The anti-addictive drug ibogaine modulates voltage-gated ion channels and may trigger cardiac arrhythmias
BMC Pharmacology September 5, 2011 Michael Kovar, Xaver Koenig, Ágnes K. Mike et al. 5 citations
Ibogaine, an alkaloid from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, has psychoactive properties and is being studied as a potential treatment for opioid, stimulant, alcohol, and nicotine addiction. However, its complex interactions with many cellular targets raise significant safety concerns. Beyond neurotoxic effects, ibogaine may harm the heart: several sudden deaths after use have been reported, possibly due to cardiac arrhythmias. In one case, a woman experienced a severely prolonged QT interval and ventricular tachyarrhythmias after taking ibogaine.