5-MeO-DMT vs Ketamine
A side-by-side research comparison of 5-MeO-DMT and Ketamine across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | 5-MeO-DMT | Ketamine |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine | Ketamine (and esketamine) |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule I (research compound) | Schedule III; esketamine FDA-approved for depression |
| Mechanism | Strongly activates serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, producing rapid and intense changes in consciousness. | Blocks NMDA glutamate receptors, which is thought to quickly boost synaptic connections and lift mood. This is a different pathway from classic serotonin psychedelics. |
| Molecular weight | 218.30 g/mol | 237.73 g/mol |
| Half-life | Short (minutes) | ~2-3 hours |
| Bioavailability | Inhaled/injected | IV, intramuscular, nasal, oral (varies) |
| Typical dose | Low milligram range in clinical studies | Low sub-anesthetic doses for depression (clinic-administered) |
| Frequency | One to a few supervised sessions | A series of supervised sessions |
| Route | Inhalation or injection in research settings | IV infusion, intramuscular, or nasal spray (esketamine) |
5-MeO-DMT reported benefits
- Studied for treatment-resistant depression
- Short duration suits clinical use
- Explored for anxiety
- Rapid onset of effects
Ketamine reported benefits
- Rapid relief from treatment-resistant depression
- FDA-approved option (esketamine) exists
- Can reduce suicidal thoughts quickly
- Useful when other antidepressants fail
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.