Psilocybin and Ketamine are the world’s leading psychedelics for the treatment of depression. Breakthrough discoveries have been made on the positive impact of these substances on the brain. If you are suffering from depression and use either of these substances, overwhelming data shows that you are likely to experience relief from symptoms such as anxiety, helplessness and negative thoughts. But which of the two is the better option? Let’s find out.
Ketamine is a synthesized drug, while psilocybin is a natural compound, a derivative of magic mushrooms. Both are psychedelics- meaning they have a great potential to impact how you feel and act and your overall state of consciousness.
Ketamine was designed to serve as an anesthetic. It wasn’t until the late 90s that research exposed the potential benefits of this substance in curing the symptoms of depression. Ketamine makes you feel sedated. It numbs your emotional pain and triggers intense feelings of happiness or euphoria.
Magic mushrooms have been used as a psychedelic for centuries. In religious healing ceremonies and recreational hangouts, people take mushrooms to experience the mystical, heal from emotional pain and tap into intense states of happiness.
Later on, scientists made connections between these substances and the brain’s biochemical function. Coincidentally, both Ketamine and psilocybin affect the neurotransmitters responsible for mood, behavior and learning. Keep reading to discover more.
When making the decision between ketamine and psilocybin for depression, it’s imperative to understand how each of these psychedelics impacts the brain. Here, the differences begin to emerge.
First, Ketamine increases the circulation level of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter responsible for memory and learning. For a person struggling with depression and negative feelings and thoughts, increased glutamate levels can lead to new thoughts and behavior patterns. Studies show that the results are more optimism and a happier mood.
Psilocybin increases the availability of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. Serotonin is also responsible for learning and memory, and therefore, the benefits of mushrooms for depression can be significant. Patients become happier and more open to adopting positive thoughts about themselves and the world in general.
Other major differences between Ketamine and psilocybin emerge when you look at the speed of action of these antidepressants. Psilocybin acts faster - patients who take this substance begin to experience relief within 30 minutes. This substance quickly begins to improve synchronicity in the brain, leading to long term feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and optimism.
Ketamine has powerful neurocircuitry effects that lead to feelings of dissociation and rewiring. Patients start to notice the positive effects within hours after the treatment. Ketamine’s benefits are just as long-lasting.
Both psilocybin and ketamine are administered at tiny doses. This is known as micro-dosing, and it helps to minimize unwanted effects from the psychedelics, such as hallucination and anxiety. Ketamine dosage for depression is much lower at 0.5mg/kg. The drug can be administered over periods of 40 minutes for consistent results.
Research studies show that, on average, a psilocybin dosage of 25mg/kg is effective for treating depression. However, in the case of treatment resistant depression, a higher dose of 40mg/kg is more effective. The benefits are rapid and with a slower remission trend. In other words, a single psilocybin dose can keep you going for weeks before you need another treatment.
When choosing between ketamine vs psychedelics like psilocybin, we think it’s wise for patients to narrow down the expected longevity of the relief from symptoms. Results from studies demonstrate that both psilocybin and ketamine have incredibly longer relapse times compared to traditional antidepressants.
The differences are small. However, depending on individual tolerance levels, even slight differences in relapse time matter. For Ketamine, the treatment begins to wear off after about 34 days. Meanwhile, psilocybin’s positive benefits last for about 24 days.
In both cases, the experience is profound. Ketamine has a deep dissociative effect where individuals experience altered consciousness and newer versions of themselves. Researchers also refer to this phenomenon as rewiring or resetting the mind.
Psilocybin takes you on an intense emotional trip of bliss and euphoria. You can also expect introspective experiences and improved creativity. In both cases, these substances help patients to confront their traumas and negative behavior and thought patterns.
Ketamine is an approved anesthetic. Its use for treating TRD is permissible and accessible through certified clinics where a mental health professional will carefully evaluate your case and history. But Ketamine is a Schedule 3 drug - it is illegal to possess or use it without a prescription.
Psilocybin can similarly be accessed through licensed and certified clinics. A psychiatrist will evaluate whether you stand to benefit from the treatment and create a personalized dosage and treatment calendar for maximum benefits. Psilocybin is a Schedule 1 drug. Possession or use of psilocybin is considered illegal without a doctor’s prescription.
According to the DEA, psilocybin has more potential for abuse than Ketamine. A Schedule 1 substance has “more potential for abuse and limited medical benefits than a Schedule 3 substance.” However, these are old classifications that may soon change as the world becomes more accepting of the medical benefits of psychedelics.
Recent research studies indicate that both psilocybin and ketamine have a low risk of dependence. That is, unlike opiates, which have fueled America’s addiction crises, psilocybin and ketamine therapies can heal patients with minimal risk of addiction.
Ketamine can cause nausea, headaches, and paranoia. Psilocybin can cause anxiety and hallucinations. In both cases, the side effects are significantly minimized with micro-dosing.
While both substances can have severe side effects in uncontrolled settings, psilocybin is considered much more tolerable. Patients who have never tried psychedelic therapies may want to start with psilocybin.
Psychedelics are gradually reshaping how society approaches mental health care. From this analysis, it's clear that both psilocybin and ketamine have extensive medicinal benefits for depression and other mental health issues like anxiety. The choice between the two comes down to individual preferences. Consult your mental healthcare provider for guidance.