“Less anxiety. More self-confidence. More sure of myself. Less self-conscious.” These are the words of Dr. James Fadiman, American psychologist and psychedelic researcher, regarding his experience microdosing ibogaine.
Used for its spiritual, mental, and physical benefits, ibogaine’s unique characteristics set it apart from other psychoactive plants. And as the world of microdosing continues to grow, ibogaine grows with it.
Let’s look at ibogaine microdosing, the various microdosing schedules and protocols, the benefits and dangers, and how it may treat addiction or depression.
*This article is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to take ibogaine or any psychedelics.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing is the use of a very small, or “micro,” quantity of a substance to improve mood and eliminate feelings of anxiety and depression.
Substances are typically psychoactive and include drugs like psilocybin, LSD, ibogaine, cannabis, or even peyote.
Microdosing is often done on a schedule to keep tolerance levels low and may substitute coffee for increased productivity.
Ibogaine is used for microdosing because of its effects on the brain and potential physical healing properties.
Benefits of Microdosing Ibogaine
Ibogaine is a psychedelic compound extracted from the root of the iboga shrub native to Africa. There are many different forms of ibogaine, all with varying levels of purity–varying from raw iboga root bark to pure Ibogaine hydrochloride, and many options in between.
While there is little scientific research around microdosing ibogaine specifically, it likely offers similar benefits found in past ibogaine research.
Let’s look at some of the main advantages of microdosing ibogaine.
Neuroplasticity
Ibogaine works in the physical brain through a process known as “neuroplasticity.” This process involves promoting new cell growth, which facilitates positive life changes and creating new healthy habits.
Typically, the brain develops these new neural pathways and positive changes over time. This can be difficult.
It takes 59-70 days to build a new, positive habit. The brain needs time and repetition to reinforce these neural pathways in the brain.
However, the neuroplasticity effect from ibogaine significantly speeds up the process. Ibogaine helps create and reinforce these pathways naturally.
For those microdosing ibogaine, the positive effects span over a longer time frame, making it easier to develop and strengthen healthy, long-term habits.
Healing Properties
Ibogaine also works to reset and heal neurons in the brain.
High cortisol levels caused by stress impede the growth of new and necessary neurons in the brain. This has a domino effect where stress-related problems limit the brain’s ability to overcome stress.
Damaged receptors can also lead to feelings of depression and overwhelm that make it difficult to work, create, or even overcome difficult problems.
Microdosing ibogaine works in this area of the brain by healing and resetting neurons responsible for receiving natural chemicals produced by the nervous system.
When these neurons are properly functioning, it is much easier to feel the natural feelings of joy and accomplishment that lead to positive feelings of progress and fulfillment.
These feelings then lead to more productivity and positive feelings–a constructive compounding effect for personal success.
Effects on Mood Chemicals
Coincidentally, while ibogaine is promoting productive habits and neural healing, it also positively affects serotonin and dopamine levels.
Feelings of depression or lack of motivation originate from a reduced level of serotonin and dopamine availability in the nervous system.
Typically, when a neurotransmitter like serotonin or dopamine completes its job, it reabsorbs back into the body.
However, ibogaine is a reuptake inhibitor. That means, it prevents the body from absorbing these chemicals and keeps them available for use.
With more of these chemicals available, the individual will experience positive effects on mood, focus, and overall feelings of well-being.
James Fadimen puts it this way: “I laugh easier, cry easier – more gratitude, greater appreciation. More calmness.”
Together, these benefits give microdosing ibogaine interesting scientific potential.
Ibogaine Microdosing Protocol
Now that we have looked at the benefits, let’s look at the typical protocols for ibogaine microdosing.
Generally, protocols are based on the amount of ibogaine taken. There are many different products–like extracts, tinctures, and powders–and there is a wide variance in the amount of ibogaine they contain.
It doesn’t take much for a microdose to turn into psychedelic overwhelm, so it is always best to start small.
Initial Dosage
Dosing typically starts at around 1 mg taken in the morning. Psychedelics like ibogaine make sleep difficult, so plan for 8-12 hours for the ibogaine to wear off completely.
The daily dose can be moved up slowly. In one study for depression, 8 mgs of ibogaine were taken twice a day.
This dosage is likely higher than average, designed for medical ibogaine treatment processes, but it provides an idea of the safe levels of ibogaine used in a medical setting.
The goal is to find the place where the psychoactive effects are minimal, but you feel a boost to your mood and overall well-being.
The ideal dose depends on your weight, metabolism, and how you respond to ibogaine specifically.
Also, it’s always best to start microdosing on a weekend or a day without responsibilities. This will give you time to experience the microdose and not feel overwhelmed if the psychedelic effects are more significant than you expect.
Microdosing Schedules
You can experiment with different established microdosing schedules.
Each schedule will have on and off days. Alternating days helps control your body’s tolerance level.
Remember, each consecutive day of taking ibogaine lowers its effectiveness.
By taking days off, you give your body time to reset and help keep tolerance levels low.
Here are a few different microdosing schedules to consider.
The James Fadiman Schedule
Dr. Fadiman’s approach is to take one microdose every three days. He says, “The first day you feel great. On the second day, you would feel half of that. And the third day, you won’t feel anything.”
According to his schedule, if the first microdose is on day one, the second is taken on day four.
The Fadiman schedule is:
- Week 1: Mon/Thurs
- Week 2: Sun/Wed/Sat
- Week 3: Tues/Fri
- Week 4: Mon/Thurs
You will likely benefit the most from this schedule. It breaks up the amount of ibogaine you take. The effects will last longer and have more impact because your body won’t develop much tolerance.
The “Work Smarter” Schedule
This schedule is for those who work throughout the week and want to increase their ability, focus, and creativity on weekdays through microdosing ibogaine.
This schedule is as follows:
- Week 1: Mon/Tues/Thurs
- Week 2: Mon/Tues/Thurs
- Week 3: Mon/Tues/Thurs
- Week 4: Mon/Tues/Thurs
With this schedule, you get the effects throughout the week, but still allow your body time off.
Through buildup, the ibogaine is in effect Wednesday and Friday, even though you won’t take a dose on those days. You can add in extra days, but doing so will alter your tolerance level.
These two schedules provide a good starting point. There is nothing set in stone here. Adjust and experiment as you like. Just remember to have days off and keep tolerance levels in check to maximize the effects of your microdose.
You can also take a week or two off, on occasion, to completely reset tolerance levels.
Now let’s look at some of the side effects of microdosing.
Side Effects of Microdosing Ibogaine
Ibogaine is not without its side effects. Although relatively few studies involve microdoses of ibogaine, the dangers of flood-dosing ibogaine are well known.
Cardiac Dangers
The most well-documented danger is ibogaine’s effects on the heart. Ibogaine may prolong the QT interval, which is associated with heart arrhythmia or heart attack.
This makes ibogaine potentially dangerous for those with heart conditions. Most cases involve taking higher doses of ibogaine, but the possibility may apply to microdosing ibogaine.
There simply isn’t any evidence that ibogaine is safe for those with heart conditions at any dosage level.
For those with heart conditions or a history of heart surgery, microdosing ibogaine is not recommended.
Ibogaine and Prescriptions or OTC Drugs
Previous studies show Ibogaine interacting negatively with certain pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs.
Also, some foods show potential negative interactions with ibogaine.
The interactions range from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the amount of each drug taken.
Here are some of the known contraindications:
- Grapefruit
- Antidepressants
- SSRIs
- MAOIs
- Antihistamines
- Antifungals
- HIV Medications
- Illicit Drugs
These interactions can be dangerous. Seek proper medical advice when considering ibogaine microdosing while using any of these drugs.
Microdosing for Addiction
For those suffering from addiction, microdosing ibogaine may be a helpful approach. Limited studies on microdosing ibogaine exist. However, the positive effects shown by ibogaine studies on addiction may apply to microdosing as well as flood-dose treatment.
Here is a list of addictions ibogaine treats:
- Opiates
- Heroin
- Alcohol
- Crack
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Tobacco
The main issue with microdosing ibogaine as an addiction treatment method is the potential negative side effects of ibogaine when mixed with the addictive substance.
Therefore, treating addiction with ibogaine microdosing should only be done under the care of a medical team at a safety-focused ibogaine clinic.
Microdosing for Depression
Microdosing ibogaine is a potential treatment for depression with some proven medical benefits.
One study showed promise for ibogaine as a treatment for depression.
In this study, a woman with clinical depression took a microdose of ibogaine for 60 days.
Before taking ibogaine, the woman reported:
- Sadness
- Low self-esteem
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Difficulty working
However, after microdosing ibogaine, she reported:
- Increased mental clarity
- Organized thinking
- Positive future prospects
- Boosted appetite
Many of these positive effects lasted for 90 days or more after the ibogaine microdosing ended.
At this point, no one can say microdosing ibogaine is a cure for depression. However, the limited information available shows positive potential for ibogaine as a treatment for depression.
Legality
Briefly, let’s look at the legality of ibogaine and the laws associated with possession.
Currently, ibogaine is only legal in Finland.
These countries have no regulations on ibogaine:
- Costa Rica
- Gabon
- Germany
- Mexico
- Netherlands
However, there are a few cities in the USA that have decriminalized ibogaine as well as other natural psychedelic compounds.
These current decriminalized USA cities are:
- Oakland, CA
- Santa Cruz, CA
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Washington, DC
- Northampton, MA
- Cambridge, MA
- Washtenaw County, MI
Keep in mind, decriminalization does not mean it is legal, and it only applies to possession under specific quantities.
The Future of Ibogaine
Ibogaine is a unique and interesting drug. What began as a ritualistic drug used by native African religions continually finds use in the modern medical world. There is still so much to learn about ibogaine and its benefits.
Microdosing is a unique way to get the benefits of ibogaine. We hope further research into microdosing ibogaine is conducted, and soon. Many would benefit from more information on this wonderful psychoactive compound.
