Ketamine vs. TMS for Depression in NJ: An In-Depth Comparison...
Continue ReadingKetamine has emerged as a groundbreaking ketamine treatment for depression, especially for those who have not responded well to traditional antidepressants. Its rapid mental health-acting nature has garnered significant attention, leading to questions about its long-term effects. This blog aims to explore these effects, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from prolonged ketamine therapy.
Originally an anesthetic, ketamine has been repurposed for treating severe depression. It works by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a role in mood regulation. Ketamine is administered in various forms, including intravenous (IV) infusions, nasal sprays (such as Spravato), and oral doses. Each method offers unique benefits and considerations.
Ketamine induces what doctors refer to as a “dissociative experience,” commonly known as a “trip.” This effect led to its popularity as a club drug, where it goes by names such as K, Special K, Super K, and Vitamin K. Partygoers often inject it, mix it into drinks, snort it, or add it to joints or cigarettes.
Since the 1970s, ketamine has been used as an anesthetic during both human and veterinary medical procedures. Since 1999, ketamine has been classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, making it illegal for non-medical use. On the illicit market, ketamine is commonly encountered as either a clear liquid or a white powder, sometimes pressed into capsule form.
Ketamine is a dissociative drug that distorts sensory perception and imparts a feeling of detachment from oneself and the environment. It has gained popularity as a “club drug” used by teenagers and young adults at raves or parties. A national survey of American youth in 2021 estimated that nearly 1% of all high school seniors had used ketamine in the past year.
Ketamine’s effects may be felt within minutes of use. These can vary in severity based on the amount of the drug consumed. Though the acute effects may last for several hours, some people report effects that persist for several days. At relatively low doses, these effects may include:
At higher doses, the short-term effects of ketamine treatment for depression may include:
The long-term use of dissociative drugs like ketamine has not been exhaustively studied. However, ketamine use is thought to be reinforcing, which could be associated with the development of a substance use disorder. Additionally, ketamine use is thought to lead to some degree of tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms when use stops. Ketamine withdrawal syndrome may include symptoms such as depression, excessive sleepiness, and drug cravings.
Research indicates that long-term ketamine misuse may have some neurological risks. A 2022 review of research into prolonged recreational ketamine use found that using high volumes of the drug over longer periods was associated with changes in brain structure and function. Though the review urges caution in asserting a causal link, the observed differences could explain some of the long-term adverse effects of ketamine, including memory impairments and declines in executive functioning.
It is possible to develop patterns of compulsive misuse and, ultimately, a substance use disorder with long-term use of dissociative drugs like ketamine. A supervised medical detoxification from ketamine may be helpful for some people in managing ketamine withdrawal syndromes at the start of recovery.
Chronic ketamine use can lead to physical and psychological dependency. Its strong painkilling properties and anesthetic effects make it a highly addictive substance. When a person takes ketamine, they’re likely to experience physical and psychological dissociation, as well as surges in dopamine and serotonin. These feelings can motivate continued use, with the person using the drug to numb their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
A person who regularly uses ketamine may find that they build up a tolerance over time, using higher doses or taking ketamine treatment for depression more frequently to achieve the desired dissociation. With frequent use, the body learns to function with the drug’s presence, leading to physical dependency where the person needs to take the drug to feel stable and ward off withdrawal symptoms. Managing a comedown can be challenging, especially if the person has taken a lot of ketamine, making cravings to take more drugs stronger.
Ketamine is not a licensed treatment for depression, and the effects of long-term use are unknown. There may also be unusual side effects which occur acutely that have not yet been reported. About 10% of people who have a ketamine infusion have a challenging experience. However, these side effects usually resolve within 15 minutes of stopping the infusion. Occasionally, people experience a worsening in their depressive symptoms and suicidality, which persists for up to two weeks after taking ketamine.
Common brief side effects during or shortly after ketamine treatment for depression include:
Some people experience vivid dreams and hallucinations, feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there. Mania, or an unusually elevated mood causing problems, should be reported immediately if suspected.
Rarely, people taking regular ketamine experience liver damage, though this is sufficiently rare that routine checks are not conducted. If you feel unwell during ongoing Ketamine Treatment, a review may be necessary.
Long-term use may lead to dependence and tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Patients taking ketamine treatment for depression may find that their condition, initially relieved by ketamine, is no longer controlled despite continuing treatment. This may necessitate a treatment break or stopping the treatment altogether.
Bladder damage is common in those who take illegal ketamine recreationally at high doses. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, pain during urination, and increased frequency of urination. Cognitive impairment, associated with brain shrinking and other lesions, has been observed in those taking high doses daily.
Apathy has been reported in addicts but not in patients receiving medical doses. Though ketamine has shown rapid antidepressant effects in clinical trials, the long-term success rates have not been fully documented.
Ketamine has shown promise as a ketamine treatment for depression, especially for those who have not responded to other treatments. While it offers rapid relief for many, the long-term effects and risks, including dependency, tolerance, and potential cognitive and physical impairments, must be carefully considered. As research continues, understanding these long-term effects will be crucial for making informed decisions about ketamine Therapy.
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Continue ReadingDisclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.