Ketamine Therapy and Microdosing: What You Need to Know
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has emerged as a promising treatment for various mental health conditions, 1 including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even suicidal ideation. It’s being used in two main ways: ketamine therapy and, more recently, microdosing.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy typically involves administering ketamine intravenously (IV) in a controlled clinical setting. These doses are sub-anesthetic, meaning they don’t cause a loss of consciousness.
- How it Works (as far as we understand): Ketamine is believed to work by affecting the glutamate system in the brain. It may promote the growth of new synapses (connections between neurons) and improve communication between different brain regions.
- Benefits: Studies have shown that ketamine therapy can lead to rapid and significant improvements in mood and other symptoms, often within hours or days. This is a much faster response than traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show effects.
- Side Effects: Potential side effects during treatment can include dissociation (feeling detached from oneself or reality), nausea, dizziness, and increased blood pressure. These are usually temporary and managed by medical professionals during the infusion.
- Who it’s For: Ketamine therapy is often considered for people who haven’t responded to other treatments, such as multiple antidepressants and therapy.
What is Ketamine Microdosing?
Microdosing involves taking very small, sub-perceptual doses of a substance. In the case of ketamine, this would be a tiny fraction of the dose used in ketamine therapy.
- The Idea Behind It: The theory is that these tiny doses can still have positive effects on mood, creativity, and overall well-being without the noticeable psychoactive effects of a full dose.
- Current Evidence: There is very limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of ketamine microdosing. Most of what’s known comes from anecdotal reports, not controlled studies.
- Potential Risks:
- Unknown Long-Term Effects: The long-term effects of regular ketamine use, even in small doses, are not fully understood.
- Bladder Problems: Chronic ketamine use has been linked to serious bladder problems.
- Potential for Dependence: While the risk may be lower with microdosing, there’s still a potential for psychological or physical dependence.
- Unpredictability: Without proper medical guidance, it can be difficult to accurately dose ketamine, increasing the risk of taking too much.
- Legal Status: Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States. Possessing it without a prescription is illegal.
Important Considerations:
- Ketamine is a powerful drug with potential benefits and risks. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
- Self-medicating with ketamine is extremely dangerous. It’s crucial to avoid the temptation to try microdosing without proper guidance.
- There are many unknowns about ketamine microdosing. More research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.
- Ketamine Therapy has shown much promise as a treatment for treatment resistant depression.
In Conclusion:
Ketamine therapy, when administered by trained professionals, has shown great potential for treating serious mental health conditions. Microdosing ketamine, however, is a largely unproven practice with potential risks. If you’re struggling with your mental health, talk to a doctor about the best and safest treatment options available to you. They can help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment.