Ketamine FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

1. What is Ketamine?

• Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic originally developed for surgical anesthesia. It’s now also used in lower doses to treat mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety due to its unique effects on the brain.

2. How Does Ketamine Work?

• Ketamine primarily works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which affects the neurotransmitter glutamate. This action promotes rapid changes in brain activity, encouraging neuroplasticity and, in turn, supporting mood stabilization and symptom relief.

3. What Mental Health Conditions Can Ketamine Help Treat?

• Ketamine is used to treat treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and sometimes suicidal ideation due to its rapid antidepressant effects.

4. What Are the Different Types of Ketamine Therapy?

• IV Ketamine Infusions: Administered intravenously in clinical settings, often for severe depression or chronic pain.
• Esketamine (Spravato): FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression.
• Oral and Sublingual Ketamine: Used in lower doses and often paired with psychotherapy.
• Intramuscular Ketamine: Injected into the muscle, commonly used in therapeutic settings.

5. Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?

• Ketamine therapy is considered safe when administered by trained professionals at therapeutic doses. However, like any treatment, it has potential side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and dissociation, which typically resolve shortly after administration.

6. What Is the Typical Dosage for Ketamine Therapy?

• Dosages vary by individual and condition, but therapeutic ketamine is usually given at 0.2 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg. Higher doses are typically reserved for anesthetic purposes, while lower doses (0.2-0.5 mg/kg) are used for mental health treatment.

7. How Quickly Does Ketamine Work?

• Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine often provides relief within hours or days. This rapid effect is particularly beneficial for those with severe depression or suicidal ideation.

8. What Are the Common Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy?

• Side effects can include dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and dissociative experiences. Most side effects are temporary and subside after the treatment session.

9. Is Ketamine Addictive?

• While ketamine has some potential for abuse, especially at recreational doses, the risk of addiction is low when administered in a therapeutic setting under professional supervision. Recreational use and excessive dosing, however, can lead to dependence.

10. What Are the Long-Term Effects of Ketamine Therapy?

• Research suggests that, at therapeutic doses and frequencies, ketamine does not pose significant long-term risks. However, long-term or excessive use, especially at high doses, may lead to cognitive impairments and bladder issues.

11. Does Ketamine Cause Neurotoxicity?

• High doses and prolonged recreational use of ketamine may cause neurotoxic effects. However, at therapeutic doses, ketamine’s risk of neurotoxicity is low, especially when administered infrequently and under medical supervision.

12. Can Ketamine Help with Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity?

• Yes, ketamine has been shown to promote neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize itself). These effects may support the brain’s recovery from mood disorders and trauma by forming new neural connections.

13. What is the Cost of Ketamine Therapy?

• Costs vary widely depending on the type of ketamine administration, location, and duration of the treatment plan. Generally, each session can range from $400 to $1,000 or more, with some patients requiring multiple sessions for optimal results.

14. How Long Do the Effects of Ketamine Last?

• The immediate effects of ketamine, like dissociation, last 30 minutes to an hour. However, the mood-stabilizing benefits can last for several days to weeks. For chronic conditions, multiple sessions over time may be necessary to maintain results.

15. Who Should Not Use Ketamine Therapy?

• Ketamine therapy may not be suitable for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, severe heart conditions, schizophrenia, or a history of ketamine abuse. Each candidate is carefully assessed to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for them.

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© 2024 Steve Elfrink. All rights reserved.

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