As new research emerges, ketamine is becoming more and more popular as a treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. The drug is also being investigated for its potential role in treating addiction and chronic pain.
But some myths about ketamine still persist, even though research shows otherwise. Some believe it is addictive. Others worry that it might cause brain damage. This article explores these myths and explains why they aren’t true.
Myth #1 – Ketamine is just a party drug.
This myth is one of the biggest misconceptions about ketamine, and it stems back to its recreational use as early as the 1960s and 70s. While it’s true that some people did-and still do-use ketamine recreationally, that isn’t its sole purpose. In the context of the party scene, it’s generally taken unsupervised and with unregulated doses, which can lead to negative effects.
In a medical context, ketamine has been used successfully for decades as an anesthetic agent, but its effects are not limited to this use alone. There is growing scientific evidence showing its efficacy in treating mental health disorders. When given in small, controlled doses, it can be very effective at reducing depression and anxiety.
Myth #2 – Ketamine is addictive.
When taken recreationally, without medical supervision, the potential for abuse is possible because it produces euphoria, altered states of consciousness, increased energy, and feelings of well-being in users. While it is not physically addictive, it can become habit forming for some people if doses aren’t appropriately spread out.
The risk of becoming addicted to ketamine is very rare, especially when compared to other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. However, because of its powerful hallucinogenic properties, ketamine should be taken only under medical supervision and in low doses. When administered by a medical professional in low doses and spread out over time, addiction to ketamine is highly unlikely.
Myth #3 – Ketamine is too new, and there is not enough evidence to support its use.
Many people are unfamiliar with ketamine research and just how long it has been studied by scientists and researchers. What many people don’t realize is that ketamine has been legal and used by medical professionals for over 50 years. It was first approved for medical use as an anesthetic in the 1960s. In recent years, an increasing number of studies suggest Ketamine is useful in treating depression, particularly when administered alongside psychotherapy.
In fact, there is enough compelling evidence to support its use in this context that in 2019, the FDA granted a breakthrough designation for esketamine to be used in the form of a nasal spray to treat depression.
Myth #4 – Ketamine is not affordable or easily accessible.
Another common misconception surrounding ketamine use is that it’s too expensive or inaccessible to make it a realistic treatment option for most people. While it may have started out that way, there are now treatment options that are affordable and accessible to those who might not otherwise have access to this life-changing medicine.
Ketamine is available in the form of an IV infusion, but this is a costly option that can only be administered in a clinic under medical supervision. Whether due to its price or the availability of a nearby clinic, this isn’t a realistic option for some people. With virtual programs like HAPPŸŸ, ketamine is available to members in the form of an oral tablet that can be taken from the comfort of your home, with guidance by licensed medical practitioners. It’s convenient and much more affordable than IV infusions.
Myth #5 – I’m on antidepressants, so I can’t try ketamine-assisted therapy.
Ketamine is an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which means that it blocks the action of NMDA receptors in the brain. It’s used medically to treat depression and other conditions such as anxiety and schizophrenia. Ketamine does not work like traditional antidepressant medications, which increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Instead, ketamine increases glutamate activity in the brain, leading to increased release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
A recent review of research into the serotonin-depression link actually found no compelling evidence that there is an association between serotonin levels and depression, which may explain why so many people don’t respond to SSRIs. Because ketamine works with NMDA receptors in the brain, this may be why it is more effective for many people with otherwise treatment-resistant depression.
Myth #6 – Ketamine will make you go crazy.
Ketamine has dissociative effects that can cause hallucinations, delusions, confusion, disorientation, memory loss, and depersonalization. These effects last typically for one hour. The effects of ketamine depend on the dose, route of administration, duration of treatment, the setting in which treatment is administered, and other factors.
At high doses, it produces dissociative effects similar to those seen in classic hallucinogens such as LSD. At therapeutic doses, however, ketamine reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions. In addition, ketamine therapy also induces a rapid antidepressant effect that sets in quickly and can last for weeks between treatments.
Myth #7 – Ketamine isn’t legal.
Ketamine has been used legally as an anesthetic for more than 50 years. The FDA approved ketamine for treating depression in adults in 2019. It is the only psychedelic medicine that is legal across the United States in clinical settings for treating anxiety and depression. It must be administered under medical supervision and is not legal for recreational use.
Myth #8 – Ketamine can’t help me because nothing else has.
Ketamine is a safe and effective treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions. In fact, it’s the only FDA-approved treatment for severe depression. It works by activating NMDA receptors (which are associated with learning and memory) and increasing dopamine release. Several studies have shown that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is more effective than alternative treatment options, and the rapid onset reduces quickly symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.
Antidepressants can take weeks or even months to start working for those suffering from depression and anxiety. While these drugs do provide relief for some people, according to research, up to 60% of patients with major depression do not respond to typical antidepressant medications.
Myth #9 – One dose of ketamine will fix my symptoms.
Just one dose of ketamine will reduce depressive symptoms within hours or days, but isn’t a miracle cure. While a single dose of ketamine will provide short-term relief from depression and anxiety, multiple doses may be necessary to achieve long-lasting results. Many patients schedule 6 ketamine treatments within the first six weeks, which leads to more lasting change in habits and mindset.
Myth #10 – Ketamine will sedate you.
While Ketamine has been used for decades as an anesthetic, when given in low doses, it does not cause full sedation. It is known for the dissociative experience and antidepressant effects that provide a temporary disconnection between the brain and body.
When given in small doses, it may produce relaxation and physical and psychological euphoria. Patients often feel very calm during their treatment. Many report feelings of new perspectives, shared connection, increased clarity, renewed purpose, and awareness of spirituality.
