What is Ketamine?
What are the side effects? Ketamine is a “fast-in, fast- out” drug that can be given as an injection in the arm or hip muscle with 90% absorption and elimination in 4-6 hours, or by monitored IV infusion, 100% absorption and elimination in minutes. The side effects are rare but include allergic reaction, elevation of blood pressure, and a weird “spaced out” dreamy state that quickly wears off. These risks require a companion to drive the patient home after the first treatment (Uber is okay too). Normal activities can be resumed after 2 hours. For follow-up treatments, patients are usually able to drive themselves home once they have been cleared by Dr. Weinstock.
What are the benefits?
Multiple studies over the last decade have shown that ketamine can rapidly alleviate symptoms of treatment resistant depression, within hours of treatment. (References below) This “off-label” psychiatric use appears to offer several advantages over traditional anti-depressant therapy. Rapid response is the primary benefit. Depression can improve within minutes or depressants. And unlike most anti-depressants, ketamine does not cause sexual side effects or weight gain. The medication is so promising (70% rapid response rate in most studies) and it is so different from existing anti-depressants, that it can now be offered to carefully selected patients in an office setting. Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 and received FDA approval in 1970 for use as an anesthetic for general anesthesia induction and maintenance. It is classified by the DEA as a schedule 3 controlled substance. It is also used off-label for the treatment of chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). hours, compared to 4-6 weeks for a trial of anti-
Ultra-rapid relief of depression and anxiety symptoms. Symptoms can improve within minutes or hours, compared to 4-6 weeks for a trial of anti- depressants. And unlike most anti-depressants, ketamine does not cause sexual side effects or weight gain. When starting ketamine, it is not necessary to stop your current medication, however; after demonstrating a positive response, patients may be able to gradually wean off of their other depression medication under the careful guidance and supervision of Dr. Weinstock. Patients commonly describe the treatment experience as a feeling of complete calmness, peaceful, light, tranquil, relaxed, and mildly euphoric. The residual after-effects which can last several days to several weeks after your treatment include a general sense of well being and a much greater ability to cope with the daily stresses in your life. Recent research has also discovered that ketamine increases the production and release of BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) in the brain. BDNF acts as a kind of “fertilizer” for neurons and other brain cells, leading to increased synaptic connections between neurons and the formation of new neuronal pathways.
Patients commonly describe the treatment experience as a feeling of complete calmness, peaceful, light, tranquil, relaxed, and mildly euphoric
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