Mescaline, the primary psychoactive alkaloid in peyote cactus, is being explored for antidepressant and anti-addictive properties based on limited animal and human studies. [1] Ketamine is also being actively researched for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects. [2]
Both have psychedelic effects and may induce profound alterations of consciousness, which could have therapeutic benefits at lower doses but pose risks like anxiety, panic attacks, and psychosis at higher recreational doses. [3]
Ketamine has an addiction liability, while mescaline does not appear addictive, tolerance may develop. [4] Adverse effects like hypertension can occur with either drug. [3]
In summary, while both may have therapeutic potential, their combination has barely been studied in clinical settings and requires great caution, given their powerful mind-altering effects. Formal medical supervision and controlled dosing would be necessary to evaluate any possible synergies.
- Brierley DI, Davidson C. Developments in harmine pharmacology—Implications for ayahuasca use and drug-dependence treatment. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. 2012;39(2):263-272.
- Abdallah CG, Sanacora G, Duman RS, Krystal JH. Ketamine and rapid-acting antidepressants: a window into a new neurobiology for mood disorder therapeutics. Annu Rev Med. 2015;66:509-523.
- Johnson MW, Griffiths RR. Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin. Neurotherapeutics. 2017;14(3):734-740.
- Kalsi SS, Wood DM, Dargan PI. The epidemiology and patterns of acute and chronic toxicity associated with recreational ketamine use. Emerging Health Threats Journal. 2011;4:7107.
- Baumeister D, Barnes G, Giaroli G, Tracy D. Classical hallucinogens as antidepressants? A review of pharmacodynamics and putative clinical roles. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2014;4(4):156-169.