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Writer's picturepinni baumol

Ketamine assisted therapy

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that is used in both human and animal medicine. It is considered to be a safe and effective drug when used correctly, but like all medications, it does have some potential hazards and side effects.

One of the main hazards of ketamine is that it can cause hallucinations and dissociative effects, which can be especially dangerous in certain settings or for people who are not expecting them. It can also cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, which can be problematic for people with certain medical conditions.

Ketamine can also be addictive and can lead to psychological dependence. It is often abused recreationally for its dissociative effects, and long-term use can lead to cognitive impairment and memory problems.

There are also some potential long-term health effects of ketamine use, including bladder damage and kidney problems. Chronic use of ketamine can lead to a condition known as "ketamine bladder," which is characterized by urinary frequency, pain, and incontinence. Ketamine can also cause liver damage and increase the risk of developing hepatitis.

It is important to use ketamine only under the supervision of a trained medical professional, and to follow all dosing and administration instructions carefully. In additi


Ketamine is not a traditional psychiatric medication and is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. However, it has shown some promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant in clinical studies and is sometimes used off-label for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to its potential antidepressant effects, ketamine has also been studied for its ability to reduce suicidal thoughts in people with treatment-resistant depression. It may work by rapidly increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA in the brain, which are involved in mood regulation.

Ketamine is usually administered as an intravenous infusion in a medical setting, and the effects typically begin within a few hours of treatment. The antidepressant effects of ketamine may be relatively short-lived, and multiple treatments may be necessary to maintain the beneficial effects. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and the long-term safety of ketamine for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.


Esketamine (brand name Spravato) is a stereoisomer of ketamine, which means that it has a slightly different chemical structure than ketamine. Both ketamine and esketamine are anesthetics that work by inhibiting the action of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, but they can have different effects on the body.

Esketamine is specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression in adults. It is administered as a nasal spray and is usually given in combination with an oral antidepressant. The antidepressant effects of esketamine may occur within a few hours of treatment, and it is typically used on an as-needed basis.

Ketamine, on the other hand, is a generic medication that is used for a variety of purposes, including as an anesthetic for surgery and for pain management. It is administered intravenously or intramuscularly, and the effects can last for several hours. Ketamine has also shown some promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant, but it is not FDA-approved for this use and more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and long-term safety.

In summary, esketamine and ketamine are similar but have some important differences in their indications, administration, and effects. It is important to use these medications only as directed by a medical professional.


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