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Millions of people suffer from mental health issues, and millions more suffer from chronic pain. While medication and therapy can help some people manage their symptoms, both mental health issues and chronic pain can be very difficult to treat, leading to feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and worsening symptoms.
In recent years, ketamine infusion therapy has emerged as a safe, effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, as well as for chronic pain conditions. But unfortunately, ketamine’s use tends to be surrounded by misunderstandings that prevent many people from seeking treatment that could provide them with much-needed relief.
Here, Peter McAllister, MD, FAAN, and the team at Ki_Ketamine help dispel common myths surrounding ketamine so you can make an informed decision about your treatment and your overall wellness. Could these five common myths be preventing you from seeking treatment?
Myth 1: Ketamine is just a party drug
Ketamine is used as a party drug or street drug, typically under the nickname “special K.” But like many drugs used recreationally and illicitly, ketamine has its roots in medicine.
In fact, its first use was as an anesthetic in veterinary medicine. By the mid-1960s, ketamine had become a widely used anesthetic for humans, too.
Its long history means ketamine has a robust safety profile, as well. Whether used as an anesthetic or during infusions for management of chronic pain, depression, or other mental health issues, ketamine is carefully dosed, administered, and monitored by a medical specialist.
Myth 2: Ketamine therapy will make you addicted
Ketamine is very effective when used as prescribed, but, as with many other medications, there’s always a potential for abuse and addiction. These issues occur when ketamine is used at high doses or used without medical supervision.
Our team uses established medical guidelines to prescribe and administer ketamine to avoid addiction issues and other complications. Today, researchers are even exploring ketamine as a treatment for substance use disorders.
Myth 3: Ketamine is only for people with severe depression
Ketamine can be especially effective for people with treatment-resistant depression — that is, depression that doesn’t respond to antidepressant medications or other therapies. But it’s also widely used to manage other mental health issues, like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Ketamine is also used for managing the symptoms of chronic pain, including those associated with fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and some types of cancer.
Myth 4: Ketamine is basically an antidepressant
Antidepressant medications focus on dopamine or serotonin, two chemical neurotransmitters that play key roles in mood regulation. Ketamine uses a different mechanism of action, focusing on a very common neurotransmitter called glutamate.
This difference may explain why ketamine is effective in treating depression in patients who don’t respond to traditional medications.
Ketamine also offers rapid onset of action. While traditional antidepressants can take weeks to take effect, ketamine infusion therapy patients see symptoms improve within a matter of hours. And you can repeat infusions as needed to maintain those benefits.
Myth 5: Ketamine works the same for everyone
Ketamine is a medication, and it can affect people in different ways. While some patients may derive an immediate benefit from ketamine, others may experience those benefits over a longer period of time. The degree of those beneficial effects can vary, too.
Our team works closely with you to ensure your therapy is tailored to you, adjusting your dose and other factors for optimal benefits. And of course, prior to your first session, we review your medical history and discuss your concerns and symptoms to design a plan focused on your needs.
Don’t let myths and misconceptions about ketamine therapy hold you back. To find out more about ketamine infusion and whether it’s a good choice for you, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. McAllister and the team at Ki_Ketamine in Stamford and Westport, Connecticut, today.