Ketamine infusions for depression and anxiety have been called the “biggest breakthrough in mental health treatment in the last 50 years”. In recent years, ketamine infusions have rapidly increased in popularity, mainly due to ketamine’s reputation as an extremely fast-acting depression treatment.
But every treatment has potential risks. Recent events, including the death of actor Matthew Perry, which was linked to at-home ketamine use, have caused many patients to wonder if ketamine is dangerous.
Let’s examine ketamine’s history and safety record to see how ketamine compares to other depression treatments on both its ability to treat depression and its safety profile.
Ketamine History and FDA Approval
Though its use in treating depression symptoms is relatively new, ketamine itself has been used in medical settings since the 1950s. Initially, doctors used ketamine as an analgesic (painkiller) and anesthetic for surgical use. In 1970, ketamine received FDA approval, clearing it for use as an anesthetic. Ketamine remains an FDA-approved drug to this day.
Due to its safety and reliability, ketamine found widespread use for anesthetic and pain relief in hospitals and clinical settings, in military field operations, and as an anesthetic for animals in veterinary settings. It has been continuously in use as a medical treatment for more than 70 years.
Ketamine for Depression Treatment
In 2000, the first double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ketamine for depression was published. The study found promising results for ketamine as a treatment for depression and recommended further research be conducted to confirm ketamine’s potential as an effective depression treatment.
Since that first study, multiple additional studies have confirmed the study findings. Ketamine is an effective treatment for depression and is safe when administered in a clinical setting at the proper dose.
Ketamine quickly gained popularity as a depression treatment for several reasons:
· Fast-acting relief
· Minimal side effects
· Ease of administration
Fast depression relief
Ketamine is renowned for its rapid reduction in depressive symptoms. Rather than waiting several weeks or months for an effect, patients undergoing ketamine therapy often experience real, noticeable improvement within a matter of weeks (or even days, for some!). This fast-acting property of ketamine makes it a literal life-saving drug for those suffering from severe depression or suicidal ideation.
Ketamine’s fast-acting nature makes it an ideal treatment to prevent escalation into higher levels (and more costly levels) of care. Treatment with ketamine can quickly alleviate severe depression, helping patients avoid mental health visits to the ER, inpatient treatment, or more costly treatment protocols such as TMS or ECT.
Minimal Side Effects
Another reason patients and doctors prefer ketamine therapy is the remarkably low occurrence of side effects. Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, intoxication, and high blood pressure. Unlike the side effects associated with antidepressant medications, however, these side effects only last a couple hours or up to a day after the infusion, with minimal long-term concerns when administered by a medical professional. Compared to the constant side effects from antidepressants, ketamine’s side effects are comparatively minimal and well-tolerated by patients.
Ease of administration
Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including infusion treatment, nasal spray, intramuscular injection, or oral lozenges. At Hoosier Ketamine & Wellness we provide ketamine infusions (IV) treatment because of the greater level of control possible. Patients are supervised continuously throughout the infusion. The amount of ketamine delivered can be increased or reduced at any time during the treatment, ensuring patients receive the correct therapeutic dose in a precisely controlled manner.
Is Ketamine Safe or Dangerous?
Ketamine is a controlled substance, specifically classified as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This is because ketamine does have the ability to produce a hallucinogenic or dissociative feeling. Like other controlled substances, ketamine has been misused illegally. It is sometimes associated as a street drug or party drug. Because of this negative association, some people unfamiliar with ketamine’s history and legitimate use may question its role in depression treatment.
When administered under medical supervision in a clinical setting, ketamine therapy is a safe treatment and highly effective at providing significant relief to those with depressive symptoms. The dosage of ketamine is closely monitored and regulated. The dose given to each patient is adjusted to match the patient’s body weight to ensure an appropriate level is administered that will maximize the intended effect (depression relief) while minimizing undesirable effects.
Much of the unfortunate stories linked to ketamine are caused primarily by people abusing the drug or using it under unsupervised conditions. We emphatically discourage anyone from using ketamine in such a manner. Those interested in receiving the benefits of ketamine treatment are strongly advised to do so only under medical supervision at a licensed facility, such as Hoosier Ketamine & Wellness.
Ketamine Therapy for Depression in Indianapolis
For many of our patients, ketamine has been a life-changing (even lifesaving) treatment. Patients who have tried other depression treatments without success have been particularly excited to find a treatment that finally worked. Ketamine’s strengths are exactly where other treatments fall short: low side effects, low usage risks, and quicker results.
Hoosier Ketamine & Wellness is the premier ketamine clinic in Indianapolis, providing patients with rapid relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. We emphasize the patient experience in everything we do, including our approach to patient safety and comfort.
Come see the Hoosier Ketamine & Wellness difference for yourself. If you are struggling with depression and wondering if ketamine therapy is right for you, schedule a free phone consultation with us to get started. Our knowledgeable expert patient services team can help you learn more about ketamine therapy and determine if you are an appropriate candidate.
