Ibogaine’s Subjective (personal) Effects

People who took ibogaine, either to help them overcome chemical dependencies or for self-exploration and/or spiritual reasons 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. For this reason you are encouraged to lie relatively still as movement may trigger the nausea. As noted above, you can take a nausea preventative such as Gravol or an herbal such as ginger to reduce nausea.

During the first phase, usually people experience visual phenomena generally consisting of rapid imagery lasting generally between 4-6 hours after taking ibogaine. These visions may be quite intense, though some people report that these visions will generally subside (slow down) temporarily if the eyes are opened. Some people who have taken ibogaine have reported that they did not have many visions.

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

People have also experienced 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 cocaine) 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 as noted above, 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 meet 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 is a facilitator and guide, inducing visions that relate symbolic and archetypal information or insight (according to Dr. 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 (looking within) 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 movement such as walking, stretching, light yoga, massage, and/or a hot soothing bath.

Some individuals (especially those detoxifying from opiates) may remain awake for long periods of time afterwards or get only short periods of light sleep during the third phase. This is quite normal. Supplements such as melatonin or herbs may help people get more sleep or return to normal sleeping patterns.