Ketamine is an FDA medication primarily used for anesthesia. It belongs to the class of drugs known as dissociative anesthetics. Ketamine is also included on the list of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) essential medicines. Known initially for anesthetic effects, ketamine is increasingly being used as treatment for depression and anxiety disorders given the evidence of its efficacy and safety.

In the early 1990s, researchers from Yale University headed by Dr. Gerard Sanacora conducted studies examining the antidepressant properties of ketamine. One of the key findings from this research on ketamine is its ability to produce antidepressant effects within hours or days after administration compared to traditional antidepressants that typically take weeks or months to take effect. Since then, thousands of studies have been performed on ketamine’s effect on depression, as well as many other mental health disorders, as well as its use in chronic nerve pain management.

The exact mechanism of action of ketamine in the brain is not fully understood. It is believed to primarily involve modulation of glutamate, the brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter, and its N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors.

The neurons of people living with chronic depression and anxiety has fewer connections than normal. Ketamine helps restore and strengthen new connections between neurons by improving neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change throughout life.

This process is essential for learning, memory, and recovery from injury. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections enabling us to learn new skills, recover from brain injuries, and adapt to new situations or changes in the environment. It is a basic aspect of brain function that continues throughout life.

Ketamine affects various brain regions and neural circuits involved in mood regulation. By modulating activity in these regions, ketamine produces rapid antidepressant effects. Ketamine also influences the release of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which are all involved in mood regulation. However, the exact mechanisms by which ketamine affects these neurotransmitter systems are still being studied.

All forms of ketamine treatment usually takes 2 hours as you are also monitored very carefully by our medical team after each infusion/nasal treatment.

Induction Phase

The first 3 weeks of treatment is known as the induction phase. During this time, you will receive 2 treatments twice a week for a total of 6 treatments. The goal of this phase is to improve your symptoms and to determine whether ketamine is an effective treatment for you.

Maintenance Phase

After completion of the induction phase, you will begin the maintenance phase. The goal of this phase is to maintain the positive results that you experienced during your induction phase. In order to accomplish this, you will receive additional ketamine treatments known as “boosters”. The frequency of these boosters will depend on your response to ketamine treatment. Every person is unique. On average, most people find that their positive results are best maintained by receiving a booster every 2-6 weeks. We will work closely with you and tailor the frequency of your treatments to your individual needs.