Ketamine vs LSD
A side-by-side research comparison of Ketamine and LSD across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Ketamine | LSD |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ketamine (and esketamine) | Lysergic acid diethylamide |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule III; esketamine FDA-approved for depression | Schedule I (research compound) |
| Mechanism | Blocks NMDA glutamate receptors, which is thought to quickly boost synaptic connections and lift mood. This is a different pathway from classic serotonin psychedelics. | 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 | 237.73 g/mol | 323.43 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~2-3 hours | ~3-5 hours |
| Bioavailability | IV, intramuscular, nasal, oral (varies) | Oral |
| Typical dose | Low sub-anesthetic doses for depression (clinic-administered) | 100-200 mcg in clinical trials |
| Frequency | A series of supervised sessions | One to a few supervised sessions |
| Route | IV infusion, intramuscular, or nasal spray (esketamine) | Oral, in a supervised therapeutic setting |
Ketamine reported benefits
- Rapid relief from treatment-resistant depression
- FDA-approved option (esketamine) exists
- Can reduce suicidal thoughts quickly
- Useful when other antidepressants fail
LSD reported benefits
- Studied for anxiety in serious illness
- Explored for depression and addiction
- Long duration allows deep therapeutic work
- Renewed clinical research interest
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.