Ketamine and Your Brain
Ketamine affects numerous pathways in the brain. It interacts with the glutamate system by blocking glutamate receptors. Our glutamate levels can influence the communication between neurons.
By hindering the reception, users will experience an anesthetic effect. Similar to how naltrexone interacts with opiate receptors, low doses of ketamine may actually increase the production of the neurotransmitter it inhibits.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy involves using low doses of ketamine to remedy conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, PTSD, and other mental health issues.
This therapy can take the form of intravenous (IV) infusions, nasal sprays, and sublingual medications.
Doctors typically administer ketamine in a clinical setting, allowing them to monitor their patients for adverse reactions. Monitoring at the point of administration is a requirement for most forms of ketamine.
Ketamine from a compounding pharmacy does not have this requirement. Patients can take compounded ketamine in their homes without supervision.
Ketamine for Depression
Healing from depression can be incredibly challenging, especially when conventional treatments fall short. However, recent breakthroughs have highlighted the positive effects of ketamine on depression.
At low doses, ketamine has minimal dissociative or psychotic impacts, making it a viable option for many.
People who have tried antidepressants and failed have found success with ketamine. Unlike common medications that alter neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, ketamine works by increasing glutamate levels.
This difference in action helps the brain form new neural connections, potentially providing long-term relief from depressive symptoms.
With a carefully tailored ketamine treatment plan, patients can experience significant improvements in their mental health, paving the way for lasting recovery.
SSRIs vs Ketamine
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are one of the most common treatments for depression. When compared to ketamine, there are a few differences.
The speed of action is slower in SSRIs than in ketamine. Ketamine will generally show antidepressant effects within 40 minutes, while SSRIs will take 2 to 4 weeks to provide benefits.
Additionally, ketamine does not affect the patient’s libido. SSRIs have the noticeable effect of reducing sexual desire and function.
Ketamine also influences brain chemistry differently. SSRIs increase serotonin, while ketamine boosts glutamate levels and improves connections between neurons.
Ketamine for Chronic Pain
Patients experiencing chronic pain may find significant relief with prescribed ketamine.
This drug has shown significant advantages over the more commonly prescribed opioid medications. Primarily, ketamine has a reduced side effect profile, avoiding adverse reactions such as constipation and addiction.
Ketamine alleviates pain through multiple mechanisms. It primarily acts as an NMDA receptor inhibitor, which leads to improved pain control.
Additionally, ketamine has anti-inflammatory properties. It interacts with inflammatory cells, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators, helping to reduce inflammation without hindering the body’s natural healing processes.
Ketamine also offers long-term analgesic effects. After 4-14 days of use, patients can experience pain relief for up to three months.
This sustained pain management makes ketamine a valuable option for pain relief without the common side effects associated with traditional pain medications.
Ketamine for Anxiety
Anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, can be challenging to treat. Traditional treatments often include:
Benzodiazepines
Buspirone
Antidepressants
However, recent developments have shown that ketamine may be a promising alternative for anxiety relief.
One study examining ketamine’s effects on social anxiety disorder found significant improvements compared to a placebo. After just two weeks, participants experienced a notable reduction in anxiety, as measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS).
For individuals who have not found relief with conventional medications, ketamine offers a new hope, providing effective anxiety reduction where other treatments have failed.
How Do You Take Ketamine?
Ketamine is commonly administered intravenously as an anesthetic, providing analgesic and aura-producing effects. However, compounding pharmacies can create ketamine in various forms to suit different patient needs.
One popular option is nasal sprays, with Spravato being the first FDA-approved ketamine nasal spray. This medication must be taken under a doctor’s supervision in an office setting, which limits customization for the patient.
Compounded ketamine, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility. Patients can choose any dosage size, even those not commercially available. Patients can take the medication at home if they are not at risk for addiction, making it convenient for those who require lower doses.
Beyond nasal sprays, we can compound ketamine into troches, sublingual drops, and even pain creams, ensuring a tailored approach to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Ketamine Dosing
Determining the right dosing strategy for ketamine can be challenging due to various factors, such as the severity of the condition and how often the medication is needed.
At our pharmacy, we offer personalized dosing recommendations through individual consultations.
Typically, dosing is coordinated with therapy sessions, ranging from 1 to 3 times per week, or patients might take ketamine daily.
Each approach has specific guidelines for dosage size and medication form, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each patient.
Ketamine Compounded Forms
Compounded ketamine comes in various forms, tailored to meet individual patient needs and preferences. Our pharmacy formulates ketamine into nasal sprays, pain creams, troches, and rapid dissolve tablets (RDTs).
For those requiring more flexibility, compounded ketamine allows for precise dosage customization, even in amounts not commercially available.
These compounded forms ensure that ketamine therapy can be precisely tailored to the unique requirements of each patient, enhancing their medication experience.
Ketamine Side Effects
Ketamine can have side effects that vary depending on the form and dosage.
Common side effects include:
Nausea
Dizziness
Dissociation
Elevated heart rate
Side effects may vary depending on the administration method, with nasal sprays potentially causing nasal irritation, while infusions may result in stronger dissociative experiences.
Most side effects are manageable and subside shortly after treatment, but it’s important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
