What is Ketamine?
Ketamine resists simple labels: it’s a rapid-acting antidepressant and anxiolytic, a dissociative hallucinogen, and an NMDA receptor antagonist. It likely works by blocking NMDA receptors in the glutamate system, a different pathway than SSRIs, SNRIs, lamotrigine, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines.
Ketamine is changing mental health care. The FDA approved esketamine nasal spray for depression in 2019.
Research also shows benefits for anxiety, PTSD, and thinking skills.
One study found nasal ketamine plus a regular antidepressant helped people stay in remission for 16 weeks.
Ketamine often works fast — many feel relief within about 40 minutes versus weeks for standard antidepressants.
It’s used off-label for depression, alcohol and substance dependence, PTSD, and for psychological or spiritual crises.
How will I take Ketamine?
There are a variety of ways ketamine can be administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider at our practice including intranasal, subcutaneous injection, and oral.
Initial Treatment typically consists of twice weekly treatments. Your personalized treatment schedule will be planned at the time of your initial evaluation
Discuss any questions you may have with your healthcare provider at your initial appointment
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ketamine-for-depression
Ketamine helped Nicole’s treatment-resistant depression. Now, she’s resuming her education and sharing her story
Help is available 24/7.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio
1-888-628-9454 Español
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a federally funded network of crisis centers committed to suicide prevention.