Ibogaine for Bulimia and Eating Disorders: What Is Known and the Risks

There are no clinical trials or published studies of ibogaine for bulimia, anorexia or binge eating disorder. What exists are personal stories, and some research on other psychedelics such as psilocybin. More importantly, eating disorders often lower potassium and magnesium and slow or destabilize the heart, which increases the cardiac risk of ibogaine. For most people with an active eating disorder, ibogaine is not a safe option.

Key takeaways

• No clinical study has tested ibogaine for any eating disorder.
• Purging, vomiting and laxative use lower potassium and magnesium, which makes ibogaine's effect on the heart's QT interval more dangerous.
• Anorexia can cause a slow heart rate and QT prolongation on its own, which generally rules out ibogaine.
• A small 2023 study of psilocybin, a different psychedelic, in 10 women with anorexia found it safe and helpful for some; it does not apply to ibogaine.
• Proven eating disorder treatments, such as specialized therapy and medical nutrition, should come first.

What the evidence says

Ibogaine

We found no clinical trials, case series or controlled studies of ibogaine for bulimia, anorexia or binge eating disorder. Evidence trackers list no trials. There are personal accounts, including people who describe their bulimia improving after ibogaine, but personal stories cannot tell us whether the treatment works or how often it causes harm.

Other psychedelics

Research on psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms," is further along. In a 2023 study in Nature Medicine, 10 women with anorexia received a single dose of psilocybin with psychological support. It was safe and well tolerated, and 4 of the 10 showed clinically significant improvement at three months. It was small and uncontrolled, and psilocybin acts very differently from ibogaine, so these results cannot be applied to ibogaine.

Why eating disorders increase ibogaine's risks

Ibogaine's main danger is that it temporarily prolongs the QT interval, the time the heart takes to reset between beats. When the QT interval becomes too long, dangerous arrhythmias can occur. Eating disorders add risk in several ways:

• Low potassium and magnesium: vomiting, laxatives and diuretics deplete these minerals, which are essential for a stable heart rhythm.
• A slowed heart: anorexia and severe restriction often cause bradycardia and can prolong the QT interval by themselves.
• Vomiting during treatment: nausea and vomiting are common during an ibogaine session, which can worsen electrolyte loss.
• Medications: some medications used for eating disorders or related depression affect the QT interval or interact with ibogaine.

That is why an active eating disorder, especially with purging or low weight, is usually a reason not to give ibogaine. Read more in ibogaine side effects and heart safety.

When eating disorders and addiction occur together

Eating disorders often occur alongside substance use, depression or trauma. If you are seeking ibogaine for an addiction and also have a history of bulimia or another eating disorder, tell the medical team. You may still be a candidate if the eating disorder is in stable recovery, your electrolytes and EKG are normal and there has been no recent purging, but this must be decided by a physician after testing. See ibogaine for depression and anxiety for related information.

Safer options for eating disorders

• Specialized therapy: enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for bulimia and binge eating, and family-based treatment for young people with anorexia, have the strongest evidence.
• Medical and nutritional care: monitoring of heart, electrolytes and weight, with a dietitian experienced in eating disorders.
• Medication: some medications have evidence for bulimia and binge eating disorder; ask a psychiatrist.

If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide: in the United States call or text 988; in Mexico call the Línea de la Vida at 800 911 2000.

Frequently asked questions

Can ibogaine cure bulimia?

There is no evidence that it can. No clinical study has tested ibogaine for bulimia, and purging behaviors increase its cardiac risk.

Is ibogaine safe for someone with anorexia?

Generally no. Low weight, a slow heart and electrolyte problems, which are common in anorexia, increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms with ibogaine.

I had an eating disorder in the past. Can I receive ibogaine for addiction?

Possibly, if you are in stable recovery and your EKG and blood tests are normal. Our medical team will evaluate you individually.

What about binge eating disorder?

There are no studies of ibogaine for binge eating disorder. Specialized therapy and some medications have the best evidence.

Are psychedelics being studied for eating disorders?

Yes, mainly psilocybin, with small early studies in anorexia. Ibogaine has not been studied for eating disorders.

References

• Peck, S. K. et al. "Psilocybin therapy for females with anorexia nervosa: a phase 1, open-label feasibility study." Nature Medicine, 2023.
• Mosca, A. et al. "Ibogaine/Noribogaine in the treatment of substance use disorders: a systematic review of the current literature." Current Neuropharmacology, 2023.

Have questions about your own situation? Our medical team will review your history confidentially and tell you honestly whether ibogaine is safe for you, even if the answer is no. Request your evaluation.