Ibogaine’s Subjective (personal) Effects

People who have taken ibogaine, either to help them overcome chemical dependencies, for self-exploration or for spiritual reasons often report some common elements to their experiences. These can be described as 3 ‘phases’ of the ibogaine experience:

Phase 1: Acute

This first phase begins within 20 minutes to 3 hours after taking ibogaine, and lasts about 4 to 8 hours. During the beginning of this phase, nausea may occur possibly followed by vomiting, though this usually happens only once during the first several hours of therapy. For this reason you are encouraged to lie relatively still as movement may trigger the nausea. A medication such as Gravol (Dimehydrinate) can reduce nausea.

During the first phase, most people usually report visual imagery or phenomena generally consisting of rapid and chaotic imagery lasting usually between 4-6 hours after taking ibogaine.

Some people have reported experiencing images of their life appearing as if on a screen
or in a "waking dream". Ibogaine has been termed an ‘oneirophrenic’, which essentially means substance that causes a dream-like experience.

People have also observed mild tremors (shaking) and ataxia (loss of muscle coordination) during the first phase, with a tendency for the tremors to be stronger in women with amphetamine or stimulant (for instance, methamphetamine or speed) dependencies.

Most people are sensitive to light and sound. For this reason, the room where you will stay during ibogaine therapy is kept darkened and sound disturbance is limited, although you can listen to music of your choice if you wish to do so.

Phase 2: Evaluative

People describe the second phase as sort of life review whereby the images they see become more personally related, and more connected to the process of life change. People frequently describe a visionary sequence in which they take up a re-evaluation of their life. Some visualize meeting family members or review a childhood experience. Some have reported experiencing visions related to the addiction and life events contributing to it. These experiences can include recall of memories one has forgotten or repressed, and may help the individual to understand the underlying reasons for his/her addictive behavior.This phase may last between 5-20 hours.

The second phase is often a very personal experience and during this phase, people often stop talking with others and remain silent and thoughtful. People often report that the ibogaine itself was the true facilitator and guide, inducing visions that relate symbolic and archetypal information or insight. (According to Carl Jung, archetypes are characters, images, plot patterns, rituals, and settings that are shared by diverse cultures; people sometimes experience archetypes in dreams or in subconscious thoughts. Jung believed that archetypes are part of humanity's "collective unconscious".)

Some have described a feeling that this introspection process creates or supports a sense of self-discovery and/or reconnection to spiritual ideals and values.

The frequency and pace of the visions or personal process often slow down during this phase. People often use this time for reflection on the inner self and re-evaluation of their path in life. During this time, some integration, or bringing together, of what was learned from the first phase of the experience, may occur.

Phase 3: Residual Stimulation

This phase may last 10-24 hours or longer. It is a period of time where the visual effects start to subside (fade, stop), and people remain awake, often reviewing the experience. A return to normal consciousness occurs over time with some remaining stimulation.

Some may experience muscle soreness, perhaps due to remaining still and lying down for such a long period of time. However this can be resolved with stretching, light yoga, massage and movement such as walking.

Some individuals may remain awake for long periods of time afterwards or get only short periods of light sleep during the third phase. Some may have difficulty getting long periods of sleep for a time following therapy. This is quite normal. Supplements such as melatonin or herbs such as valerian root, hops and passionflower may help people get more sleep or return to normal sleeping patterns. It has been observed however, that allowing the process to unfold without medication until the person falls asleep naturally, may help the person to reset his/her sleep cycles more easily.

It is understood that this period of time may the most important for re-integration or processing of the experience and how it relates to the individual and their own personal healing path.