From the Research
Ibogaine treatment carries significant potential side effects that require careful medical supervision, particularly due to its risk of cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, QT interval prolongation, and in rare cases, sudden death, as evidenced by a study published in 2022 1. The most serious risks associated with ibogaine treatment include:
- Cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, QT interval prolongation, and in rare cases, sudden death
- Neurological side effects commonly include ataxia (loss of coordination), tremors, dizziness, and hallucinations that can last for 24-36 hours
- Many patients experience intense nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite during treatment
- Psychological effects may include anxiety, confusion, and emotional distress during the psychedelic experience, with potential for psychological destabilization in those with underlying mental health conditions
- Physical discomfort such as headaches, muscle aches, and insomnia are frequently reported
- Ibogaine can also interact dangerously with many medications, particularly SSRIs, stimulants, and opioids, as highlighted in a systematic review published in 2022 2. These risks stem from ibogaine's complex pharmacology, affecting multiple neurotransmitter systems including serotonin, dopamine, and NMDA receptors, while its metabolite noribogaine has a long half-life that can prolong certain effects, as discussed in a study published in 2016 3. Due to these risks, ibogaine treatment should only be conducted in specialized clinical settings with cardiac monitoring and medical support, as emphasized by a study published in 2018 4 and another in 2014 5.