Guidelines for Establishing Safety in Ayahuasca and Ibogaine Administration in Clinical Settings

As psychedelic research expands to include more diverse participants with varied medical conditions, the risk of adverse events increases, yet specialized safety protocols for such trials are scarce. The LEAPS research group at the University of São Paulo developed standardized guidelines for managing adverse scenarios in clinical trials with ayahuasca and ibogaine. These protocols, based on the hospital's established philosophy, expert consultation, and literature review, address both psychiatric issues (panic attacks, suicidal behavior, psychotic episodes) and clinical issues (hypertensive crisis, hypoglycemia) to ensure volunteer safety.

Study at a glance

Abstract

As the research field with psychedelic substances grows, it is expected to encompass a more extensive cohort of individuals presenting a spectrum of medical conditions, comorbidities, and unique physiological traits, thereby increasing the likelihood of potential adverse events. Furthermore, it is worth noting that there is a scarcity of the specialized literature regarding procedures to ensure the safe management of clinical trials involving psychedelics. Acknowledging this, our research team designed a series of protocols to standardize the care and management of adverse scenarios, ensuring the safety and well-being of research volunteers included in clinical trials conducted by the LEAPS (Laboratory for Studies with Hallucinogens and Psychedelics in Mental Health, linked to the University of São Paulo). These guidelines have been meticulously crafted based on the established guideline philosophy of Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto (the university hospital of Universidade de São Paulo), consultation with specialists in the field, and a thorough review of the existing literature. The process resulted in protocols that have been tailored to specifically address the unique requirements and particularities of clinical research with psychedelic substances (in this case, ayahuasca and ibogaine). As a result, these guidelines aim to cover a range of potential issues, encompassing both psychiatric manifestations (e.g., panic attacks, suicidal behavior, and psychotic episodes) and clinical manifestations (e.g., hypertensive crisis and hypoglycemia).