We would like to address our concerns regarding the safety of ibogaine, after a case of a cardiac arrest following ibogaine use in a young, previously healthy man admitted to our hospital.Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid derived from the West African plant Tabernanthe Iboga. It is used by indigenous people for hallucinogenic properties and to reduce hunger and fatigue. There is special interest for its presumed anti-addictive properties. Various intoxications with ibogaine have been described, some with a fatal outcome.In our hospital, a previously healthy 26-year-old man (74 kg) presented after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest based on ventricular fibrillation, approximately 5 h after taking 2400 mg of ibogaine for a spiritual experience. Basic life support was initiated immediately and he was defibrillated. Return of spontaneous circulation occurred after 20 min.
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