Ketamine was invented in 1960s as an anesthetic and was approved by the FDA for this purpose in 1970. Over the years, doctors began to notice psychiatric effects on their patients that were given ketamine. In the 1990s, researchers from Yale began to explore the antidepressant effects of Ketamine that had been noticed when it was used as an anesthetic.
The researchers from Yale found that Ketamine triggers glutamate production in the brain, which in turn prompts the brain to form new neural connections. These make the brain more adaptable and helps develop more positive thoughts and behaviors.
Research over the last two decades has shown that Ketamine works quickly. In several studies, patients experienced a significant decrease in symptoms of depression after just 24 hours. This is in contrast to many of the antidepressant medications currently in use which often take weeks to see results.
Occasionally Ketamine does have side effects on certain patients. These can include:
A typical course of treatment is two times per week for four weeks, followed by one time per week for four weeks. Additional maintenance treatments may be administered weekly or biweekly thereafter.
There are two forms of Ketamine that our office administers. One form of treatment is a nasal spray (Spravato). This form is FDA approved for the treatment of depression and may be covered by insurance.
The second form of Ketamine is delivered as an intraveneous infusion. The patient is given an IV, and the Ketamine is then infused as a drip with the IV. This form of Ketamine is not FDA approved, and therefore not covered by insurance. However, it’s use is supported by decades of research.
The treatment is similar regardless of the form of Ketamine taken (nasal spray or intravenous). Upon arrival at our office, you will have your vital signs assessed (heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygenation) to ensure everything is in a normal range.
You will be seated comfortably, and then the Ketamine will be administered by our Medical Doctor, our Physician Assistant, or our Registered Nurse. You will have your heart rate, blood pressure and respiration monitored by our staff during treatment.
You will sit quietly while the active effects of the Ketamine take place. You will likely feel mildly sedated, a possible experience dissociation for an hour or so. For the second hour you will slowly return to your baseline functioning, and after a quick check by our staff, you will leave our office. You will need to arrange for a ride home following treatment.
Consider these questions and contact our office if you are interested in Ketamine:
I have tried many antidepressants and have not achieved the results I’d like.
I need to be more resilient and cope better with daily life.
A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders
Ketamine treatment for depression: a review
Ketamine for the treatment of major depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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