Iboga
OTHER NAME(S): Bois Sacré, Eboka, Tabernanthe iboga
Overview
Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) is a shrub that is used for ritual and ceremonial purposes in some African cultures. It has hallucinogenic effects.
Iboga contains chemicals that can cause brain stimulation. The root bark of the plant contains a chemical called ibogaine. Ibogaine is illegal in the US due to its high potential for abuse.
People use iboga for withdrawal from heroin, morphine, and other opioids, as well as for fever, addictions, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Using iboga can also be unsafe.
Uses
We currently have no information for Iboga overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Ibogaine, a chemical in iboga, is possibly unsafe. Ibogaine might cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, paralysis, difficulty breathing, anxiety, hallucinations, and death.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if the iboga shrub is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Ibogaine, a chemical in iboga, is possibly unsafe. Ibogaine might cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, paralysis, difficulty breathing, anxiety, hallucinations, and death.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if the iboga shrub is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if iboga is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging drugs) interacts with IbogaIboga might affect electrical currents in the heart. This can increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat. Some medications can have this same effect. Taking iboga with these medications might increase the risk for a serious heart issue.
- Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with IbogaIboga can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking iboga might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
- Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with IbogaIboga can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking iboga with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.
- Medications that decrease break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) inhibitors) interacts with IbogaIboga is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs decrease how quickly the liver changes and breaks down iboga. This could change the effects and side effects of iboga.
- Paroxetine (Paxil) interacts with IbogaIboga contains ibogaine. Paroxetine can slow the liver from breaking down ibogaine. This might increase the chance of side effects caused by ibogaine.
- Serotonergic drugs interacts with IbogaIbogaine, a chemical in iboga, might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking iboga along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of iboga might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
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