Ketamine
What to Know
Ketamine is used as anesthesia on the battlefield and in operating rooms since the 1940s, but getting a lot of recent attention for off-label purposes as a treatment for depression. Off-Label means approved for a different purpose like use as anesthesia but not for depression.
In the US alone 16 million people have an episode of major depression. In addition, suicide from depression has increased thirty percent from 1999 to 2016 and the usual treatments like medication, therapy, ECT, and TMS don’t work for everyone. Some people still have trouble finding a treatment that works well enough or fast enough for all people all the time. So, Ketamine starting being used with patients in the ER after a failed suicide attempt.So
Pros and Cons of Ketamine
Pros: Pros: Usually, Ketamine works fast within the first three infusions. It has worked well for people who have failed on other medications. Ketamine has been used in emergency rooms after suicide attempts.
Cons: Some cons are high blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. Sometimes time seems to speed up or slow down, Colors, textures, and noises that seem electrifying, blurry vision, and out-of-body experiences.
Generally, any changes in perception, are most noticeable during the first infusion and end quickly afterward. It might be addictive.
Esketamine nasal spray may cause the same side effects..
Long-term or frequent use of Ketamine may have additional side effects. More research is needed.
According to the Addiction Center three percent of high school seniors have used “Special K” in the past yea
Two Different Types of Ketamine
(Racemic Ketamine) IV Ketamine is an IV medicine. .
Esketamine (Spravato) This is a nasal spray approved in March of 2021.
Other Important Info
A lower dose is used for depression than is given for anesthia.
Treatment usually works within one to three infusions. If it does not work within that time try another treatment.
How Does It Work?
They are not exactly sure how it works. One possibility is that Ketamine binds to these receptors. Increasing the amount of glutamate in the space between the neurons. Glutamate activates connections in another receptor, called the AMPA receptor. Together, the initial blockade of NMDA receptors and activation of AMPA receptors leads to the release of other molecules that help neurons communicate with each other along new pathways. This process likely affects mood, and thought processes.
