Ibogaine at a glance: schedule, half-life, and class
- 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
What is ibogaine?
Iboga is used in initiation and healing ceremonies of the Bwiti tradition in Gabon and Cameroon.[1]
Observational studies and reports suggest a single dose can reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings, and a 2024 Stanford study reported improvements in veterans with traumatic brain injury, given with magnesium to protect the heart. Controlled trials are still needed. In 2025 Texas approved $50 million for ibogaine clinical trials.[2]
Ibogaine effects and how long they last
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.[1]
Ibogaine side effects and risks
Heart: ibogaine and its metabolite noribogaine prolong the QT interval and can cause fatal arrhythmias, sometimes a day or more after dosing.[1]
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.
Other effects: ataxia, vomiting, seizures, and psychological distress.
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.
Ibogaine interactions: what is dangerous to mix with it
Choose what it would be combined with:
| 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 |
This is not a full list. Combining substances raises the risk of harm, especially when the contents of street drugs are unknown.
Ibogaine overdose: signs and what to do
Toxicity causes slow or irregular heartbeat, very low blood pressure, seizures, and cardiac arrest, sometimes delayed by many hours.[1]
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.[1]
- 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.
Is ibogaine legal in the US? Schedule and legal status
Ibogaine has been a Schedule I controlled substance since 1970. It can be used only in DEA-registered research.[3]
- 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.
Where can someone get help with ibogaine use?
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. It gives referrals to local treatment and support.[4]
- FindTreatment.gov: a federal locator for state-licensed treatment programs, searchable by location, payment, and type of care.[5]
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Your own clinician: a primary care doctor can screen, treat, and refer, and can discuss medicines that support recovery where they exist.
Ibogaine legal status in other countries
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Not specifically regulated; many clinics |
| New Zealand | Prescription medicine |
| Canada | Prescription drug list |
| International | Not under UN control |
Laws change and differ in detail. Check current rules before carrying any controlled medicine across a border.[6]
Common 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.
