If you are taking depression medication for the treatment of bipolar I disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, there is a new groundbreaking treatment showing great promise for relief. In recent clinical studies, 50% of those treated with low dose IV therapy using ketamines saw a reduction in their symptoms and about 70% of those with suicidal thoughts saw relief as well. https://psychcentral.com/news/largest-analysis-of-ketamine-intravenous-therapy-for-depression
What is Ketamine?
Developed in the 1960's, Ketamine has been widely used by veterinarians as an anesthetic for animals. In 1970 it was approved by the FDA to be used to treat soldiers on the battlefield during the Vietnam War. First responders have also used this drug to calm down patients who have been rescued from attempted suicide. Known to have dissociative effects or the feeling of "getting high," it has also been abused as a street drug known as "Special K or Vitamin K."
Is Ketamine Safe to Treat Depression, Anxiety or PTSD?
While the illegal abuse of ketamines on the street can be dangerous or even deadly, the clinically controlled use of low dose IV therapy with ketamines as a treatment has shown to be safe and effective. Based on a patient's weight, a slow drip IV cocktail is administered and can be increased or decreased as necessary in real time. While the patient does have dreamy or euphoric experiences, they are in a controlled environment with set dosage levels and operating parameters and the patient is being cared for directly by a licensed physician.
How do I get Ketamines to Treat Depression?
To be considered as a patient to treat depression with Ketamine, there must first be a clinical diagnosis of depression, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder or PTSD. After an individual has been thoroughly evaluated by a psychiatrist and other treatments have not shown progress, low dose IV therapy or other ketamine delivery systems such as FDA approved Spravato may be administered. Again, self treatment or recreational abuse of Ketamine is not safe or effective and is also illegal.
Side Effects?
As with the treatment of any medical condition, there is always a possibility for side effects. The first and most noticeable of the side effects is the euphoric or sedative feeling a patient has while being treated. These effects typically wear off within two hours and in a controlled environment are minimized by the use of low doses.
Other physical side effects vary by patient. One noticeable risk is increased blood pressure. Many researchers feel that long term risks for damage on the cardiovascular system should be studied further. Also, it should be noted that approximately 8% of those treated with low dose IV ketamine therapy show negative effects and increased depression.
Minor side effects also include, but are not limited to:
Spasms in the throat
Headaches
Breathing issues
Trouble with urinary tracts
Anxiety
Addiction
If you are considering using ketamine to treat depression, please talk with both your primary care physician and psychiatrist first. While it can be effective for many, it may not be the best course of action for all. Once you have been thoroughly evaluated and have decided to move forward with this form of treatment, you should seek out a community care clinic operated by a licensed provider in your local area.
Ketassure in Effingham Illinois serves the surrounding central and southern Illinois areas and treatments are scheduled by appointment only.
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