Prepare questions.
Not assumptions.
Considering iboga or ibogaine? Start with a conversation, not a commitment. Use this guide to ask about medical risks, the care being offered, and the support you would need afterwards.
A discussion guide—not a treatment protocol or medical clearance.
Bring your whole health picture.
Speak with a qualified clinician who knows your health history. Bring an accurate list of prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements, and any recent alcohol or other substance use.
- How might my heart health, fainting history, seizures, liver conditions, or mental health affect the risks?
- What assessment is needed, including an ECG and relevant blood tests, and who will interpret the results?
- Could any of my medicines or substances interact with iboga or ibogaine?
- If dependence or withdrawal is a concern, what medically supervised care do I need now?
Do not change medication or attempt a detox to “get ready”. Stopping or changing medicines and substances can be dangerous. Any changes need an individual plan from a qualified clinician.
Ask what clinical care actually means.
Terms such as “supported” or “supervised” are not enough. Ask for specific answers about the people, facilities, and procedures involved.
- Who is responsible for my medical assessment and care, and how can I verify their professional registration and experience?
- What findings would rule treatment out or lead to postponement?
- What cardiac monitoring and other observations are provided, by whom, and for how long?
- What emergency equipment and trained staff are on site? How would urgent hospital transfer work?
- What is being administered, and how are its identity, composition, and quality verified?
Pause if answers are vague. A promise of safety, a testimonial, or an attractive setting cannot replace a clear clinical and emergency-care plan.
Leave room for “not now”—or “no”.
Preparation does not commit you to treatment. Evidence is still developing, and a meaningful consent process should explain uncertainty as well as possible benefits.
- What evidence applies to my situation, and what remains uncertain?
- What are the serious risks, and what established treatment alternatives could I consider?
- Can I review written information with an independent clinician before deciding?
- What are the full costs, cancellation terms, and arrangements if treatment does not go ahead?
- What legal requirements apply where care is offered, and how will my personal information be handled?
Plan for the days and weeks after.
A treatment episode is not a complete recovery plan. Discuss ongoing medical care, mental health support, and the practical realities of returning home before making arrangements.
- Who will provide follow-up, and how will they communicate with my usual clinician?
- What symptoms would require urgent help, and who can I contact outside appointment hours?
- What support will I have for transport, accommodation, time away from work, and daily responsibilities?
- If substance use is a concern, what is the plan for continuing treatment, relapse prevention, and overdose prevention?
Discuss overdose risk explicitly. After a period of reduced or no opioid use, tolerance can fall. Returning to a previously used amount can be fatal. Ask a clinician about naloxone and an ongoing safety plan.
Before your conversation.
Use these reminders to organise what you want to bring. Ticking them off does not establish eligibility or make treatment safe.
For this visit only. Your selections are not saved or sent anywhere.
Explore the Treatment
Companion App.
Continue your preparation at ibogaine.org.nz. Explore the Treatment Companion App and see whether it fits your support needs.
Explore the Companion AppA companion.
Not clinical clearance.
An app cannot assess whether treatment is appropriate for you. Keep qualified medical advice, monitoring, and emergency support at the centre of any decision.
TREATMENT COMPANION / ibogaine.org.nz