Hearing about the drug ketamine instantly brings to mind situations of substance misuse, often by young people. Unfortunately, this is the reality in many cases. However, ketamine is currently undergoing a potential breakthrough as a treatment for depression. Certain forms of the drug have been found to have extremely beneficial effects for some patients with mental illnesses, as long as it’s taken as prescribed.
A Brief Overview of the Drug
Ketamine was first developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic for surgical procedures involving soldiers in the Vietnam War. At low doses, it was found to provide pain relief. It quickly gained popularity due to its safety and effectiveness in both human and animal medicine.
In the 1970s and 1980s, ketamine began to be used recreationally, leading to concerns about its potential for abuse. Street ketamine changes your perception of sight, sound, and impacts other senses. Users may experience hallucinations, difficulty speaking, or an inability to move.
However, in the past decade, ketamine has seen a resurgence in interest as a treatment for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This is due to its rapid-acting and long-lasting effects on mood and its potential as an alternative to traditional antidepressants. The development of ketamine therapy as a treatment for mental health conditions has largely been driven by anecdotal reports of patients experiencing significant improvements in their symptoms, as well as a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness.
Ketamine is notable because it has shown success in treating depression, especially for those who have not responded well to other traditional forms of medication (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI’s). However, more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanism of action and long-term safety of ketamine therapy.
How Does Ketamine Work on the Brain?
Ketamine works by inhibiting the activity of a specific type of glutamate receptor in the brain called the NMDA receptor. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in brain function, including learning and memory, and the NMDA receptor is involved in the regulation of glutamate activity. When ketamine binds to the NMDA receptor, it blocks its normal function, leading to a decrease in the activity of certain brain circuits.
This inhibition of the NMDA receptor leads to an increase in the activity of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in regulating mood and cognition. This is thought to be the mechanism behind ketamine’s rapid and long-lasting effects on mood and its potential to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
In addition, ketamine also increases the level of BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that helps to support the growth and survival of neurons in the brain. This can lead to structural changes in the brain and contribute to the long-term effects of ketamine therapy.
What Does Ketamine Treat?
There are several mood and mental conditions that ketamine therapy can be used to treat, including major depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Ketamine is found successful in treating these conditions, as well as relieving chronic pain like migraines or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The treatment can bring hope back into people’s lives, helping them regain control and find the balance that they need.
There are two main types of ketamine therapy for mood, anxiety, and chronic pain: IV ketamine infusions and Spravato also known as a nasal spray, esketamine
Spravato Treatment
Also known as Esketamine– Given as a nasal spray, esketamine uses only the “S” molecule. Esketamine is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. Like IV Ketamine, Spravato has the ability to go to work rapidly. Symptoms tend to improve within just hours after the first infusion compared to the 6–12 week onset period of conventional medications.
Benefits of Ketamine Infusions
We strongly believe that in order for our bodies to feel good, they need to be energized and full of vital nutrients. Many of us make poor food choices due to our busy schedules. IV nutrition services can provide your body with the nutrients that it needs.
Our IV ketamine infusion therapy for major depression is fast, safe, and effective. Something that makes ketamine treatment different than others is how fast the effects kick in. Our patients receive instant benefits with relief from their condition that lasts up to weeks. Here are some additional benefits of ketamine therapy:
- One of the main benefits of ketamine is its rapid onset of action. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to take effect, ketamine can produce a significant improvement in symptoms within hours or even minutes.
- The benefits of ketamine therapy can also be long-lasting. Some studies have found that the positive effects of ketamine can last for weeks or even months after a single treatment.
- Ketamine therapy has been found to be effective in treating cases of depression, anxiety, and PTSD that have not responded to other forms of treatment.
- Ketamine has been found to have analgesic properties, which can be beneficial in managing chronic pain conditions.
- Ketamine is not considered to be a highly addictive substance, and the risk of addiction is considered to be low.
Please note that the ketamine used by Neuro Wellness Spa is not the same as the drug sold on the streets. The effects of a medical IV ketamine infusion cannot be repeated at home.
Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy, when administered by a trained medical professional, is generally considered safe. However, as with any medication, there can be potential side effects.
Short-term side effects may include:
- Dissociation: Ketamine can cause a feeling of detachment from oneself and the environment, which can be disorienting and uncomfortable.
- Hallucinations: Some people may experience visual or auditory hallucinations while under the effects of ketamine.
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate: Ketamine can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which may be concerning for people with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions and high blood pressure.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience stomach upset while taking ketamine.
- Drowsiness and confusion: The sedative effects of ketamine can cause drowsiness and confusion, and it’s not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery after receiving a dose
Find Out if You Can Benefit From Ketamine Infusion Therapy Today
At Neuro Wellness Spa we are committed to helping you regain your confidence, health, and life! We offer TMS, psychiatry, and our popular IV ketamine therapy. This treatment option has risen in popularity because of the groundbreaking results that it offers individuals suffering from psychological and physical conditions.
If you or somebody that you know could benefit from IV ketamine treatment, don’t wait any longer to give us a call. Our team of psychiatrists is here to answer any questions you may have and give you more information on how we can change your life.
