Ibogaine vs Ketamine
A side-by-side research comparison of Ibogaine and Ketamine across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Ibogaine | Ketamine |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ibogaine (from Tabernanthe iboga) | Ketamine (and esketamine) |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule I (research compound) | Schedule III; esketamine FDA-approved for depression |
| Mechanism | Acts on multiple systems at once, including serotonin and opioid receptors, NMDA receptors and nicotinic receptors. Its active metabolite noribogaine is thought to drive much of the lasting anti-addiction effect. | 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 | 310.43 g/mol | 237.73 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~4-7 hours (ibogaine); noribogaine much longer | ~2-3 hours |
| Bioavailability | Oral | IV, intramuscular, nasal, oral (varies) |
| Typical dose | Weight-based, given in specialized clinics | Low sub-anesthetic doses for depression (clinic-administered) |
| Frequency | Usually a single session | A series of supervised sessions |
| Route | Oral, under medical and cardiac monitoring | IV infusion, intramuscular, or nasal spray (esketamine) |
Ibogaine reported benefits
- Studied for opioid use disorder
- Can reduce withdrawal symptoms quickly
- May lower cravings after a single session
- Investigated for traumatic brain injury (with magnesium) in veterans
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.