Ibogaine vs Psilocybin
A side-by-side research comparison of Ibogaine and Psilocybin across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Ibogaine | Psilocybin |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ibogaine (from Tabernanthe iboga) | Psilocybin (from psilocybin mushrooms) |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule I (research compound) | Schedule I (FDA Breakthrough Therapy 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. | Converted in the body to psilocin, which activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This temporarily loosens rigid thinking patterns and increases connectivity between brain networks. |
| Molecular weight | 310.43 g/mol | 284.25 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~4-7 hours (ibogaine); noribogaine much longer | ~2-3 hours (psilocin) |
| Bioavailability | Oral | Oral |
| Typical dose | Weight-based, given in specialized clinics | 10-30 mg 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
Psilocybin reported benefits
- Studied for treatment-resistant depression
- Eases anxiety in life-threatening illness
- Explored for alcohol and tobacco addiction
- Often produces durable improvements after few doses
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.