What is Ketamine Therapy?
Understanding Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy involves the administration of ketamine—a medication that has been used as an anesthetic for decades—in controlled, sub-anesthetic doses to treat various mental health conditions and chronic pain disorders.
History and Development
First synthesized in 1962, ketamine was initially used as an anesthetic in both human and veterinary medicine. Its rapid acting and safe properties made it particularly valuable in emergency medicine and battlefield situations.
Modern Therapeutic Applications
In recent years, ketamine has gained recognition for its remarkable effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions, particularly treatment-resistant depression. When used in controlled, medical settings, ketamine can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, often within hours or days.
How It's Administered
Ketamine therapy can be administered through several routes:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion
- Intramuscular (IM) injection
- Nasal spray (Spravato/esketamine)
- Sublingual tablets or lozenges
Treatment Protocol
A typical ketamine therapy protocol might include:
- Initial consultation and medical evaluation
- Series of 6 treatments over 2-3 weeks
- Maintenance treatments as needed
- Integration support between sessions