Ketamine is widely considered one of the most innovative and effective treatments for mental health illnesses and other ailments. Numerous clinics throughout the world have begun to provide ketamine treatment. Indeed, ketamine therapy is becoming an increasingly popular treatment choice for various mental health conditions. But any psychedelic-assisted therapy has both advantages and disadvantages.

Klarisana explains what ketamine is: It is a well-known psychedelic anesthetic and recreational drug. It has also been lately connected to alleviating symptoms of several mental health disorders. These conditions include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and even emotional problems.

Pros of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine Is Fast-Acting

Ketamine therapy has a rapid onset of action. This indicates that the therapy’s effects might be felt within hours. Almost immediately, most patients report a marked improvement in their depressive symptoms. It is believed that this is because ketamine causes a rapid surge in glutamate.

In other words, ketamine induces an increase in glutamate levels. As the principal neurotransmitter that stimulates the creation of synapses in the brain, glutamate helps to build and restore key synaptic connections and pathways in the regions of the brain most harmed by depression. These new connections facilitate improvements in brain circuit function.

Adverse Effects Of Ketamine Treatment Are Minimal

Many persons contemplating psychedelic-assisted treatment are worried about the potential adverse effects. This is especially true given that the majority are classified as hallucinogens. On the other hand, ketamine has few, if any, adverse effects. The most common adverse effect of ketamine is feeling “out of place” after therapy.

Moreover, as ketamine is an anesthetic, sleepiness and dissociation are to be expected. However, due to the fact that each individual is unique, more severe symptoms might still arise in certain situations, although this is unlikely for the majority of individuals.

Ketamine Treatment Is Very Effective

Numerous studies demonstrate the efficacy of ketamine infusion therapy in the treatment of chronic and severe depression, even though it is currently undergoing research. The majority of depressed individuals who have received ketamine infusions report significant clinical improvement after just one infusion, and many also experience relief after two treatments.

The fact that ketamine infusion therapy has such a high rate of effectiveness is a significant reason why it’s so beneficial for folks who have been unable to obtain the desired comfort from previous therapies.

Cons of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine Induces Dissociative Symptoms In Patients

Although sub-anesthetic dosages of ketamine infusion treatment are used to treat depression, it can cause significant hallucinations, floating feelings, blurred vision, and dizziness. Therefore, you will require transportation to and from your sessions.

Even though the minor dissociative side effects of ketamine diminish quickly, the therapy may leave you sleepy and sluggish until you get a good night’s sleep.

Ketamine May Be Addictive

In contrast to other psychedelics employed to treat drug addiction, ketamine has the tendency to be addictive. Nonetheless, its potential is just somewhat more significant than that of cannabis. The addiction risk of ketamine is more psychological than physical. However, it is neither identical nor as bad as opioid addiction.

Bottom Line

Concerning the possibility of ketamine treatment, the positives continue to exceed the drawbacks. Ketamine therapy may be an option for patients afflicted with treatment-resistant depression. However, it is up to potential users to choose a reputable ketamine facility and conduct their research.