Medical Supervision During Ibogaine Treatments
Medical Supervision During Ibogaine Treatments
Addiction-treatment
Ibogaine Treatment
Physical-health
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance that has been used for decades as a treatment for addiction, particularly to opioids and other hard drugs. However, while it has shown promise in helping individuals overcome addiction, ibogaine is not without its risks. In fact, there have been several ibogaine-related deaths in recent years, which has led to increased scrutiny of its use as a treatment option. One of the primary reasons for these deaths is the lack of proper medical supervision during ibogaine treatments.
Many ibogaine clinics operate without the oversight of licensed medical professionals, which can put patients at risk. It is crucial to understand that ibogaine is a powerful psychoactive substance that can have serious side effects, including cardiac complications. Without proper medical supervision, these complications may go unnoticed, leading to serious injury or death.
Two of the most common organs which are placed under stress are the heart and the liver. Reports of complications and deaths linked to ibogaine use have been known to occur without the appropriate preliminary testing and medical supervision. These incidents are thought to be related to issues with the cardiovascular system and potentially caused by ibogaine’s ability to prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), increasing the risk of fatal Torsade de pointes arrhythmias. This is in addition to the known neurotoxic effects of ibogaine.
It should be noted, however, that the majority of fatalities had once common denominator: pre-existing cardiac, liver or pulmonary conditions in the patients. Medical supervision during ibogaine treatments is essential for ensuring the safety of patients undergoing ibogaine treatment. A medical professional, such as a physician, should be present throughout the treatment process to monitor the patient’s vital signs and manage any potential complications. This includes taking a full medical history and conducting a full set preliminary lab tests, such as a full blood panel and liver function tests, to ensure that the patient is physically capable of undergoing the treatment, especially before it is administered.
Medical Supervision During Ibogaine Treatments
During the treatment itself, a medical professional should be present to monitor the patient’s vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, using an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. This allows for the early detection of any potential cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias, which can then be managed promptly and effectively.
Furthermore, it is also important to have a nursing team with appropriate medical training and certification. This can be in the form of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association, which ensures that the nursing team is equipped to manage cardiac emergencies. This is particularly important as ibogaine can cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and it is vital that the medical team is able to respond quickly and effectively in case of an emergency.
It is also essential to have a protocol in place for the management of any potential adverse reactions. This includes having medications on hand to manage symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and anxiety, as well as having a plan in place for the management of more serious complications, such as cardiac arrest.
In addition to physical safety, it is also important to consider the psychological well-being of patients undergoing ibogaine treatment. Ibogaine can cause intense and vivid hallucinations, which can be overwhelming and distressing for some patients. A medical professional should be present to provide support and guidance throughout the treatment process, helping patients navigate these experiences and providing reassurance as needed.
It is important to note that not all ibogaine clinics provide the same level of medical supervision. It is crucial for patients to do their research and choose a clinic that is staffed by licensed medical professionals and has protocols in place to ensure the safety of patients.
One such clinic is our own, at Ibogaine Treatment UK, (a subsidiary of Tabula Rasa Retreat™), where we have an ACLS-trained medical team on site at all times, who both request, guide and analyse preliminary testing before admission, and also supervise each patient during their treatment. In this respect, we aim to set ourselves apart from many ibogaine detox centres. Give us a call and find out if ibogaine is the right treatment for you!