Ketamine is currently dominating headlines. While Matthew Perry’s death may not have touched you personally, the underlying issues that led to his ketamine treatment might. The reason he was undergoing ketamine treatment was to help treat his depression and anxiety. The focus on ketamine has opened the door for a variety of conversations about mental health and treatments. Today, we’ll be diving into the world of ketamine to discover its uses, risks and alternative treatments that are also available. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. There are many treatment options and types of support available to help you overcome your current challenges. 

What is ketamine and how is it used?

Ketamine is a type of medication that can make people feel disconnected from their bodies and surroundings. Ketamine can be used for:

• Putting people to sleep — Ketamine is an anesthetic that can help people fall asleep quickly for medical procedures that don’t need complete body relaxation. 
• Stopping pain — Ketamine can be good at fighting strong pain, even pain that doesn’t go away.
• Helping with depression — Some people with treatment resistant depression have found that ketamine can help. Nearly three million Americans are affected by treatment-resistant depression. 

Important things to know about ketamine use

While ketamine can be beneficial, it also comes with considerations that must be taken into account before using:

• Ketamine can be misused — Because it can make people feel strange and disconnected, some people misuse it. They may use it for recreational purposes and this misuse makes ketamine dangerous. 
• You need a doctor’s help — If you think ketamine treatment may help you, talk to a qualified medical provider first. It’s essential to approach it as one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. 
• Ketamine has potential side effects — Like any medication, ketamine can cause side effects, such as:
• Increased heart rate
• Changes in blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive drooling
• Dissociation
• Hallucinations
• Ketamine isn’t always safe — While doctors can use ketamine safely, it can be incredibly harmful if it’s not used correctly. Long-term effects can be a concern, especially with misuse or abuse, including:
• Bladder damage
• Cognitive impairment
• Dependency
• Exacerbate or trigger mental health conditions
• Respiratory distress
• Accidental injury
• Overdose
• Ketamine is not FDA-approved for mental health — While ketamine-derived medications like esketamine (Spravato) are approved for treatment-resistant depression, ketamine itself is not FDA-approved for psychiatric conditions. 

It’s crucial to remember that you should only use medicine that a doctor has prescribed or administered. You should also discuss the risks and benefits of using ketamine with your doctor. The side effects can be a lower risk when used in a controlled medical setting, but you should still weigh the benefits against the risks for your specific situation. 

Ketamine and mental health

Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment option for certain mental health conditions. While it was originally developed as an anesthetic, research has shown its potential to help address conditions that have been resistant to traditional treatments, including:

• Treatment-resistant depression 
• Anxiety disorders 
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

If you’re considering ketamine treatment for a mental health condition, it’s vital to consult with a qualified health care provider. They can assess your individual needs and determine if it’s a suitable option for you.

How does ketamine work?

The exact mechanisms through which ketamine influences the brain to alleviate symptoms of certain mental health conditions are still being studied, but here are some of the mechanisms involved:

• Rapidly increasing levels of glutamate — Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. 
• Promoting neuroplasticity — Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new connections, which may be impaired by depression. 

Ketamine can be administered in several ways:

• Intravenous (IV) infusion
• Intramuscular (IM) injection 
• Inhalation

Ketamine should only be administered by qualified health care professionals in a controlled environment. 

Alternatives to ketamine treatment

While ketamine has shown promise in helping to treat certain mental health conditions, it’s not the only option available. Many other treatments can be effective. Here are some alternatives:

• Psychotherapy — Therapy involves working with a qualified mental health professional in a safe environment to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Your therapist may use a combination of evidence-based techniques to create a personalized approach. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)  to focus on changing negative thought patterns, and interpersonal therapy (IPT), which can focus on improving relationships. 
• Medications — A combination of medications can play a crucial role in helping manage mental health conditions, instead of using ketamine treatment. These can be used to help alleviate symptoms, stabilize mood changes and increase overall well-being. 
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) — TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to help stimulate nerve cells in certain areas of the brain that are responsible for mood regulation. TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder. 
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — ECT involves a brief electrical current passing through the brain to induce a small seizure. It’s considered a safe and effective treatment for severe depression when other treatments haven’t provided the desired results. 
• Spravato (esketamine) — Esketamine is a nasal spray form of ketamine that has been approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression. It’s typically used in combination with other antidepressants, and not as a first choice approach. 

For treatment-resistant mental health conditions, it may take some trial and error to find an effective approach to provide you with relief. These are just some of the many treatment options available. The best approach for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consulting with a qualified health care professional can help you decide the most appropriate treatment plan. 

Let Lightfully Behavioral Health be your partner on your path to well-being

At Lightfully, we proudly offer a holistic approach to mental health, providing safe and effective treatment. We do support some ketamine services, but please call for further information.

Our deeply compassionate experts work closely with you to create personalized treatment plans tailored to meet your unique needs. We believe in the power of human connection and using effective, evidence-based therapies. By focusing on whole-person-centered care, we offer a range of services to help support you on your mental health journey. Our services can help you foster long-term well-being and resilience. We are committed to providing you with different levels of care to meet you where you are. We can work together to help you overcome challenges and achieve your full potential. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps toward the fullest, brightest version of you.