Short answer: Ibogaine is a psychedelic from the root bark of the African iboga shrub. It is Schedule I in the US, but interest has grown because of reports that a single dose reduces opioid withdrawal and cravings. It can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems, and deaths have occurred, often in unregulated clinics.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Ibogaine is a psychedelic alkaloid and a Schedule I controlled substance in the US.
- Medical use: None approved (studied for opioid use disorder).
- Timing: effects start in 1 to 3 hours and last 24 to 36 hours.
- Most dangerous mix: Methadone and other QT-prolonging drugs, which can cause fatal heart rhythms.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: Low.
- Legal route: none. Schedule I substances cannot be prescribed.
What is ibogaine?
Iboga is used in initiation and healing ceremonies of the Bwiti tradition in Gabon and Cameroon.
Effects unfold in phases: intense, dream-like visions and memories for several hours, then a long reflective period, with nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Quick facts
| Fact | Ibogaine |
|---|---|
| Source | Root bark of Tabernanthe iboga, native to Central West Africa |
| Drug class | Psychedelic indole alkaloid; acts on many receptors |
| US legal status | Schedule I |
| Research | Opioid use disorder, traumatic brain injury; Texas funded clinical trials in 2025 |
| Onset | 1 to 3 hours |
| Duration | 24 to 36 hours |
| Key danger | QT prolongation and fatal heart rhythms |
How long does ibogaine last?
- Starts working: 1 to 3 hours
- Effects last: 24 to 36 hours
About 24 to 36 hours.
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of ibogaine?
Heart: ibogaine and its metabolite noribogaine prolong the QT interval and can cause fatal arrhythmias, sometimes a day or more after dosing.
Deaths: dozens of deaths have been reported worldwide, often in people with heart disease, with other drugs on board, or in clinics without cardiac monitoring.
Opioid overdose: people who use opioids during or after treatment can overdose, because tolerance drops.
Warning: Ibogaine can stop the heart. It must never be combined with methadone, other QT-prolonging drugs, or opioids, and requires heart screening and continuous monitoring.
What should you never mix with ibogaine?
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Methadone and other QT-prolonging drugs | Fatal heart rhythms | Dangerous |
| Opioids | Overdose; heart risk | Dangerous |
| CYP2D6 inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion) | Higher ibogaine levels | Dangerous |
| Stimulants | Heart strain | Dangerous |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of an ibogaine overdose, and what should you do?
Toxicity causes slow or irregular heartbeat, very low blood pressure, seizures, and cardiac arrest, sometimes delayed by many hours.
If someone may have taken too much
- Call 911 for fainting, a seizure, chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, confusion, or if the person cannot be woken.
- If the person collapses and is not breathing normally, start CPR and use an AED if one is available.
- Give naloxone if opioids could be involved. It is safe even if they are not.
- For advice when the person is awake and stable, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US, free, 24 hours). Bring the product packaging to the hospital.
Is Ibogaine addictive?
Ibogaine is not considered physically addictive and does not cause a withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance builds quickly with repeated use.
- Hours to daysAfterglow or come-downTiredness, emotional sensitivity, or low mood can follow.
- Days to weeksIntegrationSome people have lingering anxiety or distressing memories that benefit from support.
- Rarely, monthsPersisting effectsA small number of people have lasting perception changes (HPPD) or mental health problems.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full ibogaine withdrawal guide.
Is ibogaine legal?
Ibogaine has been a Schedule I controlled substance since 1970. It can be used only in DEA-registered research.
- State research: in 2025 Texas approved $50 million for FDA-regulated ibogaine clinical trials, and other states have proposed research funding.
- Clinics abroad: many Americans travel to clinics in Mexico and elsewhere, where regulation and medical safeguards vary widely.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Not specifically regulated; many clinics |
| New Zealand | Prescription medicine |
| Canada | Prescription drug list |
| International | Not under UN control |
Frequently asked questions about ibogaine
Does ibogaine cure opioid addiction?
Reports suggest it can reduce withdrawal and cravings, but it is not proven in controlled trials and carries serious heart risks.
Is ibogaine legal in the US?
No. It is Schedule I, though some states are funding clinical research.
Why is ibogaine dangerous?
It can cause fatal heart rhythm problems, especially with heart disease or other drugs.
How long does an ibogaine experience last?
About 24 to 36 hours.
Is ibogaine treatment in Mexico safe?
Safety varies. Look for cardiac screening, continuous ECG monitoring, and emergency care.
Sources
- Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs, National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Magnesium-ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries, Nature Medicine, 2024.
- Controlled Substance Schedules, DEA Diversion Control Division.
- National Helpline, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses Ibogaine profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
