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 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA patient without structural heart disease experienced multiple cardiac arrests after a single low dose of ibogaine (200 mg, 2.6 mg/kg). The case highlights that even minimal doses of ibogaine can cause lethal cardiotoxicity, specifically acquired long QT syndrome leading to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes. This warns against the use of ibogaine, which is sometimes used in alternative clinics for opioid dependence or recreationally, despite its serious cardiac risks.
Study at a glance
| 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 |
| Key finding | 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.