ketamine THERAPY - TREATMENT FOR PAIN AND DEPRESSION
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a sedative drug that is specifically used to treat depression and pain-related problems. It was developed in 1960 and was primarily used as an anesthetic during various surgeries.
Ketamine has proven itself to be an effective medication for procedural sedation. Now we are seeing how ketamine can treat and alleviate mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain disorders. Experiments are also showing how ketamine can reduce inflammation.
How does Ketamine work in the body?
Inflammation is a normal process of the body. It is the body’s immune system at work to prevent infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The immune system has a miraculous ability to detect and destroy foreign invaders that attempt to establish a foothold in your body. However, there are times when the immune system starts attacking the body it was meant to protect. One example of this is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is an autoimmune disease that creates inflammation in the joints.
One of the key components of inflammation is tumor necrosis factor alpha (also known as TNF-α). TNF-α is important in cell signaling for the immune system [1]. Studies show that TNF-α plays a central role in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.
Ketamine is possibly an alternative or adjunct to these drugs. Early experiments show that ketamine demonstrates an anti-inflammatory effect, specifically reducing TNF in humans, horses, and rats.
In March 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ketamine for the treatment of depression — the first new antidepressant medication in decades. Unlike previous generations of antidepressants, ketamine targets the neurotransmitter glutamate. And, a single dose can work in just a few hours and the effects persist for weeks. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why that is. One theory is that ketamine prompts connections to regrow between brain cells that are involved in mood.
The director of the National Institute of Mental Health agrees. “Recent data suggest that ketamine, given intravenously, might be the most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades,” says Thomas Insel, MD.
How is Ketamine administered?
New Patients dealing with chronic pain or depression typically get the first treatment done via IV. As our patients continue to make progress some choose to gravitate towards a compounded ketamine nasal spray which can be used on a daily basis.
If our patients get Ketamine via IV Therapy they will not be able to drive a car for up to four hours.
Is it safe to use Ketamine?
Probably the biggest benefit of Ketamine infusion therapy is that it is safe to use. It has been approved by FDA and is mostly used off-label to treat severe depression and chronic pain.
It has been proven by research that it can be an effectual antidepressant. This research also debunked the myth that it creates hallucinations.
How much does Ketamine cost?
New Patient Consultation with Dr. Rucker is $500.
Ketamine IV Therapy is $350 (takes 1 Hour to administer). Ketamine Nasal Spray is $200 (150 pumps in each bottle)