Already used as an anesthetic for humans and animals, ketamine therapy is now being used for a plethora of other situations. Whether you’re experiencing chronic pain, anxiety, or depression, medical providers are offering more effective treatments with the help of ketamine. To help determine if this could be an optimal solution for you, here’s some information on how this treatment works and its benefits.

What Is Ketamine?

Categorized as a dissociative anesthetic, ketamine can come in powdered or liquid form. It is a class III drug used in hospitals and other medical settings. As an anesthetic, it can be injected into a muscle or administered through an intravenous line before, during, and after surgery. It is a preferred anesthetic because it does not reduce a person’s blood pressure or lower their breathing rate, making it a safer option.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is generally suggested by a psychiatrist after unsuccessful attempts at treatment with traditional antidepressants. During infusion therapy, an IV is placed in the arm, and the effects can be felt anywhere from days to weeks. Most doctors perform ketamine therapy using a tapered schedule, meaning patients receive six infusions over the course of two to three weeks. Eventually, the benefits can be maintained with only one infusion per every four to eight weeks.

What Are the Benefits & Side Effects?

Ketamine is being explored for its uses in depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These conditions can be a manifestation of a combination of genetics, environment, and/or stress. In these situations the brain’s neurochemistry can become disrupted, and the neurons have more difficulty communicating with one another. Ketamine can repair the damage caused by the long-term stress hormones by increasing the connectivity between neighboring neurons. Most patients report immediate effects and experience fewer bouts of depressive or anxious spells with regular treatment. Currently, there are few side effects associated with ketamine therapy when it’s administered by a professional. The largest drawback is that the beneficial effects of the drugs are short lived. Some patients experience symptomatic relief for a week, while some have benefits lasting several months. Patients may also feel more tired after beginning treatment until their bodies adjust to the infusions.

If you are experiencing episodes of anxiety, depression, or another mental health disorder and want guidance to improve your quality of life, talk to Teresa M. Anderson, MD, in Cincinnati, OH. This psychiatrist has extensive experience treating PTSD and other mood disorders, offering traditional counseling services as well as ketamine therapy. To learn more about if you could benefit from this treatment, visit her website or call (513)-802-9944.