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Ketamine is a remarkable substance that can alter mental health and wellness. Ketamine, often associated with anesthesia and party scenes, is now emerging as a potential transformative agent for mood, pain and sleep disturbances. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind ketamine, its benefits, and how it’s revolutionizing mental health care.
What is ketamine?
According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ketamine is a “dissociative anesthetic with some hallucinogenic properties.” In medicine, it is preferred as a sedative due to its low risk of respiratory depression. In other words, it sedates the patient without causing airway spasm. Still, medical professionals often administer ketamine along with other general anesthetics such as nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”).
Ketamine comes in several different forms. It can be administered by intramuscular injection, intravenous infusion (IV format), orally, or intranasal spray. Intranasal formulations are a convenient and accessible option. In this way, patients can give it themselves under the supervision of a doctor. This will broaden access to ketamine therapy, making it available to those who do not have a ketamine clinic nearby.
Ketamine goes by various nicknames on the street. Examples include ‘Special K’, ‘Super K’, ‘KitKat’ and even ‘Vitamin K’. Recreational users claim that ketamine trips are superior to PCP (phencyclidine) and LSD. That’s because the hallucinations don’t last that long, they say, lasting only 30 to 60 minutes instead of hours.
Recently, the psychiatric field has begun promoting the use of ketamine for certain mental health conditions. In a specialized infusion center, medical professionals will closely monitor patients during each session to ensure their well-being. We also strive to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs. Infusion therapy typically includes a series of sessions over several weeks, with follow-up sessions to maintain effectiveness.
People experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD may benefit from ketamine.
How does ketamine work?
Ketamine works primarily by blocking the NMDA receptor pores in the brain. It blocks glutamate from binding to these receptors, increasing glutamate levels. This neurotransmitter plays an important role in the formation of new neural connections. This means that new pathways can be created in the brain.
Ketamine may also act on opioid receptors through interaction with glutamate. Ketamine increases opioids (think morphine) throughout the body by blocking her NMDA receptors. These opioids bind to and activate opioid receptors, resulting in analgesic effects.
Uses of Ketamine
Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, but was designed to alter the activity of neurotransmitters. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to work, ketamine works very quickly. Over time, patients find it reduces depression, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Even PTSD.
depression and anxiety
Ketamine also has antidepressant effects and is used for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that it can quickly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, even when other treatments have failed.
Its fast-acting response is especially beneficial for those who have lost the will to live and are depressed. It can rapidly give them the opportunity to regain control of their lives. In fact, some experts describe it as the brain’s “reset button” to break negative thought patterns. It also gives you the opportunity to start fresh.
A form of ketamine called esketamine (Supravato) is the only version approved for depression by the FDA. It comes in the form of a nasal spray and is administered at a doctor’s office, where medical professionals monitor patients for side effects. Ketamine for depression is considered off-label use, so health insurance usually does not cover it for this purpose.
chronic pain
Ketamine may also provide some relief in acute and chronic pain such as fibromyalgia. As mentioned above, ketamine may reduce pain by activating opioid receptors in the body, providing morphine-like effects. A 2020 review also suggests that other receptors, such as AMPA, may be involved in ketamine’s ability to reduce pain.
PTSD
Ketamine is also showing promise in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By altering fear responses, ketamine may help patients safely process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress associated with past trauma. In a small review of randomized clinical studies, ketamine improved her PTSD symptoms quickly and effectively.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is another condition that may be improved with ketamine. Exactly how ketamine helps OCD is still unknown. However, it may act as an NMDA receptor antagonist (blocker). Ketamine helps restore the balance of glutamate signaling and may help reduce symptoms of OCD. Researchers found low doses to be effective and quickly took action. A 2022 systematic review confirmed ketamine’s “rapid onset of action and good tolerability.”
Ketamine side effects
Until you know how your body responds, it’s best to start with a lower dose of ketamine. Other potential side effects of high-dose ketamine include:
- increased heart rate
- high blood pressure
- slurred
- confusion
- upset or panic
- Hallucination
- Flashback
- amnesia
- liver and urinary toxicity
Taking too much ketamine can cause a temporary feeling of withdrawal from the body. Some people call this feeling “falling in a K-hole”. Others describe it as feeling like a “near-death experience.”
Ketamine Contraindications
Ketamine is not suitable for everyone with mental illness. People with a history of psychosis, mania, or schizophrenia may experience worsening symptoms with ketamine treatment. Ketamine also affects blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, consult your doctor first.
Additionally, it is important to note that ketamine is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. People with liver or kidney problems should consult a doctor before trying ketamine. You may need a lower dose rather than the full strength version. The same is true for glaucoma patients, as ketamine can increase intraocular pressure.
Mixing ketamine with alcohol or drugs such as benzodiazepines and opiates can be dangerous. Using ketamine with other medications may cause additional adverse effects and should be done under the supervision of a doctor. People struggling with addiction should also be closely monitored during ketamine therapy.
It also goes without saying that people who are allergic to ketamine or its ingredients should not take ketamine. Doing so can do more harm than good.
Final Thoughts on Ketamine
Ketamine shows great potential, but should always be used under a doctor’s supervision. Self-administration or recreational use of ketamine can cause adverse effects.
Personally, psychedelic assisted therapy has been a big part of my healing experience overcoming PTSD and autoimmune disease. However, not all situations are suitable for everyone. If you’re interested in trying ketamine, it’s best to find a medical professional to guide you through the process. This way, you can make informed decisions about your physical and mental health efforts.
I’ve had several podcast guests discuss ketamine therapy and psychedelics. You can listen to those episodes here:
Have you, or someone you know, tried ketamine for these symptoms? Did it help? Share below!
