Ibogaine vs LSD
A side-by-side research comparison of Ibogaine and LSD across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Ibogaine | LSD |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ibogaine (from Tabernanthe iboga) | Lysergic acid diethylamide |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule I (research compound) | Schedule I (research compound) |
| 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. | Activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (and others), changing perception, mood and the way brain networks communicate. Effects last much longer than most psychedelics. |
| Molecular weight | 310.43 g/mol | 323.43 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~4-7 hours (ibogaine); noribogaine much longer | ~3-5 hours |
| Bioavailability | Oral | Oral |
| Typical dose | Weight-based, given in specialized clinics | 100-200 mcg in clinical trials |
| Frequency | Usually a single session | One to a few supervised sessions |
| Route | Oral, under medical and cardiac monitoring | Oral, in a supervised therapeutic setting |
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
LSD reported benefits
- Studied for anxiety in serious illness
- Explored for depression and addiction
- Long duration allows deep therapeutic work
- Renewed clinical research interest
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.