Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that has many benefits and has been used for decades in medical procedures, but more recently it has also been used as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. One of the unique aspects of ketamine treatment is that it is offered in three different forms: low-dose ketamine infusions, Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, and intravenous ketamine. Each form has its own benefits and possible side effects, and it is important to understand the differences between the three in order to make an informed decision about which treatment is best for you.

Low-dose Ketamine Infusions

What is low-dose ketamine infusion

Low-dose ketamine treatment is designed to be less intense than other forms and is typically administered in a doctor’s office. Low-dose ketamine infusions have been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, and the effects can be felt quickly, often within a few hours of receiving the infusion.

How low-dose ketamine infusion works

Low-dose ketamine infusions involve administering a small dose of ketamine into the bloodstream through an IV.

Benefits of low-dose ketamine infusion

One of the benefits of low-dose ketamine infusions is that they are relatively low-risk compared to other forms of ketamine treatment.

Possible side effects of low-dose ketamine infusion

The most common side effects include:

• drowsiness
• a mild sense of detachment

These side effects are typically short-lived and mild.

Spravato (Esketamine) Nasal Spray

What is Spravato

Spravato is a nasal spray that contains esketamine, a form of ketamine. It is the only FDA-approved form of ketamine treatment and is typically prescribed by a doctor to be taken in a doctor’s office.

How Spravato works

Spravato works by binding to glutamate receptors in the brain, which leads to an increase in the neurotransmitter’s activity and helps to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Benefits of Spravato

The benefits of Spravato include that it is a fast-acting form of ketamine treatment and that it is FDA-approved, which means that its safety and efficacy have been thoroughly studied.

Possible side effects of Spravato

There are some potential side effects to be aware of including:

• nausea
• dizziness
• confusion

Intravenous Ketamine

What is intravenous ketamine

Intravenous ketamine is a more intense form of ketamine treatment that involves administering a higher dose of ketamine into the bloodstream through an IV. This form of treatment is typically used for patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment, and it is usually administered in a hospital or clinical setting.

How intravenous ketamine works

The benefits of intravenous ketamine include that it is very effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions and that the effects can be felt quickly, often within a few hours of receiving the infusion.

Benefits of intravenous ketamine

Possible side effects of intravenous ketamine

There are also some potential side effects to be aware of including:

• nausea
• dizziness
• confusion

There is a higher risk of experiencing these side effects compared to low-dose ketamine infusions and Spravato.

Conclusion

In conclusion, each of the three different forms of ketamine treatment has its own benefits and possible side effects, and it is important to understand the differences between the three in order to make an informed decision about which treatment is best for you. If you are considering ketamine treatment, we encourage you to discuss your options with a medical professional, such as Dr. Jeff Ditzell.

Dr. Ditzell is a highly experienced addiction psychiatrist who can help you to determine which form of ketamine treatment is right for you. If you’re ready to start unlocking the benefits of ketamine and maximizing your mental health and well-being, we invite you to book an appointment with Dr. Jeff Ditzell today.