Overview

Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) is a shrub that is used for ritual and ceremonial purposes in some African cultures. It has hallucinogenic effects.

Iboga contains chemicals that can cause brain stimulation. The root bark of the plant contains a chemical called ibogaine. Ibogaine is illegal in the US due to its high potential for abuse.

People use iboga for withdrawal from heroin, morphine, and other opioids, as well as for fever, addictions, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Using iboga can also be unsafe.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for IBOGA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Ibogaine, a chemical in iboga, is possibly unsafe. Ibogaine might cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, paralysis, difficulty breathing, anxiety, hallucinations, and death.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if the iboga shrub is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Ibogaine, a chemical in iboga, is possibly unsafe. Ibogaine might cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, paralysis, difficulty breathing, anxiety, hallucinations, and death.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if the iboga shrub is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if iboga is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Paroxetine (Paxil) interacts with IBOGA

    Iboga contains ibogaine. Paroxetine can slow the liver from breaking down ibogaine. This might increase the chance of side effects caused by ibogaine.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with IBOGA

    Iboga can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking iboga might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.

  • Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with IBOGA

    Iboga can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking iboga with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

  • Medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging drugs) interacts with IBOGA

    Iboga might affect electrical currents in the heart. This can increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat. Some medications can have this same effect. Taking iboga with these medications might increase the risk for a serious heart issue.

  • Medications that decrease break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) inhibitors) interacts with IBOGA

    Iboga is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs decrease how quickly the liver changes and breaks down iboga. This could change the effects and side effects of iboga.

  • Serotonergic drugs interacts with IBOGA

    Ibogaine, a chemical in iboga, might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking iboga along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of iboga might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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