Medical Risk Management
Ibogaine is a powerful medicine that affects the mind and the body in a number of different ways. Some of ibogaine’s effects make it contraindicated for people with certain pre-existing medical conditions or who are taking specific types of medications. These risks are identifiable and manageable with proper medical screening and supervision.
At Anzelmo we work with a highly knowledgeable and experienced medical staff who have been conducting ibogaine treatments without serious incident for more than 10 years. We conduct a thorough intake assessment that includes electrocardiograms, blood tests, and a physical examination. During treatment we have constant medical supervision, cardiac monitoring, and are prepared on-site for any kind of treatment related incident.
Have Additional Questions? Contact Our Intake Professionals
Informed Consent
An essential part of the healing process is that patients take control of their own health and are empowered to do so with accurate information and tools. Understanding the risks associated with ibogaine is important, and requires the consent and participation of each patient.
Between 1990 and 2008 there were 19 reported fatalities associated with ibogaine treatment in clinical and non-clinical settings, at a variety of dose ranges. This paper, published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, suggested that each of these incidents was attributable to one or more of the following causes:
- pre-existing cardiac conditions,
- seizures resulting from acute withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines, and
- the co-administration of one or more substances, including opioids, while under the influence of ibogaine.
Exclusion Criteria
Under certain circumstances, our medical screening process may identify that ibogaine therapy involves too many risks. We follow the Clinical Guidelines for Ibogaine-Assisted Detoxification established by the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance (GITA). Below is a general list of exclusion criteria for our program:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder for which patient has been hospitalized or medicated
- Depersonalization and/or Derealization Disorder
- Cerebellar dysfunction
- Epilepsy
- Psychosis or acute confusional state
- Organic brain disease
- Dementia
- Prolonged QTc Interval
- The FDA considers prolonged QTc to be: > 450 milliseconds for males and > 470 milliseconds for females
- History of heart failure, enlarged or hypertrophic heart
- Active blood clots
- Pulmonary embolism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Low oxygen levels and required steroid treatments lead to excessive risks.
- Emphysema
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Bleeding ulcer
- Leaky gut syndrome
There are other situations in which treatment will be re-considered, or which may require preparation or other immediate medical care prior to administering ibogaine. These conditions include:
- Abnormal blood test results
- Impaired kidney or liver function
- Active infection or abscess
- Within 6 months of major surgeries
- Pregnancy
Ibogaine Detox with World Class Medical Support
Other Treatment Considerations
There are a number of other risk factors that don’t present absolute exclusion criteria but which must be managed in various ways. These issues may present risks that can be managed directly during the course of planning, preparation and treatment. Each of these other issues are covered in other sections of this site, or are asked for specifically during the application process.
At Anzelmo we value patient rights very highly. In order to uphold these to the highest standard we also expect that patients are as up-front and accurate as possible, particularly in responding to these queries by our intake team and medical professionals. We highly respect the sovereignty and privacy of our patients, and each of these questions are asked in the best interest of the patient.
