A 7-Step Guide to Preparing Yourself for Ibogaine Treatment

Ibogaine is a psychoactive indole alkaloid found in nature derived from the plant Tabernanthe iboga. Psychotherapists have been frequently using ibogaine since the 1950s against opioid addiction. Despite legal restrictions on the said drug in the United States, researchers have been using it for clinical research and have found that patients undergoing ibogaine therapy show a complete and instant “lack of interest” in opioid use. In other words, the drug provides the people with an addiction a true opportunity to recover.

If you’re planning to take up ibogaine therapy, gear up to find out effective ways to prepare yourself for the treatment in this article!

How to Prepare for Ibogaine Therapy?

Ibogaine is a powerful drug that, apart from having numerous benefits, has certain risks associated with it. One can prepare themselves for ibogaine therapy by considering these steps:

  1. Determine the Eligibility for Treatment

Consent is the basic inclusion criteria for ibogaine therapy. Patients lacking personal commitment show inadequacy in the treatment. In addition, patients who fulfill the underlying conditions are eligible for therapy:

  • They understand the scope of the treatment.
  • They desire to take the drug and hold realistic expectations regarding treatment outcomes.
  • They are willing to strictly adhere to the appointment schedule provided by the healthcare consultant.
  • The patient signs the consent form for the treatment.
  • The patient agrees to stick to an adequate self-care routine and engage with other services that they are being referred to.
  • Lastly, the patient should undergo a thorough physical and psychological examination.
  1. Evaluate Health Status through Comprehensive Medical Assessment

Therapists conduct a complete medical screening of individuals planning to undergo ibogaine therapy. A comprehensive medical evaluation allows you to identify contraindications and potential risks the therapy could pose to your health.

Health care proividers require the reports of medical tests before they register you for the therapy. Rocha et al. (2023) suggest conducting the following tests while preparing for ibogaine therapy:

  • Electrocardiograms
  • Echocardiograms
  • Urine drug tests
  • Complete Blood count
  • Liver Function test
  • Kidney Function test
  • Electrolyte panel

Ignoring this step can result in serious complications during the ibogaine treatment, putting your life at risk because ibogaine administration alters the body’s normal functioning. For instance, it reduces bradycardia (lowers the heartbeat) and increases the QT interval during an ECG.

  1. Consider Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

As mentioned earlier, ibogaine therapy is not suitable for individuals with any contraindications; therefore, medical professionals should take a patient’s pre-existing medical condition into account. For example, individuals with a history of cardiovascular diseases like the following are not eligible for the treatment.

  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Heart attacks
  • Cardiac surgeries
  • Heart murmurs

Additionally, special precautions should be taken before and during treatment if the patient has a history of a certain medical condition. For instance, patients suffering from hypotension or hypertension must not demonstrate a hypertensive/hypotensive crisis for at least three days prior to treatment.

Care for Hypertension

In this case of high blood pressure, the individual should keep taking hypertensive drugs. If they’re not taking any drugs, they should seek medical assistance in regard to maintaining their blood pressure before and during the treatment.

Care for Hypotension

Ibogaine therapy tends to be hypertensive in action. Therefore, patients with hypotension should:

  • Stay hydrated: Patients must consume at least one fl. oz. per kg of body weight throughout the day, or even more in physically active people. Clear urine is a good indication of sufficient hydration.
  • Maintain electrolyte balance: They should take fluids rich in electrolytes, such as coconut water. Otherwise, they would not be selected for the therapy.
  1. Abstain from Cleansing or Fasting

Fasting is strictly prohibited during ibogaine therapy. The reason is that individuals who are fasting or suffering from any sort of eating disorder, such as the following, are more likely to have an electrolyte imbalance, which ultimately prolongs the heart’s QT.

  • Anorexia
  • Bulimia
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Similarly, patients who have been following any cleansing regimens or diet plans that deplete physical energy or cause electrolyte imbalance are also not allowed to undergo therapy.

  1. Follow Proper Hydration Guidelines

Although the patients are advised to keep themselves hydrated during the treatment, they are asked to abstain from certain drinks such as pomelo and grapefruit juice. These juices block the CYP450 2D6 enzyme in the liver responsible for ibogaine metabolism. As a result, the drug concentrations increase in the body and have many side effects. Similarly, drinks containing quinone (e.g., tonic water, bitter lemon, etc.) are also contraindicated and must not be consumed days before the treatment to reduce the adverse effects.

  1. Do not take supplements if nutrient levels are normal

Potassium and magnesium levels must be in the normal range before and during the treatment. If the nutrient levels are low, supplements should be taken to normalize them before the therapy begins. However, if the blood K and magnesium levels are not low, patients are not recommended to take any supplements, as higher levels pose the same risk to ibogaine absorption as deficiency.

  1. Prepare yourself for the Psychological Effects of the Treatment 

Ibogaine helps people with emotional healing, but on the contrary, it is a psychodysleptic substance that can include hallucinations. Therefore, the patients should mentally prepare themselves for the treatment by considering the underlying tips.

  • Educate yourself about the treatment, its potential benefits, and the risks associated with it.
  • Reflect on why you want to get the treatment and set clear intentions to guide you through.
  • Set an appointment with a psychologist and get yourself mentally assessed before the treatment.
  • Ibogaine facilitates emotional release and catharsis, so prepare yourself to confront your deep-seated memories and subconscious feelings.
  • Consider post-treatment therapy, join support groups, and try to maintain the progress you achieved through the therapy.

Conclusion

Ibogaine, a psychoactive yet hallucinating drug, has been used to cure opiate addiction for years. Patients should physically and mentally prepare themselves for the therapy. A complete medical assessment for any sort of pre-existing medical conditions can help them assess whether they are physically prepared for the therapy or not. Similarly, knowing about the treatment and visiting a psychologist can help them prepare mentally. Lastly, they should avoid everything that promotes electrolyte imbalance, prolonged QT, and hinders ibogaine absorption.