Safety / Essential reading

Risk must come first.

Iboga and ibogaine can cause serious—and sometimes fatal—medical complications. No setting, dose or screening process can make their use risk-free.

Harm-reduction information Aotearoa New Zealand

If help is needed now

Treat warning signs as urgent.

Call 111 immediately for fainting, seizure, chest pain, severe confusion, difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, or a very slow, fast or irregular heartbeat.

Tell responders what was taken, approximately when, and about any medicines or other substances involved. Do not leave the person alone or allow them to drive.

Call 111

What requires careful assessment.

Heart rhythm

Ibogaine can prolong the QT interval, slow the heart and trigger life-threatening arrhythmias. A normal-looking person may still have significant cardiac risk. ECG testing and clinical interpretation are essential.

Medicines & substances

Prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements and recreational substances may interact with ibogaine or affect heart rhythm and metabolism. Do not abruptly stop prescribed medication. A qualified clinician must assess timing and interactions.

Liver & metabolism

The liver processes ibogaine, and individual metabolism varies. Liver impairment and genetic differences may increase exposure or extend effects. Blood tests require professional interpretation alongside medical history.

Withdrawal & overdose

Withdrawal can create dehydration, electrolyte disturbance and other medical instability. After abstinence, opioid tolerance may fall quickly; returning to a previous dose can cause fatal overdose. Naloxone access and an evidence-based support plan matter.

Mental health

Intense or prolonged psychological effects may worsen mania, psychosis, suicidality, trauma responses or severe anxiety. Personal and family psychiatric history should be reviewed, with a plan for support if distress continues.

Environment & monitoring

Vomiting, impaired balance, confusion and reduced responsiveness create aspiration, fall and dehydration risks. A setting should have continuous competent observation, appropriate monitoring and a clear route to emergency care.

02 — Before any decision

Screening is a clinical process.

An online checklist cannot determine whether iboga or ibogaine is safe for you. Screening should be conducted by a qualified medical professional who understands your full history and can interpret findings—not simply collect test results.

A proper review commonly considers

12-lead ECG and relevant cardiac history
Electrolytes, liver and kidney function
All medicines, supplements and substances
Pregnancy and other current health conditions
Personal and family mental health history
Current dependence, withdrawal and overdose risk
Monitoring, emergency transfer and aftercare plans

03 — Limits

Information is not clearance.

This page is a starting point for informed questions. It is not a complete contraindication list, medical assessment, dosing guide or endorsement of treatment.

Passing tests does not remove risk. Results can change, interactions are complex, and medical emergencies have occurred even where precautions were taken. Claims of “guaranteed safety,” universal suitability or a certain cure should be treated with caution.

If you are considering iboga or ibogaine, discuss your circumstances honestly with an independent, appropriately qualified healthcare professional. For non-urgent questions about this site’s educational information, you can contact us.