What is Ketamine?

Ketamine defies neat categorization: it is a rapid-acting antidepressant and anxiolytic; a

dissociative hallucinogen, an NMDA receptor antagonist.

How does it work? The current, most probable understanding of ketamine’s mode of action is as an

NMDA antagonist working through the glutamate neurotransmitter system. This is a

different pathway than that of other psychiatric drugs such as the SSRIs, SNRIs,

lamotrigine, anti-psychotics and benzodiazepines.

Ketamine is currently at the center of a rapidly changing landscape of mental health

care. Ketamine (esketamine nasal spray) was FDA approved for depression in 2019.

Other studies have shown benefit in treating anxiety and PTSD, as well as cognitive

benefits. A longer-term study found that nasal ketamine (plus their regular

antidepressant) helped people stay in stable remission 16 weeks into treatment.

Relief from depression with ketamine happens rapidly: instead of waiting for an

antidepressant medicine to provide some relief over the course of weeks, people who

are suffering under the crushing weight of depression can start to feel the benefits of

ketamine within about 40 minutes.

Ketamine is an “off-label” treatment for various chronic mental conditions. It is now

being used effectively for treatment of depression, alcoholism, substance

dependencies, PTSD and other psychiatric diagnoses as well as for existential,

psychological and spiritual crises and growth.

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