Mental health is an ongoing problem. In fact, one in five New Yorkers have symptoms of mental health disorders.
From anxiety to depression to PTSD and OCD, people are looking for new ways to help manage these conditions and get their lives back. For some, traditional therapies and medications often fall short, leading many to explore alternative options such as psilocybin and ketamine.
These two substances have gained a lot of attention for their potential benefits in mental health treatment. However, while they can both treat depression and other mental health conditions, it’s important to understand their differences.
In this blog post, we are going to analyze the differences between psilocybin vs ketamine. We are going to help you understand their mechanisms of action, similarities, and side effects to help you choose the best one.
However, remember that any decision in any of these treatments should begin with a consultation from a healthcare professional to ensure safe and informed decisions.
- Psilocybin and ketamine are emerging as promising treatments for mental health conditions like depression.
- Both substances can induce dissociative states and increase neuroplasticity.
- Side effects vary between psilocybin and ketamine, which requires careful consideration when choosing one.
- Consulting a high-quality medical professional, such as those you can find at Ketamine Wellness can help you understand what is the best treatment for you.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, which are commonly known as “magic mushrooms.”
When you eat them, psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perception, mood, and cognition. This neurotransmitter modulation is believed to contribute to psilocybin’s potential therapeutic effects.
Additionally, it seems that psilocybin is able to promote new neural connections and enhance neuroplasticity, which is one of the reasons why it’s gaining attention as a treatment for conditions that are resistant to traditional therapies.
However, it is important to note that psilocybin experiences can be deeply introspective and sometimes challenging. Users may undergo what is known as “ego dissolution,” which is a temporary state where one’s sense of self becomes less rigid, allowing for exploration and healing of underlying psychological issues.
Due to its powerful effects, it’s important to approach the use of psilocybin with caution, ideally under the guidance of a trained therapist or in clinical settings.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that was originally developed for surgical procedures in the 1960s due to its ability to induce sedation and pain relief without suppressing respiratory function.
However, in more recent years, it has gained attention for its rapid-acting anti-depressant effects, especially in those cases when other medications have failed.
Ketamine works primarily by antagonizing NMDA receptors, leading to increased glutamine activity in the brain. This process is believed to promote synaptic plasticity and mood regulation.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show benefits, ketamine often provides relief within hours, offering hope for those who have not responded to other types of treatments.
Just like psilocybin, ketamine treatments should be administered under professional supervision in controlled environments to ensure both safety and efficacy.
Both psilocybin and ketamine share distinct similarities, making them promising options for mental health treatment.
Firstly, both compounds have been observed to enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This increase in neuroplasticity can facilitate improved mood and cognitive function, potentially leading to significant therapeutic benefits for conditions like depression and anxiety.
Another similarity is their ability to induce altered states of consciousness, which can lead to profound, transformative experiences for some people. These can allow people to have deep introspection experiences and confront any underlying emotional issues.
Moreover, both substances are currently being researched for their potential to treat a variety of mental health conditions beyond depression and anxiety. They may even be used for treating PTSD and OCD.
Finally, their rapid action also distinguished them from conventional treatment, which often requires weeks or months to become fully effective.
While there are some similarities between them, there are also some differences. The following table compares the differences between ketamine vs mushrooms.
| Aspect | Psilocybin | Ketamine |
| Mechanism of action | Serotonin receptor agonism | Glutamate receptor antagonism |
| When can you notice changes | Within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion | Within minutes of administration (almost immediate) |
| Costs | Due to legal restrictions, you may find typical sessions costing between $1,000 to $2,000 per guided session. | Ketamine-assisted therapy costs range from $400 to $1,000 per session. |
| Clinical applications | Primarily experimental for mental health. | Widely used for depression, chronic pain, PTSD, OCD, and suicidal thoughts. |
| Route of administration | Oral, often as capsules of tea | Intravenous infusion or intranasal spray. |
| Suitability | Requires careful screening for psychological risks | Suitable for rapid relief and resistant cases, but still requires a healthcare professional. |
| Legal status | Currently illegal for recreational use | Legal for medical use, primarily approved clinics for mental health treatment. |
While psilocybin may be safe for most people, it still comes with some unwanted side effects. Here are some of the side effects of psilocybin.
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations that may be distressing
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Difficulty distinguishing between reality and hallucinations
- Potential for triggering latent psychiatric disorders
Just like psilocybin, ketamine also may result in some unwanted side effects. However, keep in mind that these may depend on individual responses to the medication and typically are short-lived.
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Perceptual disturbances
- Potential for addiction with its misuse
- Urinary tract issues with long-term use
Choosing between ketamine vs psilocybin for depression depends on several factors, such as individual health needs, the specific condition being addressed, and personal preferences. While both therapies offer unique benefits, they come with potential risks.
Psilocybin, with its longer-lasting effects, may be more suitable for people seeking profound, introspective experiences that could promote personal growth and long-term insight. It can be a great option for those looking to treat PTSD and depression. However, keep in mind that it may be illegal in some states, like New York.
On the other hand, ketamine is often the preferred option for its rapid action and broader clinical acceptance. Additionally, while it has not been clinically approved intravenously by the FDA, it’s still allowed in medical clinics under medical supervision.
In the end, the decision should always involve professional medical advice. If you are seeking help to determine which is the best option to help you treat depression, we can help you at Ketamine Wellness.
Our highly qualified staff can help you determine the best course of action to treat your condition and allow you to claim back your life.
When it comes to ketamine vs psilocybin, both options offer promising help to treat mental health conditions like depression. Understanding their mechanisms, applications, and potential side effects is important for making informed decisions.
Remember, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine what is the right treatment plan for you.
Ready to change your life and get all the health benefits ketamine therapy has to offer? Don’t wait—book a call with our team at Ketamine Wellness NY today and find out how we can help you feel your best.
Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, we’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier life. At Ketamine Wellness NY, we are here to answer all your questions.
Contact us now to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward reclaiming your health!
- “Priority Area: Mental Health/Substance Abuse – Mental Health.” Ny.gov, 2012, www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/mental_health_and_substance_abuse/mental_health.htm.
- Psiuk, Dominika, et al. “Esketamine and Psilocybin—the Comparison of Two Mind-Altering Agents in Depression Treatment: Systematic Review.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 23, no. 19, 28 Sept. 2022, p. 11450, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911450.
- Stringer, Heather. “The Emergence of Psychedelics as Medicine.” Apa.org, 2024, www.apa.org/monitor/2024/06/psychedelics-as-medicine.
- Wojtas, Adam, et al. “Effect of Psilocybin and Ketamine on Brain Neurotransmitters, Glutamate Receptors, DNA and Rat Behavior.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 23, no. 12, 16 June 2022, p. 6713, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9224489/, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23126713.