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Overview: Iboga refers to a bush from central Africa called Tabernanthe iboga. The bark on the roots of this plant contains a psychedelic chemical called ibogaine. Although people take iboga for mental health problems and substance use disorders, its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include hallucinations, trouble with balance or coordination, nausea, vomiting, and paranoia. Serious side effects include heart problems, dangerous behaviors, seizures, and a rare condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Before taking iboga, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is iboga used for?

Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) is used for various mental health problems and substance use disorders. However, its benefits are not well defined.

If you are having symptoms of a mental health problem or substance use disorder, do not try to treat these symptoms on your own. Talk to your health care provider about your treatment options. If you are already taking a medicine for a mental health problem, talk to your health care provider before using iboga. Iboga may interact with some medicines. See the Drug Interactions section for more details.

Note: Iboga and a specific chemical found in iboga (ibogaine) are not approved by the FDA for any use. The FDA also does not consider these products to be legal dietary ingredients in the U.S. Iboga and ibogaine are Schedule I controlled substances, which means that they do not have an acceptable medical use and have a high risk for misuse.

How does iboga work (mechanism of action)?

Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) is a shrub native to central Africa, where it has a long history of use in indigenous ceremonies and rituals. The bark on the roots of the plant contains a psychoactive chemical called ibogaine. This chemical can change the way you experience the world around you. Taking iboga can cause a “psychedelic trip,” which can involve hallucinations, reliving old memories, or being in a dream-like state.

There is growing interest in using iboga or pure ibogaine to help with substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. There is also growing interest in its use for managing certain mental health problems, such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But research on its use is limited, and its benefits are not well defined. It may also cause unwanted or serious side effects in some people. See the Side Effects section for more information.

The dream-like experiences and hallucinations that occur with iboga may be pleasant for some people and frightening for others. Your experience can depend on your personal history, as well as the environment around you while you are using iboga. In most research studies, iboga is given in a facility in the presence of a trained professional who will be with you through the entire day. In some cases, this person will help talk you through your feelings and hallucinations so that you are less likely to have a frightening, paranoid, or panicked experience. Although the best way to guide someone through the use of iboga is unclear, this type of assistance may reduce your risk of having a “bad trip.”

Herbal products such as iboga naturally contain many different chemicals, such as ibogaine. The amounts of each chemical in a specific iboga product may vary. Different amounts of ibogaine may change the effects of iboga on the body.

How should I store iboga?

You should store iboga according to the product label. Most herbal products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of iboga?

The most common side effects of iboga are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Hallucinations (see below)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Paranoia or fear
  • Trouble with balance or coordination

There may be other side effects of iboga that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect from a natural substance. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of iboga?

While less common, the most serious side effects of iboga are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Iboga may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking iboga and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Hallucinations. Ibogaine, a chemical found in iboga, can cause hallucinations that may involve hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not. These hallucinations are often part of the reason that people take iboga. But some hallucinations can cause a negative experience during a psychedelic trip. Taking iboga in a safe setting with a trained professional who can monitor you may help reduce the risk of negative hallucinations.

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). In rare cases, people who have used iboga in the past have developed HPPD. People with this condition may have flashbacks to the psychedelic trip they experienced while using iboga, months or even years later. They may also have short-term changes in their vision or the way that they perceive the world around them. These flashbacks and vision changes can be intense, distracting, and last long enough to interfere with daily activities. If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned that you have HPPD, speak to your health care provider right away.

Dangerous Behavior. Ibogaine, a chemical found in iboga, has psychedelic effects, which can cause hallucinations and change the way that you experience the world around you. This may increase your risk of doing things that can be dangerous to you or others, such as walking into traffic or off a tall ledge. To help reduce your risk of dangerous behavior, iboga should be taken in a safe setting with a trained professional who can monitor your health and safety.

Heart Effects. Iboga may increase your risk of certain effects on the heart. It may raise your heart rate or blood pressure or cause an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Also, call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain.

Iboga may also cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or take medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Seizures. Some people who have used iboga have reported having seizures. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Get medical help if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use iboga?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take iboga.

  • Iboga
  • Ibogaine
  • Tabernanthe iboga
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific iboga products they stock.

What should I know about iboga before using it?

The U.S. federal government does not consider iboga or a specific chemical found in iboga (ibogaine) to be legal ingredients. They are Schedule I controlled substances, which means that they do not have any approved medical uses and are at high risk for misuse. However, iboga treatments are available in other countries and may also be available for purchase online. Iboga and ibogaine products are not regulated and have not been tested to confirm that they contain the claimed ingredients.

Iboga is a controlled substance because it can be misused. If you will store iboga at home, keep it out of the reach of children, and store it in a safe place.

Iboga can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until the next day.

Do not confuse ibogaine with iboga, which contains ibogaine. Ibogaine is removed from iboga or made in a lab so that it can be given in controlled doses. Iboga, on the other hand, naturally contains many chemicals in addition to ibogaine. The amount of each chemical in a specific batch of iboga may change for many reasons, including how the plant was grown and the way that it was processed. Raw iboga bark may also have different effects in the body compared with iboga extracts. Switching between batches and preparations of iboga can change its effects and side effects.

What should I tell my health care provider before using iboga?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if iboga is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems, including an abnormal heart rhythm or a condition called long QT syndrome
  • High blood pressure
  • Mental health problems, such as depression, a past suicide attempt, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, or psychosis
  • History of misusing prescription medicines or street drugs
  • Drink large amounts of alcohol
  • Have been told by your health care provider that you are a poor or slow metabolizer of certain medicines

Other Medicines and Supplements. Iboga may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking iboga, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how iboga could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if iboga passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does iboga interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between iboga and foods or drinks.

Drinking alcohol while taking iboga may alter the effects of both alcohol and iboga. This may increase your risk of having a “bad trip” and problems with your balance or coordination. It is best to avoid alcohol while you are taking iboga.

Does iboga interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking iboga.

  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), such as duloxetine or venlafaxine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraine, or seizures
  • A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
  • A muscle relaxant, such as carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, or tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • An opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, or tramadol, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain
  • Street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine
  • Any medicine that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem

Some medicines may alter the blood levels of iboga. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between iboga and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with iboga is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking iboga with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much iboga?

If you or someone else has used too much iboga, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

In the U.S., iboga is a controlled substance. Its effects are not well understood. To reduce your risk of serious side effects, iboga should be taken under the supervision of a trained professional. Do not take double or extra doses.