
Using Ketamine for Anxiety: What Are the Benefits?
Dealing with anxiety can be challenging and overwhelming. The problem with anxiety is that it can significantly affect your quality of life. It can make you feel tense throughout the day, trouble falling (and staying) asleep, or affect your focus at work.
Anxiety disorders, ranging from generalized anxiety to panic attacks and social anxiety, affect millions worldwide, causing emotional distress and life disruptions. In fact, research shows that over 34% of adults in New York show anxiety symptoms.
While there are several options to help treat anxiety, for some people, these options don’t seem to provide much relief. Ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising treatment to help people control their anxiety and bring back their quality of life.
Here, we are going to talk about ketamine for anxiety. We’ll review how does ketamine work for anxiety, what the benefits are, and what potential side effects may occur.
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety disorders are pervasive, affecting daily lives.
- Ketamine is emerging as a viable treatment for anxiety.
- Unlike traditional methods, ketamine works on the brain’s neural pathways.
- One of the main benefits is that it provides fast, effective relief with fewer sessions needed over time.
- High-quality clinics like Ketamine Wellness offer access to ketamine treatment for anxiety.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are more than temporary worry or fear. They are a mix of mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorders. The problem is that these conditions can significantly impact day-to-day activities, making even simple tasks difficult.
In the United States, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting over 40 million adults annually. And, as mentioned earlier, the statistics in New York aren’t better, especially with the bustling lifestyle that leads to heightened stress levels.
Traditional treatments often include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications like SSRIs, but they don’t always deliver the desired relief. As a result, this makes people look for unconventional therapies such as ketamine therapy.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic. Its role has evolved, and it’s now being explored for its mental health benefits, particularly in treating depression and anxiety.
But how does ketamine work for anxiety?
Ketamine interacts with the brain’s NMDA receptors, promoting neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections).
This mechanism sets it apart from traditional antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, which primarily focus on altering neurotransmitter levels. Ketamine offers a different approach by targeting the brain’s structural foundations rather than just chemical imbalances.
Ketamine for Anxiety: How It Works
Ketamine’s effectiveness in reducing symptoms of anxiety lies in its ability to modulate glutamate, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. By doing so, it can help with the repair and growth of neural pathways, enhancing communication between brain cells.
Current studies support ketamine therapy’s potential role in treating acute and chronic anxiety. Studies have highlighted its ability to reduce anxiety symptoms within hours, offering hope to those who have struggled with traditional approaches.
While the ketamine for anxiety dose may vary, it often starts with a ketamine dose ranging from 0.5 to 1 mg/kg administered intravenously over a period of 40 minutes. However, this recommendation should be tailored to the person’s goals and needs.
If you need help determining what is the right dosage to help you treat your anxiety, at Ketamine Wellness, we provide a personalized approach to help treat this condition.
Benefits of Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety
One of the standout advantages of ketamine therapy is its rapid onset action. Unlike conventional therapies that may take weeks to show results, ketamine may provide relief within hours or days. This is highly beneficial for people experiencing severe anxiety who need immediate intervention.
Additionally, ketamine has shown promise in reducing treatment-resistant anxiety symptoms. It’s not uncommon for people to feel stuck with ineffective treatments. But ketamine offers a fresh perspective addressing the root causes of anxiety.
Also, its long-lasting effects mean that many may require fewer sessions over time, enhancing the overall efficiency of the treatment.
Potential Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy
While ketamine therapy has a lot of benefits, just like any other medication, there are some potential side effects. Some people may experience mild dissociation, nausea, or changes in blood pressure during the treatment.
However, keep in mind that these effects typically go away a couple of hours after the therapy session.
Ketamine therapy may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions or a history of substance abuse may not be good candidates.
At Ketamine Wellness, we can help you determine if ketamine therapy is right for you with our thorough initial consultation. Book a consultation to learn if this treatment is the best way to help you deal with anxiety.
Why Choose Ketamine Wellness To Help Treat Your Anxiety?
At Ketamine Wellness, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality care led by experts in the field. Our team of board-certified professionals, overseen by Dr. Pervaiz Qureshi, is dedicated to helping patients achieve their best selves through personalized care.
With a modern and safe environment, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss specific needs and explore how ketamine therapy can be part of your anxiety treatment plan.
But, don’t just take our word for it. Here are some testimonials from people who have found relief and hope through ketamine therapy at Ketamine Wellness.
“I was skeptical at first, but ketamine therapy at Ketamine Wellness was a transformative experience for me. After years of struggling with anxiety, I finally feel like I have control over my life. The team was incredibly supportive and made sure I understood every part of the process. I’m so grateful for the relief I’ve found.” – Aisha.
“Ketamine therapy at Ketamine Wellness was the breakthrough I needed. The atmosphere was welcoming, and Dr. Qureshi’s team was professional and attentive. They addressed all my concerns and ensured my comfort throughout the sessions. My anxiety has decreased noticeably, and I feel more hopeful about the future.” – Michael.
Final Words
Ketamine therapy emerges as a beacon of hope for those struggling with anxiety. By working in the brain’s natural ability to heal and adapt, ketamine therapy can show promising results to those struggling with mental health conditions.
Ready to change your life and get all the health benefits ketamine therapy has to offer? Don’t wait—book a call with our team at Ketamine Wellness NY today and find out how we can help you feel your best.
Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, we’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier life. At Ketamine Wellness NY, we are here to answer all your questions.
Contact us now to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward reclaiming your health!
DISCLAIMER
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on our website are based on information drawn from medical research, societies, and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Resources
- “Anxiety Disorders | NAMI.” Www.nami.org, www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders/#.
- Glue, Paul, et al. “Ketamine’s Dose-Related Effects on Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Treatment Refractory Anxiety Disorders.” Journal of Psychopharmacology, vol. 31, no. 10, 26 Apr. 2017, pp. 1302–1305, https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881117705089.
- Hietamies, Tuuli M, et al. The Effects of Ketamine on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Real-World Care Settings: A Retrospective Controlled Analysis. 1 May 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.141. Accessed 27 May 2023.
- May 26, Published:, and 2021. “Mental Health and Substance Use State Fact Sheets.” KFF, 26 May 2021, www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/new-york/.
- Taylor, Jerome H, et al. “Ketamine for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.” Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 43, no. 2, 29 Aug. 2017, pp. 325–333, https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.194.
- Tully, Jamie L., et al. “Ketamine Treatment for Refractory Anxiety: A Systematic Review.” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 88, no. 10, 20 May 2022, https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15374.