Ketamine Infusion Treatment Option for Psychiatric Disorders

​What Is Ketamine?

 
Ketamine was developed in 1962 as an effective anesthetic for surgical procedures. High doses of ketamine induce a sedating effect in a safe manner; ketamine does not lower blood pressure or interfere with respiratory activity when administered at these high doses. Due to its safe and effective properties, it is widely used as an anesthetic for different medical procedures.
 
Ketamine is considered a Schedule III Controlled Substance and only available through licensed medical professionals.

How Is Ketamine Administered?

​At low doses the effects of Ketamine are still safe and much different. At low doses Ketamine may be administered intravenously (IV) or intra-nasally. 

How Does Ketamine Work On The Brain

This is a very interesting aspect of Ketamine infusions. Antidepressants that are commonly prescribed work on changing the levels of specific neurotransmitters, notably serotonin. These levels are adjusted gradually, producing the anti-depressant effects after weeks of consistently taking the medication.
 
Ketamine does not work in this manner, hence the immediate changes it produces. Instead of adjusting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, Ketamine works on blocking specific receptors, in particular Ketamine blocks the NMDA receptor. Studies have found that this specific receptor has links to depressive symptoms.
 
Ketamine blocks the NMDA receptor and as a result influences communication between other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as the serotonin and opiate receptors.
 
There are continued studies investigating this mechanism in which Ketamine produces its effects.

What Are The Effects Of Ketamine Infusion Treatment?

The effects are a mild hypnotic, slightly dissociative state. It can be described as a moderate out of body experience, with altered perception, realizations, and swayed consciousness. There may also be mild auditory and visual reaction during treatment.
 
These effects are not harmful to the individual and any side effects experienced are usually mild and resolve on their own within a day after treatment, there are no reported long term side effects associated with Ketamine treatment.
 
Studies have shown it is a very effective treatment for individuals suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression, as well as, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Suicidality, and certain Mood Disorders, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and pain syndromes, such as Fibromyalgia.
 
Another aspect of the Ketamine infusion treatment to consider is the onset of these effects. After undergoing treatment individuals will feel the effects and relief from the symptoms of their disorder instantly.
 
Traditional medications used to treat depression (SSRIs) typically take 8 weeks for full effects to be experienced. These antidepressant medications also come with many side effects. For individuals that do not find these medications effective in alleviating their depressive symptoms, Ketamine infusion treatment may be a better alternative.

Is Ketamine Infusion Treatment A Good Option For Me?

​Ketamine Infusion Treatment is available at a licensed facility in your area. The first step is to speak with a psychiatrist to discuss your symptoms and concerns. If it is determined that you will benefit from Ketamine Infusion Treatment, you can then be referred to a clinic near you.
 
Ketamine Infusion Treatment is an innovative and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from many different psychiatric disorders and who have not found improvement in their symptoms through traditional psychiatric medications.
 
Contact our office below if you are interested in this treatment so we may connect you with a psychiatrist in your area today!