The safety and well-being of every participant is our highest priority.   We understand that working with iboga is a profound and powerful experience, and we approach each retreat with the utmost care, preparation, and reverence.  The safety and wellbeing of each guest begins before they even arrive. A comprehensive medical and psychiatric screening is carried out by experienced professionals to ensure every participant is fully prepared for their journey.  During the retreat, a medical doctor is present on-site for the duration of the days of the iboga ceremonies and after, ensuring that medical support is immediately available throughout the process. Our comprehensive safety protocols are designed not only to minimize risk, but to create a container of trust so that participants can surrender fully to their healing journey.  The safety and wellbeing of each guest begins before they even arrive.

Medical Screening is Non-Negotiable

Every guest is required to complete a recent ECG, hepatic panel and a thorough health intake form before being accepted. Certain health conditions and medications are contraindicated. We review your full medical history and, if required, create a personalized preparation plan unique to your needs.  An EKG is required because Iboga can have a significant effect on cardiac rhythm and through proper screening we ensure your safety prior to coming to work with this medicine.  The hepatic panel is required because many of the active compounds of Iboga are processed by the liver and can place significant stress on hepatic function. Baseline liver enzyme levels must be assessed to ensure participants are healthy enough to work safely with Iboga and to identify any pre-existing conditions that could pose a risk.

Contraindicated Medications

Iboga prolongs the heart's QT interval and is metabolized through the liver's CYP2D6 enzyme pathway. Combining it with certain medications can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias or dangerous toxicity. Full disclosure of every substance you take is mandatory — no exceptions!

This list is not exhaustive. Every guest is asked to disclose any medications they have been or are currently taking in our intake questionnaire. Do not self-discontinue any prescription medication — many require a supervised taper. Always work with a qualified medical professional to manage your transition. If you are unsure about any substance, disclose it and let us advise you.

Cardiac & QT-Prolonging Drugs

HIGHEST CARDIAC RISK · TYPICALLY CONTRAINDICATED

Anti-arrhythmics

Amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine, flecainide, procainamide

Certain antipsychotics

Haloperidol, quetiapine, ziprasidone, thioridazine

Methadone 

Potent QT prolonger — requires 4–6 week transition protocol

Tricyclic antidepressants

Amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, doxepin

Certain antihistamines

Terfenadine, astemizole — at higher doses

Antidepressants & CYP2D6 Inhibitors

REQUIRES SUPERVISED TAPER · WASHOUT PERIOD NEEDED

SSRIs

Fluoxetine (5–6 wks), paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram

SNRIs

Venlafaxine, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

CYP2D6 inhibitor — minimum 2-week washout

MAOIs

Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline — strict washout required

Lithium

Discuss with your provider — requires careful evaluation

Opioids & Benzodiazepines

SUPERVISED TAPER REQUIRED · NEVER STOP ABRUPTLY

Long-acting opioids

Methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone) — 4–6 week transition

Short-acting opioids

Oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, heroin — 24–48 hr clearance

Benzodiazepines

Diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam — must taper medically

Z-drugs (sleep aids)

Zolpidem (Ambien), zopiclone — discuss timing with provider

Stimulants

SIGNIFICANT CARDIAC RISK · MUST BE CLEARED

Amphetamines

Adderall, Vyvanse, dextroamphetamine

Methylphenidate

Ritalin, Concerta

Cocaine & methamphetamine

Minimum 1 month clearance before ceremony

MDMA / ecstasy

Minimum 1 month clearance before ceremony

Antibiotics & Other Medications

QT RISK OR METABOLIC INTERACTION

Macrolide antibiotics

Azithromycin (Z-Pack), clarithromycin, erythromycin

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin

Anti-nausea drugs

Ondansetron (Zofran) — often given for nausea but risky with iboga

Antifungals

Fluconazole, ketoconazole — CYP enzyme inhibitors

Blood pressure medicationsDiscuss all cardiovascular medications with your provider

Supplements & Foods to Disclose

OFTEN OVERLOOKED · ALWAYS DISCLOSE

St. John's Wort

Affects serotonin levels — stop at least 2 weeks prior

Grapefruit juice

Potent CYP3A4 inhibitor — avoid 72 hours before ceremony

Quinine / tonic water

Prolongs QT interval — avoid in the week before

Kratom

Opioid-like activity — disclose use and timing

5-HTP

Serotonergic — discuss with provider before stopping