Ketamine vs Psilocybin
A side-by-side research comparison of Ketamine and Psilocybin across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Ketamine | Psilocybin |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ketamine (and esketamine) | Psilocybin (from psilocybin mushrooms) |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule III; esketamine FDA-approved for depression | Schedule I (FDA Breakthrough Therapy for depression) |
| 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. | 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 | 237.73 g/mol | 284.25 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~2-3 hours | ~2-3 hours (psilocin) |
| Bioavailability | IV, intramuscular, nasal, oral (varies) | Oral |
| Typical dose | Low sub-anesthetic doses for depression (clinic-administered) | 10-30 mg 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
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.