremely beneficial during this time. It helps to be in a quiet, safe place when you’re going through this period since distractions often lead to agitation.
The Heart Of The Matter
Ibogaine use is widely reported to slow the heart rate, particularly when it is consumed in large doses. A study on 39 patients who were dosed with 500-1000 mgs of the substance found that 6 patients experienced “significant bradycardia, and one subject a significant hypotension.” Bradycardia is the medical term for a slow heartbeat, defined by a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute or lower. Bradycardia isn’t necessarily a dangerous condition, in fact, many young people and highly trained athletes having resting heart rates lower than 60 beats per minute. But it is necessary to monitor the heart rates of patients under the influence of ibogaine, to ensure that their hearts continue to pump enough blood. Any responsible ibogaine provider will constantly monitor your heart rate with an ECG/EKG device to ensure your safety.
Ibogaine use has also been associated with arrhythmia and elongated QT intervals, cardiac conditions that can prove fatal if they aren’t dealt with immediately. In order to use the substance safely, you need to find an ibogaine provider who can screen you for any pre-existing heart conditions or cardiovascular problems (such as blood clots or deep vein thrombosis) which could result in dangerous complications. You need to ensure that your provider is experienced and responsible in setting a dosage which your physiology can safely absorb. You also need to ensure that your heart rate is monitored throughout the treatment period, and that the treatment center you visit has a plan in place to quickly and safely rush you to an emergency care facility in the event of a serious cardiac event. In regions where ibogaine use is illegal, a provider might be reluctant to interact with local health authorities, and for this reason, we would urge you to seek treatment in a setting where the substance is legal or its use has been decriminalized.
Other Side Effects
A complex series of interactions with hormones and receptors in the central nervous system occur when ibogaine is consumed, and we are still working to understand exactly what happens and why. We do know that when consumed in small doses, ibogaine decreases the risk of suffering a stroke, but when large doses are ingested the risk of stroke increases. It can also raise the risk of stroke for individuals who are currently detoxing from benzodiazepines and alcohol. Ibogaine also creates harmful and potentially fatal interactions with other drugs of abuse when used simultaneously. And individuals with kidney or liver damage should also avoid ibogaine treatment, since their bodies may be unable to safely process the substance.
While ibogaine has shown promise in treating a variety of mental health disorders (notably depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and anhedonia), it can exacerbate other conditions. Because it is a powerful oneirogenic substance, it is strongly recommended that those suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia, and psychosis seek another form of therapy.
Be Safe!
At Tabula Rasa Retreat we firmly believe that ibogaine can be used safely, and that the risk of fatal outcomes can be reduced to zero. But anyone considering the treatment needs to begin the process with their eyes open. There are extremely serious side effects that go hand in hand with the benefits of this treatment, and patients and providers need to be aware of them and work together to ensure that the process is safe. You can learn more about ibogaine safety here, contact Tabula Rasa Retreat to ask any questions you may have, or check in with the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance to see their patient bill of rights. One more fatality resulting from ibogaine use would be one too many!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530