Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—Ibogaine
American Journal of Therapeutics March 1, 2024 Kirsten Cherian, Kenneth Shinozuka, Burton J. Tabaac et al. 9 citations
Ibogaine, a plant-derived alkaloid used for millennia in West-Central African ceremonies, shows promise for treating opioid dependence and other neuropsychiatric conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. However, it poses significant safety risks, including potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias due to QT prolongation, which co-administration with magnesium may reduce. Dangerous interactions with opiates require full opioid withdrawal before treatment. Rare mania or psychosis can occur, and transient effects include ataxia, tremors, and gastrointestinal issues. In open-label and randomized controlled trials, a single ibogaine dose reduces heroin and opioid cravings by over 50% for up to 24 weeks.