KETAMINE

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What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that was first synthesized in the 1960s. It was initially developed for use as a human and veterinary anesthetic due to its ability to induce sedation, pain relief, and amnesia. In recent years, ketamine has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in the field of psychiatry.

Ketamine is known for its rapid-acting antidepressant properties, and it has been studied for its potential use in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and other mood disorders. Unlike traditional antidepressant medications that can take weeks or longer to show effects, ketamine can induce a rapid improvement in depressive symptoms, often within hours or days.

Ketamine works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which affects the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. This mechanism of action is believed to contribute to its antidepressant effects. However, the exact neurobiological mechanisms by which ketamine produces its therapeutic effects are still being investigated.

 In clinical settings, ketamine treatment is usually provided in a controlled and monitored environment, often as a series of sessions. The effects of ketamine can vary, but they generally include a dissociative state, changes in perception, and sedation. The duration and intensity of the effects depend on the dosage and route of administration.

It's important to note that ketamine is a controlled substance and should only be used under the supervision of trained medical professionals. While ketamine has shown promise in the treatment of depression, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term efficacy, safety, optimal dosing protocols, and potential side effects.

If you are considering ketamine treatment for depression or any other condition, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in ketamine therapy or psychiatric care to discuss the potential risks and benefits and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Ketamine & Other Research

• “This is a game changer,” says John Krystal, MD, chief psychiatrist at Yale Medicine and one of the pioneers of ketamine research in the country. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ketamine-depression
• The study “demonstrated that 100% of patients treated with ketamine demonstrated a reduction in dyskinesias (LID)”. https://psychedelicspotlight.com/ketamine-study-suggests-psychedelic-could-treat-parkinsons-disease-pharmather/
• Studies have shown up to a 71% response rate for ketamine administration in MDD and a up to a 64% response rate in patients with TRD. https://www.nature.com/articles/tp2016145
• Awakn Life Sciences will be carrying out a follow-on behavioral study to focus on gambling disorders following its recent successful pilot study and patent filing. https://psychedelichealth.co.uk/2022/06/06/behavioural-study-ketamine-gambling-disorder/
• SPRAVATO®, a ketamine analog developed by Johnson and Johnson for use in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8156539/