Ketamine has become a popular treatment for depression and other mental health disorders in recent years. Ketamine shows promising results in treatment for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other mental health disorders. It provides relief without adverse effects that typically come along with medical treatments. It’s also highly effective and fast acting.
But what are the side effects associated with using this psychedelic medicine? And is it right for everyone? Keep reading to find out more about this breakthrough treatment for mental health disorders.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative drug that has been historically used for anesthesia. It is one of the safest anesthetics, as it does not suppress breathing or heart rate, unlike other common anesthetics. Although it was originally developed for anesthetic purposes, its effects on the brain have encouraged medical professionals to look at it as a potential treatment for mood disorders.
It has gained attention as a breakthrough treatment for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. It has seen high efficacy in curing or greatly reducing symptoms caused by mental health disorders and chronic pain.
The History of Using Ketamine as a Drug
Ketamine’s history can be traced back to the 1950s when researchers at Parke-Davis and Company in Detroit, Michigan were searching for an anesthetic agent with pain-relieving properties. In 1966 it was patented by Parke-Davis for human and animal use in the United States, and in 1970, the FDA officially approved ketamine for human consumption, and it was used as a field anesthetic for soldiers during the Vietnam war.
How Does Ketamine Work?
When administered intravenously, Ketamine acts quickly and produces rapid onset of action. This makes it useful for treating emergency situations where quick relief is needed. When taken orally, Ketamine enters the bloodstream through the stomach lining and travels to the liver before entering the bloodstream. Once inside the body, it binds with receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors are responsible for sending signals to the brain and causing changes in behavior.
What Does Ketamine Feel Like?
Ketamine 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 physical and psychological euphoria. Patients often feel relaxed, creative, and calm during their treatment. Many report feelings of new perspectives, shared connection, increased clarity, renewed purpose, and awareness of spirituality.
Common Symptoms Following Ketamine Use
Although Ketamine is generally considered safe, there are some common side effects or symptoms associated with using this medication, which typically subside within a few hours. Some of these side effects include:
- Impaired cognitive function
- Dehydration
- Dysphoria
- Motor control impairment
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Derealization
- Depersonalization
- Sleep disturbances
- Nightmares
- Elevated blood pressure
Who Shouldn’t Use Ketamine?
While this psychedelic therapy is generally considered safe for most, those who should avoid it or proceed with caution include:
- People on medications that could interact negatively with Ketamine
- Children under the age of eighteen
- Mothers who are pregnant or nursing
- Those who have a history of psychosis
It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before pursuing ketamine-assisted therapy, so you can avoid adverse reactions. A licensed provider can help determine the best course of action and treatment program for you to ensure you have the best ketamine experience.
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health Disorders
There are many different ways that Ketamine can be used to treat mental health conditions. Some of these include:
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Depression is a condition characterized by low mood, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of sadness. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 21 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. Treatment-resistant depression refers to patients who do not respond well to traditional antidepressants.
Traditionally, depression is treated by prescribing drugs called SSRIs, which work to increase serotonin levels in the brain. However, studies have shown that only about 40%-60% of people who receive treatment with SSRIs see improvement in their symptoms of depression. They can take weeks, or sometimes months, to show effects, and the delayed onset is a significant problem, especially in patients who are at risk for suicide.
Ketamine sessions have been shown to be an effective treatment for those with major depressive disorder, especially patients with treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine affects different parts of the brain than SSRIs and works quickly to provide relief of depressive symptoms. The effects of Ketamine can last for several weeks, so you don’t have to take it daily like traditional antidepressants.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, nervousness, or dread. According to the NIH, 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. They are more prevalent among women than men and can affect people’s ability to function normally in everyday life.
Traditional treatments for anxiety disorders include prescription medications like benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and beta blockers. These treatments also come with a long list of potential negative side effects.
Low doses of Ketamine have been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety quickly. Immediately after a single dose, patients saw an 87% improvement in their anxiety symptoms and a 93% improvement one month after treatment. Most patients notice relief within a few days of their second or third treatment. Some patients may be able to eliminate the need for prescription drugs to manage their symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3.6% of U.S. adults had PTSD in the past year. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, and avoidance behaviors. People suffering from PTSD often have difficulty sleeping and concentrating. Those who suffer from PTSD are also at a higher risk for depression, panic disorder, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation.
There are a number of treatments currently used to reduce symptoms in those with post-traumatic stress disorder. SSRIs have been commonly used to treat those with PTSD, but many patients often don’t see any relief for 6-8 weeks. This can be ineffective for those with severe PTSD because delayed onset can worsen symptoms and lead to increases in depression, anxiety, and problematic symptoms.
A low dose of Ketamine can be used to relieve symptoms associated with PTSD. Studies have shown that it can offer patients significant improvement in their symptoms, especially in those with severe symptoms such as suicidal ideation. The dissociative effects that low-dose Ketamine offers allow the patient to be more open and reflective without the traumatic emotions involved.
Are You Considering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Treatment?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a relatively new form of treatment that is gaining popularity as a way to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. If you are considering this treatment, we encourage you to schedule a free discovery call with us to discuss all the options that are available to you.
At HAPPŸŸ, we’ve made ketamine therapy more affordable and accessible by offering the medication in an oral pill that is sent directly to your home. Overcome anxiety, depression, and suffering through HAPPŸŸ’s proven, safe, and fast-acting at-home, low-dose oral ketamine therapy and the science of happiness.
Find freedom and relief from the comforts of home, and take our free 1-minute assessment to know if FLÖW ketamine-assisted therapy is right for you.
