Abstract
Background: Opioid dependence remains a major public health challenge, and high relapse rates associated with opioid substitution therapy necessitate investigation of alternative approaches. Ibogaine has been proposed as a potential detoxification agent capable of reducing withdrawal symptoms and drug craving.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibogaine in the treatment of opioid use disorder through a meta-review of available studies.
Methods: A meta-review of clinical, observational, and open-label studies was conducted, assessing withdrawal severity, craving, long-term substance use outcomes, and safety profiles.
Results: Existing evidence suggests that a single high dose of ibogaine reduces withdrawal symptoms within 24–36 hours and decreases short-term craving. In a subset of patients, sustained reductions in substance use and improvements in psychological well-being were reported. However, studies are limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous designs, and lack of control groups. Significant safety concerns include QT prolongation, cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
Conclusions: Ibogaine shows potential therapeutic benefit but remains high-risk and supported by limited evidence, warranting large-scale randomized controlled trials under strict medical supervision.
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