Safety & Medical Guidelines
Although Iboga is safe and healthy for the majority of people, there are some medications, drugs, and health conditions that do not mix well with Iboga.
Iboga is different from other entheogens in that it is much easier to go wrong with it if used in the wrong way and with the wrong people. We can’t urge you enough, especially if you are taking medications, drugs, or have a health condition, to work with an experienced provider / professional, and be 100% truthful in your health assessment.
Almost all risks can be prevented, if health assessments are done and health guidelines are followed.
The risk of taking Iboga while you have certain contra-indicated health conditions, or while you are taking certain drugs / meds can be extremely high, and in the worst cases, result in death.
Proceed with caution or not at all
This list of contra-indications recommends who needs to proceed towards Iboga with caution, or not at all, according to the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance
It is crucial that patients with childhood congenital heart defects, prolong QT intervals, a history of heart failure, enlarged heart, any history of blood clots, stroke, transient ischemic attacks, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or irregular heart rhythms do not attempt to take ibogaine because of these risks. Other pre-existing heart conditions should be carefully examined and a risk/benefit assessment taken into consideration.
Other conditions that should prevent someone from taking ibogaine are certain psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depersonalization disorder, cerebellar dysfunction, epilepsy, non-substance induced psychosis, organic brain disease, and dementia. While there may be exceptions, these conditions usually do not see an improvement, and could be exacerbated by taking ibogaine.
Impaired liver or kidney function, dehydration, and depleted electrolytes can also prevent serious risks.
Ibogaine and Iboga do not ease withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or benzodiazepines, and seizures, which are commonly associated with withdrawal from these substances, pose a substantial health risk. It is very important that acute alcohol detox be completed under medical supervision prior to taking ibogaine or Iboga, and that benzodiazepine use be stabilized and continued throughout the treatment. Detoxification from benzodiazepines should be managed by a gradual taper after ibogaine treatment, under the supervision of a medical professional.
One of the other causes cited in research on adverse events is ibogaine ability to potentiate the effects of opiates, as well as their lethality if co-administered. It does this not by acting as an opiate agonist or antagonist, but by enhancing opiate signaling.2 It is very important that substances are given an opportunity to fully leave the system before ibogaine is administered, and that half-lives of all substances are taken into careful consideration. This process is especially sensitive with long-acting opiates such as methadone and buprenorphine.Although many people seek out ibogaine treatment for its ability to mitigate withdrawal symptoms from short-acting opiates, it has been suggested that the safest route is to fully detox prior to ingesting ibogaine.
In addition to attenuating withdrawal symptoms, ibogaine has been shown to reduce developed tolerance to opiates3and alcohol,4 essentially returning the user to a novice state. Using substances after administration of ibogaine without taking this into consideration presents a significant risk of overdose.
Tests & Assessments
In the application process
Health Assessment
Our in depth assessment looks at your medical history, current life situation and intentions for participating in Iboga. Together we review any medications you are on and whether or not you would be a candidate for the medicine.
Electrocardiogram Test
(EKG Heart Test)
While very rare, there is a heart abnormality that isn’t compatible with the medicine, and so it is imperative that we test for it.
Liver panel blood work
Usually only required for those who have struggled with substances or health issues. A healthy liver is required when working with Iboga.
At the Bwiti Life Center
Urine Test
If you have a recent history of drug use, we may request a urine test prior to ceremony.
Monitoring of Vitals
Our nurse will either be present or act as a consult before, during and after ceremony, for monitoring of vitals and to assist with any medical needs (for example, administering insulin to people with controlled diabetes.)
Let’s Get Started
We want to highlight again the importance of understanding that Iboga is a very powerful medicine, not meant to be played or experimented with. Please tell the truth during your health assessment process, and make sure you do not have a contra-indication.
If you are experiencing addiction, do not attempt to detox yourself using Ibogaine or Iboga. Seek an experienced clinic or practitioner to help you through the process safely.
To begin, start the application by requesting a health assessment from us to determine if you are a good candidate for Iboga.