By Dr. Bernard J. Lane, M.D.
Ketamine: A novel approach to the treatment of depression and much more.
Ketamine is an FDA approved anesthetic that has been in use by anesthesiologists for decades in the setting of surgeries and procedures for sedation and analgesia (pain relief). However, the tried and true drug has recently received renewed interest in medical fields in desperate need of game-changing therapy — debilitating mood disorders and chronic pain conditions. Specifically, ketamine shows promise in treating major depression and treatment resistant depression. Patients suffering from depression sadly know all too well the impact these diseases can have not only on mood but also on sleep, appetite, relationships, and can even lead to thoughts of suicide. In many people ketamine produces a rapid antidepressant effect — within hours — reducing symptoms of the diseases.
Patients and the clinicians that treat them have cause for excitement as this new use of an existing medication shows robust effectiveness in the treatment of chronic depression that has not responded to more traditional medical therapies and interventions. An individual’s treatment is tailored to his or her disease and response to ketamine treatment. Although the exact mechanism of action of ketamine in the treatment for depression is not yet fully understood, evidence does support that it is useful in these mood disorders and even reduces suicidal ideation. Ketamine treatment can be provided safely under the care of a physician with the proper training and knowledge of monitoring ketamine infusions and patients’ responses to the therapy.
Click here to learn more about Ketamine infusions for the treatment of treatment resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder and more from Dr. Lane.
About the author: Dr. Bernard J. Lane is a practicing, board certified Cardiac Anesthesiologist. He received his M.D. from The University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Lane has received numerous awards over his career and his work has been published in some of the most respected publications. He is also Co-Founder and managing partner of The Coastal Longevity Institute in Asbury Park, NJ.
