Really enjoyed this. Psilocybin had a very similar impact for me and opened the pathway for me to quit drinking. I hadn't heard of ibogaine before this.
It’s a great plant... but oh, btw, it may kill you. Whaaat?! No explanation of the deaths associated with ibogaine? Coulda been a very valuable article... sigh.
Yes it has risks, for certain cardiac conditions especially. Avoid risks by Prescreening patients with an EKG and labs/liver panels, ensuring they are off fentanyl for at least ten+ days and detox from any other CNS meds for a period dependent on the drugs, get hydrated, electrolytes balanced, and then given clinical treatments with emergency trained personnel just in case -- all those medical precautions reduce the risks monumentally.
The concern over natural substances and their regulation is complex. While many natural substances have been used traditionally, they can still be dangerous if not properly studied or used correctly. The concern with iboga is its potential to cause heart arrhythmias (such as QT-prolongation), which can be fatal in those with certain risk factors (e.g. underlying health problems or taking medications that are risky to take with iboga or ibogaine--I can list many risk factors but this already long comment would get very long). As another example, foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) contains cardiac glycosides, which led to the development of digoxin, a heart medication. Digoxin can easily reach dangerous levels as a "narrow therapeutic index" medication, meaning very little change in blood levels can be the difference between safe and harmful. Likewise, ingesting any part of the foxglove plant can result in severe poisoning, potentially causing heart and kidney problems. Another example is castor beans, which contain ricin, a highly toxic natural compound. Improper handling or ingestion of castor beans can be fatal.
The discrepancy in regulation between natural substances and synthetic chemicals in our environment I agree is also puzzling. It's possible that the fear of natural substances by regulatory bodies stems from a lack of standardization, as natural products can vary in potency and composition, making them harder to regulate. Additionally, there is a potential for misuse, as some natural substances can be easily obtained and misused, leading to safety concerns. Economic interests may also play a role, as pharmaceutical companies may lobby for stricter regulation of natural substances to protect their synthetic drug markets (as you suggested).
It's important to note that both natural and synthetic chemicals can be harmful or beneficial depending on their use and dosage. As they say: "The dose is the poison." The key is to approach all substances, whether natural or synthetic, with careful study and appropriate regulation to ensure public safety.
For credibility: I'm a PharmD, licensed pharmacist, created an only drug interaction checker tool for psychedelics and co-founded the Psychedelic Pharmacist Association.
The concern over natural substances and their regulation is complex. While many natural substances have been used traditionally, they can still be dangerous if not properly studied or used correctly. The concern with iboga is its potential to cause heart arrhythmias (such as QT-prolongation), which can be fatal in those with certain risk factors (e.g. underlying health problems or taking medications that are risky to take with iboga or ibogaine--I can list many risk factors but this already long comment would get very long). As another example, foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) contains cardiac glycosides, which led to the development of digoxin, a heart medication. Digoxin can easily reach dangerous levels as a "narrow therapeutic index" medication, meaning very little change in blood levels can be the difference between safe and harmful. Likewise, ingesting any part of the foxglove plant can result in severe poisoning, potentially causing heart and kidney problems. Another example is castor beans, which contain ricin, a highly toxic natural compound. Improper handling or ingestion of castor beans can be fatal.
The discrepancy in regulation between natural substances and synthetic chemicals in our environment I agree is also puzzling. It's possible that the fear of natural substances by regulatory bodies stems from a lack of standardization, as natural products can vary in potency and composition, making them harder to regulate. Additionally, there is a potential for misuse, as some natural substances can be easily obtained and misused, leading to safety concerns. Economic interests may also play a role, as pharmaceutical companies may lobby for stricter regulation of natural substances to protect their synthetic drug markets (as you suggested).
It's important to note that both natural and synthetic chemicals can be harmful or beneficial depending on their use and dosage. As they say: "The dose is the poison." The key is to approach all substances, whether natural or synthetic, with careful study and appropriate regulation to ensure public safety.
For credibility: I'm a PharmD, licensed pharmacist, created an only drug interaction checker tool for psychedelics and co-founded the Psychedelic Pharmacist Association.
Really enjoyed this. Psilocybin had a very similar impact for me and opened the pathway for me to quit drinking. I hadn't heard of ibogaine before this.
It’s a great plant... but oh, btw, it may kill you. Whaaat?! No explanation of the deaths associated with ibogaine? Coulda been a very valuable article... sigh.
Yes it has risks, for certain cardiac conditions especially. Avoid risks by Prescreening patients with an EKG and labs/liver panels, ensuring they are off fentanyl for at least ten+ days and detox from any other CNS meds for a period dependent on the drugs, get hydrated, electrolytes balanced, and then given clinical treatments with emergency trained personnel just in case -- all those medical precautions reduce the risks monumentally.
The concern over natural substances and their regulation is complex. While many natural substances have been used traditionally, they can still be dangerous if not properly studied or used correctly. The concern with iboga is its potential to cause heart arrhythmias (such as QT-prolongation), which can be fatal in those with certain risk factors (e.g. underlying health problems or taking medications that are risky to take with iboga or ibogaine--I can list many risk factors but this already long comment would get very long). As another example, foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) contains cardiac glycosides, which led to the development of digoxin, a heart medication. Digoxin can easily reach dangerous levels as a "narrow therapeutic index" medication, meaning very little change in blood levels can be the difference between safe and harmful. Likewise, ingesting any part of the foxglove plant can result in severe poisoning, potentially causing heart and kidney problems. Another example is castor beans, which contain ricin, a highly toxic natural compound. Improper handling or ingestion of castor beans can be fatal.
The discrepancy in regulation between natural substances and synthetic chemicals in our environment I agree is also puzzling. It's possible that the fear of natural substances by regulatory bodies stems from a lack of standardization, as natural products can vary in potency and composition, making them harder to regulate. Additionally, there is a potential for misuse, as some natural substances can be easily obtained and misused, leading to safety concerns. Economic interests may also play a role, as pharmaceutical companies may lobby for stricter regulation of natural substances to protect their synthetic drug markets (as you suggested).
It's important to note that both natural and synthetic chemicals can be harmful or beneficial depending on their use and dosage. As they say: "The dose is the poison." The key is to approach all substances, whether natural or synthetic, with careful study and appropriate regulation to ensure public safety.
For credibility: I'm a PharmD, licensed pharmacist, created an only drug interaction checker tool for psychedelics and co-founded the Psychedelic Pharmacist Association.
The concern over natural substances and their regulation is complex. While many natural substances have been used traditionally, they can still be dangerous if not properly studied or used correctly. The concern with iboga is its potential to cause heart arrhythmias (such as QT-prolongation), which can be fatal in those with certain risk factors (e.g. underlying health problems or taking medications that are risky to take with iboga or ibogaine--I can list many risk factors but this already long comment would get very long). As another example, foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) contains cardiac glycosides, which led to the development of digoxin, a heart medication. Digoxin can easily reach dangerous levels as a "narrow therapeutic index" medication, meaning very little change in blood levels can be the difference between safe and harmful. Likewise, ingesting any part of the foxglove plant can result in severe poisoning, potentially causing heart and kidney problems. Another example is castor beans, which contain ricin, a highly toxic natural compound. Improper handling or ingestion of castor beans can be fatal.
The discrepancy in regulation between natural substances and synthetic chemicals in our environment I agree is also puzzling. It's possible that the fear of natural substances by regulatory bodies stems from a lack of standardization, as natural products can vary in potency and composition, making them harder to regulate. Additionally, there is a potential for misuse, as some natural substances can be easily obtained and misused, leading to safety concerns. Economic interests may also play a role, as pharmaceutical companies may lobby for stricter regulation of natural substances to protect their synthetic drug markets (as you suggested).
It's important to note that both natural and synthetic chemicals can be harmful or beneficial depending on their use and dosage. As they say: "The dose is the poison." The key is to approach all substances, whether natural or synthetic, with careful study and appropriate regulation to ensure public safety.
For credibility: I'm a PharmD, licensed pharmacist, created an only drug interaction checker tool for psychedelics and co-founded the Psychedelic Pharmacist Association.