Multiple Episodes of Cardiac Arrest Induced by Treatment With Ibogaine: A Case Report.
David Mestre, Alexandra Paula, Francisco P Gil, José Vaz
Cureus June 1, 2024 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63487 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Patient without structural heart disease |
| Intervention | Ibogaine |
| Dose | 200mg, 2.6mg/Kg |
| Topics | Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Acquired long qt Cardiac arrest Opioid dependence Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia Torsade de pointes Ibogaine cardiotoxicity ibogaine Serious cardiotoxicity Lethal potential Low dose Minimal doses Certain substances Severe cardiac events |
| Key findings | Even a low dose of ibogaine can cause lethal cardiac arrhythmias, including multiple episodes of cardiac arrest due to acquired long QT. |
Abstract
Opioid dependence is a common problem, and therapeutic alternatives are scarce and ineffective. Ibogaine, illegal in several countries, has been reported as a possible therapy in alternative clinics and it is also used as a recreational drug, despite its cardiotoxic potential, including QT prolongation. We report a case of long QT leading to multiple episodes of cardiac arrest after a single dose of ibogaine (200mg, 2.6mg/Kg) in a patient without structural heart disease. This case highlights the fact that even low doses of ibogaine can be lethal and warns us about the consequences of its use.