OPEN Foundation

W. Ryan

Mania following use of ibogaine: A case series

April 14, 2015 / Addiction, Depression, Iboga / Ibogaine, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Publications, Safety / By / , , ,

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring hallucinogen with postulated anti-addictive qualities. While illegal domestically, a growing number of individuals have sought it out for treatment of opiate dependence, primarily in poorly regulated overseas clinics. Existing serious adverse events include cardiac and vestibular toxicity, though ours is the first report of mania stemming from its use.

OBJECTIVES:

To report on a case series of psychiatric emergency room patients whose unregulated use of ibogaine resulted in mania in three patients with no prior diagnosis of bipolar illness.

METHODS:

Review and summarize charts of three cases. Relevant literature was also reviewed for discussion.

RESULTS:

Two cases of reported ibogaine ingestion for self-treatment of addictions, and one for psycho-spiritual experimentation resulted in symptoms consistent with mania. No prior reports of mania were found in the literature, and the literature suggests growing popularity of ibogaine’s use.

CONCLUSIONS:

The three cases presented demonstrate a temporal association between ibogaine ingestion and subsequent development of mania.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE:

In light of these cases, clinicians faced with a new onset mania may benefit from careful substance use and treatment history, specifically regarding opiates. In the vulnerable and often desperate addiction population, in particular, the number of patients seeking this treatment appears to be growing. We advise clinicians to be prepared for discussing the safety, efficacy, and paucity of good data regarding ibogaine with patients who may be considering its use.

Marta, C. J., Ryan, W. C., Kopelowicz, A., & Koek, R. J. (2015). Mania following use of ibogaine: A case series. The American Journal on Addictions. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajad.12209
Link to full text

IJTS Special Topic Section: Ketamine ● Ketamine and Depression: A Review

January 1, 2014 / Depression, Ketamine, Medicine, Other subjects, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Publications / By / , ,

Abstract

Ketamine, via intravenous infusions, has emerged as a novel therapy for treatment-resistant depression, given rapid onset and demonstrable efficacy in both unipolar and bipolar depression. Duration of benefit, on the order of days, varies between these subtypes, but appears longer in unipolar depression. A unique property is reduction in suicidality although data are more limited. Strategies to extend duration, via multiple doses, maintenance treatment, or subsequent augmenting medications have yielded mixed results. There is a relative paucity of data regarding alternate methods of administration such as intramuscular, intranasal, and oral routes, though preliminary results are promising. Adverse effects most reliably include dissociative and sympathomimetic effects, both transient and mild, and suggest good tolerability. Ketamine’s unique effects may represent an opportunity for a paradigm shift in the pharmacologic treatment of depression.

Ryan, W. C., Marta, C. J., & Koek, R. J. (2014). Ketamine and depression: A review. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 33(2), 40-74.
Link to full text

30 April - Q&A with Rick Strassman

REGISTER NOW!
X