What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been in clinical use for over 50 years. At higher doses, it is recognized as a remarkably safe anesthetic, and its excellent safety profile and efficacy have earned it a place on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.
At lower doses, ketamine has shown promise in addressing mental health conditions, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression. In addition to its effectiveness in treating depression, ketamine is increasingly being used for a growing range of mental health issues, including but not limited to anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain and certain forms of addiction. It also provides valuable support for individuals navigating major life transitions, as well as grief and trauma, and those who describe feeling "stuck" in life, or feel they're not progressing with more traditional therapies.
How does it treat depression?
The precise mechanism of action of ketamine is not fully understood. However, its antidepressant effects are believed to be primarily linked to NMDA receptor antagonism and its influence on the neurotransmitter glutamate. Ketamine also impacts other neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, both directly and indirectly. Moreover, it is thought to enhance levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a crucial role in promoting neuroplasticity and may offer neuroprotective benefits.
In addition to its antidepressant properties, ketamine has various therapeutic applications. At lower doses, such as when administered orally, it can assist in psychotherapy. At higher doses—administered via IV or intramuscular injection—ketamine can induce a psychedelic-like experience. These ketamine journeys are often profoundly meaningful and healing for patients, facilitating transcendent and spiritual experiences, insights into personal behaviors and patterns, emotional processing, and a more expansive and positive outlook on on life.
How quickly does ketamine work?
When compared to traditional treatments for depression, such as antidepressants—which often require weeks to months to demonstrate effectiveness—ketamine stands out for its rapid onset of action. Patients who respond to ketamine typically experience significant relief from depressive symptoms shortly after a single treatment. This fast-acting nature makes ketamine a compelling option for those seeking immediate support.
In addition to its efficacy in alleviating depression, ketamine has been shown to effectively address a variety of other mental health conditions, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain forms of addiction. Its unique mechanism of action and rapid therapeutic effects position ketamine as a valuable treatment alternative, particularly for individuals who have not responded to conventional therapies or those in urgent need of symptom relief.
Furthermore, ongoing research has continued to discover long-term benefits and potential applications of ketamine therapy across a broader spectrum of mental health challenges.
How is ketamine delivered?
Ketamine can be administered through various routes, including intranasal delivery, sublingual lozenges, intramuscular injections, and intravenous (IV) infusion. Our clinic provides IV, intramuscular (IM), and sublingual ketamine treatments to accommodate the diverse needs of our patients.