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Ibogaine (Ibogaine (from Tabernanthe iboga))

Category: Psychedelics. Status: Schedule I (research compound).

A plant-derived psychedelic studied mainly for interrupting opioid and other substance addictions. A single session is reported to sharply reduce withdrawal and cravings, but it carries real heart-rhythm risks that demand medical monitoring.

How it works

Acts on multiple systems at once, including serotonin and opioid receptors, NMDA receptors and nicotinic receptors. Its active metabolite noribogaine is thought to drive much of the lasting anti-addiction effect.

Key facts

  • Molecular weight: 310.43 g/mol
  • Half-life: ~4-7 hours (ibogaine); noribogaine much longer
  • Bioavailability: Oral
  • Storage: Research/clinical settings only.

Dosing overview

  • Typical dose: Weight-based, given in specialized clinics
  • Frequency: Usually a single session
  • Duration: Acute effects last 8-24 hours
  • Route: Oral, under medical and cardiac monitoring

Protocol notes

  • Given in specialized clinics as a single large oral dose, almost always to interrupt opioid addiction.
  • The person is hooked up to heart monitoring because ibogaine can dangerously affect heart rhythm.
  • They lie down for a long (up to a day) dreamlike, waking-dream experience while staff watch vital signs.
  • It is never a casual or recreational drug; unmonitored use has caused deaths.

Reported benefits

  • Studied for opioid use disorder
  • Can reduce withdrawal symptoms quickly
  • May lower cravings after a single session
  • Investigated for traumatic brain injury (with magnesium) in veterans

Possible side effects

  • Dangerous heart-rhythm changes (QT prolongation)
  • Ataxia (loss of coordination)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Long, intense experience
  • Risk of death without cardiac monitoring

Research

  • Magnesium-Ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injury (2024): Stanford study reported large reductions in PTSD, anxiety and depression and improved functioning after a single supervised treatment.
  • Ibogaine for opioid detoxification (observational) (2018): Reported reductions in opioid withdrawal and craving, while emphasizing cardiac safety concerns.

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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.