Identifying setting factors associated with improved ibogaine safety: a systematic review of clinical studies
Authors:
Juliana Mendes Rocha, José A. S. Reis, José Carlos Bouso, Jaime E. C. Hallak, y Rafael G. dos Santos.
Journal:
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Year:
2023
About the study
This paper evaluates clinical studies of ibogaine with a focus on administration settings, with the goal to identify specific criteria that may promote safer contexts for ibogaine use.
The authors conducted a systematic review of clinical studies that evaluated the safety of ibogaine treatment. The studies included participants who were treated with ibogaine for various substance use disorders.
The review found that certain setting factors were associated with improved safety outcomes of ibogaine use, including the presence of trained medical personnel, use of cardiac monitoring equipment, and a quiet, comfortable environment for the duration of the treatment. Additionally, the review found that longer treatment durations and lower doses of ibogaine were associated with improved safety outcomes.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the west-African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Western cultures are increasing the interest for the substance due to its claimed anti addictive properties, although the evidence supporting this effect is still preliminary. The use of ibogaine often occurs with no medical supervision in uncontrolled settings, and its use has been associated with several reports of severe adverse events. This review aims to evaluate the clinical studies of ibogaine, with a focus on administration settings, to elucidate specific criteria that may promote safer contexts for ibogaine use. A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scielo, ClinicalTrials.gov and Core.ac.uk electronic databases were searched, and clinical studies published until November 17, 2022, were retrieved. The final synthesis included 12 sources. Information about general characteristics of the studies, adverse effects, screening of participants and setting characteristics were summarized and discussed. It is concluded that the use of controlled settings, supported by trained professionals and equipment allowing for rigorous medical, psychiatric, and cardiac monitoring, are essential to promote the safety of patients receiving ibogaine.
Photo by Pxfuel.
Categories:
Studies & papers
, Iboga and ibogaine
Tags:
hallucinogens
, mental health
, noribogaine
, setting
, ibogaine
, scientific research
, study
, safety
, psychedelics