What is Ketamine: Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

July 19, 2023

Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of ketamine for severe depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. Our compounding pharmacy collaborates closely with doctors and their patients to formulate appropriate dosage levels and forms. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is ketamine, and could it help me?”, keep reading!

What is ketamine

Ketamine is made up of two enantiomers, S-ketamine and R-ketamine. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine, has been shown to have antidepressant effects in low doses. It can block NMDA receptors, which play a significant role in depression. Ketamine is typically administered intranasally or intravenously, and can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Ketamine treatments are not for everyone as it’s mainly used for treatment-resistant conditions, and there’s still much to learn about this type of treatment, so it’s essential to talk with your doctor about the best option for you.

How it works

The next question that usually comes right after “What is ketamine?” is usually “How can it help me?”. As mentioned earlier, those who suffer from treatment-resistant conditions can benefit from small doses of ketamine. Depression and anxiety affect millions of people, and diagnoses of neuropathic pain have also increased over the years. As more research and studies on ketamine continue, it is becoming evident that it can be a viable treatment for many. Anxiety-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress and social anxiety can experience temporary relief through sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine. For those with chronic pain, ketamine treatment can also block NMDA receptors, especially helpful for neuropathic pain. These antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties of ketamine make this option a way to approach managing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

How we can help

At our local, compounding pharmacy, we understand that one-size-fits-all doesn’t always work. That’s why we utilize custom formulations made in our state-of-the-art compounding lab. Compounded ketamine comes in several forms, including IV, nasal spray, oral troches, and rapid-dissolving tablets. A specific and personalized treatment plan is developed by your doctor, and we assist in creating the custom dosage you can benefit from the most. You will be walked through what to expect, the dosing process, and any potential side effects. Also, you will be closely monitored throughout your treatment. Sometimes dosage can increase or decrease with time, depending on how your body reacts and adjusts throughout the treatment process.

Hopefully, we’ve provided a general answer to the question, “What is ketamine”, but if you have any specific questions or concerns you’d like to speak with us about, please feel free to contact us! We’d be happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss ketamine in greater detail.