There was a time when ketamine would have been mentioned here only within the context of substance misuse. However, the times, they have changed. And now it’s about ketamine for the treatment of depression. Lots going-on and lots to be misunderstood. So let’s do some “infusion-confusion” busting…
Ketamine is available right now. Sure, why not? It isn’t illegal, just needs to be administered by a physician. And by far the most common administration method is intravenous infusion.
And, yes, it’s used recreationally (“Special K”) at sub-anesthetic hits. The point? Experiencing a mighty dissociative state, and with any luck at all, hallucinations. It’s called hitting the “K-Hole.”
It was discovered in the early 2000s that ketamine very quickly kicked a major dent into symptoms of depression. And the effect lasted several days. Administration and side effect issues formed a major practicality barrier. Still, the fuse had been lit and research continues to this very day.
Incidentally, the FDA has awarded breakthrough therapy designation for the development of intranasal ketamine for the treatment of depression.
Ketamine Biochemistry
Ketamine is a glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist (blocks/inhibits action). It’s important to note that glutamate is especially prominent in the brain where it’s our most abundant neurotransmitter. Glutamate is known as an excitatory neurotransmitter, which means it enhances action potential in a neural synapse.
But remember, ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist, so we’re talking about pulling in the reins on glutamate influence. And that generates complicated biochemical goings-on we really don’t need to get into.
What really matters here is ketamine impacts the neurotransmitter glutamate. Antidepressants to date have targeted three monoamine neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. And in so many cases, bottom-line efficacy hasn’t been anything to write home about.
So now we’re playing on a different field, aren’t we? In my book, that equates to hope.
Ketamine for Depression
News flash! Ketamine is available right now. Sure, why not? It isn’t illegal, just needs to be administered by a physician. And by far the most common administration method is intravenous infusion.
Certainly, you can chat ketamine therapy with your psychiatrist or primary care doc; however, the odds are 99:1 they aren’t going to hook you up.
So now what?
Well, you need to do your due diligence. Hop on your preferred search engine and enter something like “ketamine infusion for depression.” Bam! You’ll find tons of resources ranging from information hubs to providers.
By the way, the Ketamine Advocacy Network is loaded with useful info. And I encourage you to check it out.
10 Essential Ketamine “Infusion-Confusion” Busters
Tell ya’ what. Since I really want you to do your due diligence, I’m going to whet your appetite with 10 “infusion-confusion” busters (no charge). And you can take it from there. Okay?
- Ketamine is being used for treatment-resistant presentations of unipolar and bipolar depression – even PTSD. Its use is off-label.
- By far the most common and studied administration method for ketamine depression therapy is intravenous infusion. Intranasal spray is second in line.
- To be considered for infusion therapy, you’ll need a referral from a licensed mental health professional – and an initial evaluation. The cost of an infusion can run between $350 and $800. Just depends on the provider. You’ll be paying cash or using plastic because your health insurance provider more than likely won’t cover it, as ketamine isn’t FDA-approved as a depression treatment. And don’t forget the initial evaluation and follow-up consultation fees.
- A typical infusion session lasts about an hour. In most cases it takes an infusion or two to determine if ketamine is going to provide relief. If it’s a go, it’s not uncommon to have six treatments, total, over the first two weeks. Then there’s the maintenance phase, during which you’ll return should you need a single infusion booster. The average duration of relief between booster infusions is three to four weeks.
- When the infusion begins, you’ll feel the effects quickly. Though you won’t lose consciousness or environmental awareness, you won’t be able to stand. You’ll feel physically relaxed, but your mind will be fully engaged. Many describe the sensations as pleasant, some describe them as strange. I mean, you’ll likely experience some degree of dissociation, or a state of inner reflection. Hitting the “K-hole?” Dosing won’t allow that to happen.
- Infusion results vary. Some experience relief within hours. For others, it arrives in several days – or after the second or third infusion. Relief is described as total by some. Others describe it as partial. But keep in mind, partial relief may be life-changing, given one’s misery history. Be careful with these numbers; however, I’ve read that two out of three patients will experience significant improvement and three out of four will cease experiencing suicidal ideation. But, yes, there are those for whom ketamine will do nothing.
- Infusions are offered by physicians from assorted medical specialties. It seems anesthesiology leads the pack with psychiatry coming in second. The choice is yours; however, you want to make sure you’re working with someone who really understands depression and mood disorders – their symptoms and meds.
- If you weren’t working with a therapist prior to receiving infusions, do so after. Relief (or disappointment) requires processing and management. A good therapist can really help.
- Ketamine infusion therapy isn’t a lifelong proposition. And that’s because ketamine and ketamine-related drugs are in development. These include oral, sublingual, intramuscular, intranasal, and subcutaneous administrations. I mean, you have to believe Big Pharma is all over this profit opportunity.
- Whether it’s ketamine or ketamine-related drugs in development (esketamine, rapastinel/GLYX-13, NRX-1074, CERC-301, AV-101, HNK), we’re dealing with young science. Ketamine isn’t “all-that” just yet, though relief continues to be realized. Please understand more research is required.
That’ll Do It
So ketamine for depression. Who would have thought, right? But it’s here, it appears to be real, and the future looks bright.
Sure hope our “infusion-confusion” busting has been helpful in dialing-you-in.
By the way, if you have a ketamine depression therapy experience you’d like to share, please do so in a comment. Your contribution will be extremely valuable to others.
Oh, one more thing. This PsychCentral article, New Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Glutamatergic Antidepressants, is a worthy read. Check it out.
How ’bout some Chipur titles to eyeball? Hundreds of them with a tap.
It is important to know that ketamine therapy is effective given through a variety of routes including oral and sublingual. These methods are are more practical as they can be administered by any psychiatrist and are far more affordable for patients. Further information is available from the recently published book “Ketamine for Depression.”
Thanks for the visit and input, Steve. The more info we can gather here, the better for all seeking assistance. Readers, here’s a link to the book Steve mentions, by Dr. Stephen J. Hyde (maybe that’s the Steve who wrote this comment?) http://www.amazon.com/Ketamine-Depression-Dr-Stephen-Hyde/dp/1503509540
Best, Steve…
Bill
I went to LA jolla, got nasal ketamine spray and used it for 11 months . Was warned by doc that it can cause bladder and kidney damage, (signed waiver). Started having bladder pain after 7 months. Tapered down to 2 sprays a week with lots of water for a few months and then stopped. It was a lifesaver for me since all other med had failed. I’ve been off ketamine for 3 months and if I have a mixed drink the inside of my bladder will get a burning sensation within 15 minutes of injestion. Hoping glyx 13 will be safer alternative.
Good info, Mike – though sorry for the bladder blues. Again, the more real-life info we can gather here, the better for all. Thank you for that. And, yes, the arrival of Rapastinel (GLYX-13) https://chipur.com/i-feel-depressed-so-whats-in-the-relief-pipeline-lets-chat-glyx-13/ will be something to watch and the results monitored.
Hang in There, Mike…
Bill
hi .. i am suffering from Anhedonia .. may doctor said that my anhedonia was a side effect from SSRI i was taking for my panic attacks .. searching for a cure i found articles about ketamine mention that ketamine reverse the anhedonia while other medications like antidepressants failed .. but the side effect of ketamine such as bladder damage makes me incredibly terrified .. so i need any advise or recommendation to cure or treat the Anhedonia.
Hi, Hossam. Thank you for visiting Chipur and participating.
Anhedonia is tough to take, For those who aren’t familiar with the term, very simply it means someone’s not experiencing pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable. These days, anhedonia is often categorized as motivational (no motivation or desire to engage in the activity) or consummatory (measuring the level of enjoyment while participating in the activity). Anhedonia can be a manifestation of a variety of emotional/mental disorders. It is not an independent diagnosis.
Yes, anhedonia can generated by SSRIs. What’s interesting is recent research is pointing an accusatory finger at our brain’s reward system when it comes to anhedonia. If it’s true, that means dopamine may well be involved.
So what to do? Yes sir, ketamine is a major player in knocking-out anhedonia. And I certainly respect your concern regarding side effects. Though I don’t know what SSRI you were using, I’m assuming you’ve stopped because of the anhedonia. Perhaps a different SSRI would work better for you. And, of course, there are the SNRIs (Effexor, etc.) and the NDRI (“D” is for dopamine) Wellbutrin. Oh, the tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil, Tofranil, etc.) are viable alternatives.
Also, take a look at Transcranial Magetic Stimulation. Here’s a piece I did on it six years ago. https://chipur.com/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-dentists-chair/
Finally, therapy is always a great option, Hossam.
Last thing. Never forget anhedonia is a symptom, not an independent disorder. So that means if you effectively treat the disorder that’s generating it, the symptom – in this case anhedonia – ought to go away.
Again, thanks for stopping-by, Hossam. Wishing you the best…
Bill