What is ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a psychedelic treatment for mental health that has been gaining in popularity in recent years as a safe and effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Different ways to administer ketamine: pros and cons
There are several different ways to administer ketamine, including intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection, oral tablet, and intranasal spray. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of each ketamine delivery method.
– Intravenous ketamine infusion
Benefits
Intravenous ketamine infusion is the most common and most well-studied method of ketamine therapy. Infusions are typically given in a hospital or clinic setting, and the ketamine is slowly injected into the vein over the course of 40 minutes. One advantage of intravenous ketamine infusion is that it can provide relatively long-lasting relief from symptoms, with some patients reporting benefits for weeks or even months after treatment. Another advantage is that infusions can be tailored to each individual patient’s needs, depending on the severity of their condition and their response to ketamine.
Disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages to intravenous ketamine infusion. One is that it can be expensive, as it requires specialized equipment and trained staff. Another is that it can be inconvenient, as patients typically need to travel to a hospital or clinic for treatment. Finally, some people may experience side effects from ketamine infusions, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and dissociation. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary, and they generally go away within an hour or so after the infusion is complete.
– Intramuscular ketamine injection
Intramuscular ketamine injection is another popular method of ketamine therapy. Injections are typically given in a doctor’s office or clinic setting, and the ketamine is injected into the muscle of the upper arm or buttocks.
Benefits
One advantage of intramuscular ketamine injection is that it is less expensive than intravenous infusion. Another advantage is that it can be more convenient for some patients, as they do not need to travel to a hospital or clinic for treatment. The intramuscular injection also tends to be more comfortable for patients than IV infusion, while providing nearly identical benefits.
Disadvantages
Although intramuscular ketamine injections have nearly identical benefits to intravenous (IV) administration, without many of the disadvantages, there is one notable drawback. When injected intramuscularly, the full dose is administered, and the infusion/treatment session cannot be discontinued, or dose adjusted mid-treatment. The effects of treatment last about 40 minutes, so it is important to start low with the dose and work your way up to the right treatment strength for you!
– Oral ketamine or sublingual tablet
Oral ketamine or sublingual tablet is another popular method of ketamine therapy. Tablets are typically taken in a doctor’s office or clinic setting, and the ketamine is swallowed with water.
Benefits
One advantage of oral ketamine tablet is that it does not require specialized equipment or trained staff. Another advantage is that it can be more convenient for some patients, as they do not need to travel to a hospital or clinic for treatment.
Disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages to oral ketamine tablets. One is that it may not be as effective as intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection in treating some mental health conditions. Another is that some people may experience side effects from ketamine tablets, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and dissociation. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary, and they generally go away within an hour or so after the tablet is taken.
– Intranasal ketamine spray
Intranasal ketamine spray is the newest method of ketamine delivery, and it is becoming increasingly popular among patients and clinicians alike. Sprays are typically given in a doctor’s office or clinic setting, and the ketamine is sprayed into the nostrils.
Benefits
One advantage of intranasal ketamine spray is that it does not require specialized equipment or trained staff. Another advantage is that it can be more convenient for some patients, as they do not need to travel to a hospital or clinic for treatment.
Disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages to intranasal ketamine spray. One is that it may not be as effective as intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection in treating some mental health conditions. Another is that some people may experience side effects from ketamine sprays, such as burning or stinging in the nose, runny nose, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and dissociation. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary, and they generally go away within an hour or so after the spray is used.
Conclusion
Ketamine therapy is a promising new treatment for mental health conditions that have shown excellent efficacy in clinical studies.
While it has been shown that ketamine itself produces long lasting benefits in the treatment of mental health conditions, it is also likely that psychedelic integration plays a large role.
In other articles we discuss how route of administration effects the psychedelic properties of ketamine, and how this should be considered in type of treatment you select.
Ketamine therapy in New York
If you are considering ketamine therapy for yourself or a loved one, be sure to discuss all of your options with a qualified mental health professional.
Valhalla Vitality provides ketamine infusion therapy at your home or any other place you feel comfortable receiving treatment. The specifics of your infusion may depend on your health needs and goals.
The health professional at Valhalla Vitality closely monitors you during and after your treatment. The team recommends you take it easy the rest of the day following your treatment.
To learn more about ketamine infusion therapy, call Valhalla Vitality.
Phone: +1 516 266 6186
