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Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience 7/2023

22-03-2023 | Opioids | Invited Review

Identifying setting factors associated with improved ibogaine safety: a systematic review of clinical studies

Authors: Juliana Mendes Rocha, José A. S. Reis, José Carlos Bouso, Jaime E. C. Hallak, Rafael G. dos Santos

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Issue 7/2023

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Abstract

Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the west-African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Western cultures are increasing the interest for the substance due to its claimed anti addictive properties, although the evidence supporting this effect is still preliminary. The use of ibogaine often occurs with no medical supervision in uncontrolled settings, and its use has been associated with several reports of severe adverse events. This review aims to evaluate the clinical studies of ibogaine, with a focus on administration settings, to elucidate specific criteria that may promote safer contexts for ibogaine use. A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scielo, ClinicalTrials.gov and Core.ac.uk electronic databases were searched, and clinical studies published until November 17, 2022, were retrieved. The final synthesis included 12 sources. Information about general characteristics of the studies, adverse effects, screening of participants and setting characteristics were summarized and discussed. It is concluded that the use of controlled settings, supported by trained professionals and equipment allowing for rigorous medical, psychiatric, and cardiac monitoring, are essential to promote the safety of patients receiving ibogaine.
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Metadata
Title
Identifying setting factors associated with improved ibogaine safety: a systematic review of clinical studies
Authors
Juliana Mendes Rocha
José A. S. Reis
José Carlos Bouso
Jaime E. C. Hallak
Rafael G. dos Santos
Publication date
22-03-2023
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords
Opioids
Opioids
Published in
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue 7/2023
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-023-01590-1

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