Ibogaine treatment offers hope for those fighting addiction, but it requires serious preparation to be effective and safe. Before you begin therapy, there are specific things you should avoid to protect your health and get the best results. In this blog, we’ll cover what to avoid during ibogaine treatment and why these guidelines matter for your recovery.
The Importance of Restrictions During Ibogaine Treatment
The strict rules around ibogaine treatment exist mainly to protect your heart. When ibogaine enters your body, it disrupts how your heart normally beats and can trigger arrhythmias that may be life-threatening if doctors don’t intervene quickly.
Prior to ibogaine treatment, it’s important to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. An EKG, blood test, and thorough examination help doctors determine whether you are a good candidate for ibogaine treatment. These safety steps and constant medical supervision are essential because treatments done without proper monitoring have resulted in preventable deaths and severe adverse reactions.
Medications and Substances to Avoid
Some medications and substances create dangerous reactions when mixed with ibogaine. Here are the main ones you need to avoid for your safety:
1. Drugs That Interact With Ibogaine
Your liver relies on an enzyme called CYP2D6 to break down ibogaine. Certain drugs like paroxetine and even grapefruit products interfere with this enzyme, which means ibogaine can build up to dangerous levels in your systemMedications for heart rhythm problems, anti-arrhythmics, antipsychotics, some antibiotics, beta blockers, and drugs that increase serotonin (SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs) can have dangerous interactions with ibogaine, causing heart complications or serotonin syndrome.
2. Alcohol and Recreational Drugs
If you’ve been drinking regularly, you’ll need to complete a medically supervised detox for at least 12 days before your treatment. This gives your body time to safely detox to make sure that your liver is healthy. Being completely honest with your medical team about everything you’re using is crucial because mixing drugs can result in medical emergencies.
3. Stimulants and Energy Enhancers
Stimulants make your heart race, constrict your blood vessels, and cause your blood pressure to swing unpredictably. Beyond that, cocaine and methamphetamine can damage your heart’s electrical system over time. When you combine these with ibogaine, it might strengthen their effects and increase your risk of overdosing. You also need to eliminate caffeine completely. That means no coffee, tea, energy drinks, or chocolate for at least five days before treatment. Caffeine lowers your potassium levels and affects heart rate, both of which make ibogaine much riskier.
Pre-Treatment Medical Considerations
If you’re considering ibogaine therapy, you’ll need to undergo several medical tests to confirm that the treatment is safe for your health.
1. Cardiovascular Health Screening
Your cardiovascular health needs to be thoroughly evaluated before ibogaine treatment can begin. Doctors will require a heart test (called an electrocardiogram and possibly an echocardiogram) within two weeks of your scheduled session if there are red flags. Regardless, an EKG is done on site when you arrive. This test checks your QTc interval and can show signs of blockages, which can be affected by ibogaine. You’ll also need blood tests to measure your potassium and magnesium levels since low levels make cardiac complications more likely.
2. Neurological Conditions
People with epilepsy or a history of seizures should not take ibogaine, as it may trigger seizures. The same restriction applies to people diagnosed with schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, or anyone who’s experienced psychotic episodes in the past. Ibogaine is very intense, and it can make these mental health conditions considerably worse.
3. Preexisting Health Conditions
Severe liver or kidney conditions prevent your body from processing ibogaine properly. Having a body mass index above 35, having experienced a recent heart attack, or having blood pressure that’s out of control will prevent you from getting approved for treatment. Other health conditions, including thyroid disorders, diabetes, anemia, and active infections, need to be stable and under control before you can move forward with ibogaine therapy.
Environmental and Behavioral Considerations
Understanding these environmental and behavioral factors ahead of ibogaine treatment is crucial for your safety.
1. Avoid Unsupervised Administration
Treatment facilities monitor your heart, blood pressure, and oxygen levels continuously during ibogaine treatment. If something goes wrong, medical staff respond immediately. Without professional supervision, complications can be severe.
2. Ensure a Calm, Safe Environment
Treatment must happen in a medical centre with doctors and nurses trained in emergency care. The room should be quiet with dim lighting to help you reflect without feeling overwhelmed by your surroundings. A controlled setting like this reduces physical risks while helping you stay mentally calm.
Monitoring and Post-Treatment Precautions
The healing process doesn’t stop when your ibogaine session ends. Below are some precautionary steps to follow to make sure treatment is safe and effective.
1. Continued Abstinence from Contraindicated Substances
Staying away from harmful substances after treatment is just as important as before. Ibogaine converts to noribogaine, which stays in your system for weeks and may interact with alcohol, recreational drugs, medications, and stimulants.
2. Tracking Mood, Heart Rate, and Side Effects
Feeling emotionally sensitive or mentally foggy post-treatment is a normal part of the recovery process. Keep a record of your heart rate and blood pressure. Pay attention to side effects like insomnia, tremors, or poor coordination, and get immediate help if you have chest pain, dizziness, or breathing difficulties.
3. Follow-up Appointments with Medical Professionals
Regular visits with your medical team keep you healthy and support your long-term recovery. Your doctors will monitor your physical condition and check if your body is healing properly. Connect with therapists and support groups who help you process your experience and support your sobriety.
Key Takeaways
Understanding what to avoid before and after ibogaine therapy protects you from heart problems and other serious health complications. These restrictions help your body handle the treatment properly and give you the best possible chance at overcoming substance dependency successfully.
At Experience Ibogaine, we believe ibogaine should only be administered in proper medical facilities where doctors can screen for risk factors and medical staff will monitor you closely throughout the process. If you want to learn more about our programs, give us a call. There are many other disqualifying factors. Please fill out the application on our website to see if you are a good candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You should avoid antidepressants, medications, stimulants, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and cough suppressants. These medications can interact dangerously with ibogaine and cause risks. There are many other medications that would need to be suspended, sometimes for several months before arrival. Please be completely honest about every medication you are taking, whether it’s prescription, over the counter, or even supplements.
No, alcohol is strictly prohibited before, during, and after ibogaine therapy. However, if you stop drinking suddenly, it can trigger seizures. You may need medical supervision to reduce your intake gradually.
No, taking ibogaine at home is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged. Serious complications can develop rapidly and require immediate professional medical care.
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and anything that requires focus or coordination during treatment and recovery. Your body needs complete rest to handle the effects safely.
Yes, skip extreme diets, cleanses, and fasting before taking ibogaine because they drain your energy and deplete nutrient levels. Eat good, nutritious meals to make your body stronger and ready for treatment.
References and Citations
- Knuijver, T., Schellekens, A., Belgers, M., Donders, R., Van Oosteren, T., Kramers, K., & Verkes, R. Safety of ibogaine administration in detoxification of opioid‐dependent individuals: a descriptive open‐label observational study. Addiction, 117(1), 118–128. (2021). https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15448
- Rodríguez‐Cano, B. J., Kohek, M., Ona, G., Alcázar‐Córcoles, M. Á., Santos, R. G. D., Hallak, J. E. C., & Bouso, J. C. Underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders: A qualitative analysis of subjective experiences. Drug and Alcohol Review, 42(2), 401–414. (2022). https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13587
- Luz, M., & Mash, D. C. Evaluating the toxicity and therapeutic potential of ibogaine in the treatment of chronic opioid abuse. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 17(9), 1019–1022. (2021). https://doi.org/10.1080/17425255.2021.1944099
- Dickinson, J. Clinical Guidelines for Ibogaine-Assisted Detoxification. In J. Kamlet M. D. ,. DABAM, FASAM & R. Paskulin M. D. ,. Ph. D. (Eds.), Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance (1st ed.). Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance. (2015). https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/ibosafe-pdf-resources/Ibogaine/Clinical+guidelines+for+ibogaine-assisted+detoxification.pdf
- Wikipedia contributors. Ibogaine. Wikipedia. (2025). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibogaine#:~:text=Immediate%20adverse%20effects%20of%20ibogaine,cardiovascular%20disease%20or%20neurological%20disorders
