Is Ketamine Right For You?

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry

In recent years, ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for individuals struggling with mental health conditions, particularly for those who haven't found relief with traditional treatments. Whether you’re dealing with severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, you might be wondering, “Is ketamine therapy right for me?” 

What is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has been gaining recognition as an alternative treatment for various mental health disorders. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which primarily target serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, ketamine operates on the NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate), which are involved in brain plasticity and glutamate signaling. This allows ketamine to have rapid-acting effects, which is a significant departure from the slower onset of most antidepressants.

Ketamine therapy is generally considered safe when administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider in a controlled environment. The safety index for ketamine therapy is high, especially when used as a treatment for mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

In clinical settings, ketamine is typically administered through intravenous (IV) infusion, intramuscular injection (IM), or in nasal spray form (Spravato). The therapy aims to provide quick relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions, especially for those who have not responded well to conventional treatments.

Who Can Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?

Not everyone is a candidate for ketamine therapy, but several groups have shown promising results from this innovative treatment. Here are some of the conditions that ketamine therapy may be effective for:

1. Treatment-Resistant Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders globally, but for some individuals, traditional treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy fail to provide relief. Research has shown that ketamine can be effective for people with treatment-resistant depression, providing rapid symptom relief, sometimes within hours after administration (Murrough et al., 2013).

Studies have found that ketamine's ability to quickly alleviate depressive symptoms is a game-changer, offering hope to individuals who have felt like they've exhausted all other options. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that ketamine led to significant reductions in depression symptoms within 24 hours of administration (Zarate et al., 2006).

2. Anxiety and PTSD

In addition to depression, ketamine therapy has shown promise for treating anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For individuals who experience chronic anxiety or have not responded to conventional anxiety medications, ketamine may offer a more immediate and effective solution. According to a 2020 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology, ketamine therapy helped reduce PTSD symptoms, including hyperarousal, intrusive memories, and emotional numbness (Feder et al., 2020).

Research has also indicated that ketamine can decrease the overactivity in brain regions that are associated with anxiety, providing relief for those who experience constant fear or panic (Price et al., 2014).

3. Chronic Pain

Ketamine is also being used as part of the treatment for chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This is due to its ability to modulate pain perception in the brain. In some cases, ketamine therapy is being used in conjunction with other treatments for long-term pain management.

4. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is another mental health condition that may benefit from ketamine. While research is still ongoing, some studies have suggested that ketamine can alleviate both depressive and manic symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder (DiazGranados et al., 2010).

What to Expect from Ketamine Therapy

If you’re considering ketamine therapy, it’s important to know what to expect. While the therapy offers fast-acting results, it is not a "quick fix" and is usually part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

1. Initial Consultation and Screening

Before beginning ketamine therapy, you will meet with a healthcare professional who specializes in this treatment. During this consultation, they will evaluate your mental health history, current symptoms, and whether ketamine therapy is a suitable treatment for your specific condition. Screening for other health issues, such as high blood pressure, a history of psychosis, or certain types of substance use disorders, will also occur.

2. Treatment Sessions

Once you are cleared for treatment, ketamine therapy typically involves at least 6 sessions. You’ll sit in a comfortable chair, and the ketamine will be slowly infused through an IV or intramuscular injection (IM). Some people feel a sense of dissociation or mild hallucinations during the session, but these sensations are usually short-lived.

For the nasal spray form (Spravato), the medication is administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider, and the session typically lasts about two hours, including observation time.

3. Side Effects

While ketamine therapy is generally well-tolerated, it is not without side effects. Common side effects can include dizziness, nausea, and dissociation. However, these side effects typically subside quickly after the session ends. More severe side effects are rare but can include elevated blood pressure, urinary issues, or issues related to excessive use (such as addiction).

4. Ongoing Care

For many people, ketamine therapy is most effective when combined with other forms of treatment such as psychotherapy or medication. It is important to continue mental health care and support even after completing a series of ketamine treatments.

Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?

While ketamine therapy offers significant promise for many, it’s essential to understand that it is not suitable for everyone. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Effectiveness: Ketamine is most effective for those with treatment-resistant conditions, but it might not work for everyone, despite its high efficacy rate. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress.

• Medical History: Those with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of substance abuse, may not be candidates for ketamine therapy. A thorough medical evaluation is crucial before proceeding.

• Psychological Support: Ketamine works best when paired with psychological support. If you’re considering ketamine therapy, make sure to also engage in therapy or counseling to address underlying emotional or psychological factors.

  
  

Seek Support

Before embarking on any new treatment, always consider the benefits and risks, your specific needs, and the importance of a comprehensive treatment plan. With the right guidance, ketamine therapy may help you regain control of your mental health and live a more balanced life. The Ketamine Therapy Center in Los Angeles offers ketamine therapy in the forms of IV, IM, and Spravato; we work with highly trained nurses, doctors, and therapists to deliver the best care possible.

For more information about the services we offer, visit Ketamine Therapy Center or contact us at (310)601-9999. Your journey toward healing and recovery starts today!

References

• DiazGranados, N., et al. (2010). "A randomized add-on trial of an NMDA antagonist in treatment-resistant bipolar depression." Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(8), 803-811.

• Feder, A., et al. (2020). "Ketamine treatment for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover trial." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 1110.

• Murrough, J. W., et al. (2013). "Ketamine for rapid reduction of suicidal ideation: A randomized controlled trial." JAMA Psychiatry, 70(6), 607-614.

• Price, R. B., et al. (2014). "The effects of ketamine on brain regions associated with anxiety: A neuroimaging study." Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 222(1-2), 73-80.

• Zarate, C. A., et al. (2006). "Ketamine for depression: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(8), 861-869.