Magnesium–ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries

Original research
par
Cherian, Kristen N. et al

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

International

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability. Sequelae can include functional impairments and psychiatric syndromes such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Special Operations Forces (SOF) veterans (SOVs) may be at an elevated risk for these complications, leading some to seek underexplored treatment alternatives such as the oneirogen ibogaine, a plant-derived compound known to interact with multiple neurotransmitter systems that has been studied primarily as a treatment for substance use disorders. Ibogaine has been associated with instances of fatal cardiac arrhythmia, but coadministration of magnesium may mitigate this concern.

Constatations/points à retenir

MISTIC resulted in significant improvements in functioning both immediately and 1 month after treatment and in PTSD, depression and anxiety at 1 month after treatment. There were no unexpected or serious adverse events. 

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

This is a prospective observational study of the Magnesium–Ibogaine: the Stanford Traumatic Injury to the CNS protocol (MISTIC), provided together with complementary treatment modalities, in 30 male SOVs with predominantly mild TBI. We assessed changes in the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule from baseline to immediately (primary outcome) and 1 month (secondary outcome) after treatment. Additional secondary outcomes included changes in PTSD, depression and anxiety. 

Mots clés

Chronic disease
Evidence base
Hallucinogens/psychedelics
Illegal drugs
Mental health