Ketamine was originally an anesthetic but has gained a lot of attention in recent years for its ability to treat several mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to kick in, ketamine has been shown to provide rapid relief, sometimes within hours of administration (1). This makes it an interesting option for people who have not found relief through conventional therapies.
But finding the right dose is key as it can make all the difference in the treatment and the patient’s experience. The problem is that ketamine dose is still a topic of debate among many healthcare professionals.
Here, we will cover everything about ketamine dose, its effects, and the careful considerations to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes. Knowing and understanding these factors is important not only for healthcare professionals but for patients as well.
- Ketamine can provide fast-acting relief from symptoms of mental health disorders, often within hours of administration, making it a highly valuable treatment compared to traditional antidepressants.
- The appropriate ketamine dosage is crucial since it can impact both the effectiveness of the treatment and the overall patient’s experience.
- The current ketamine dosage can range from 1 to 4.5 mg/kg for anesthesia purposes to 05 mg/kg for treating mental health conditions.
Ketamine was developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic for surgical procedures (2). It’s a dissociative anesthetic, meaning it can make you feel detached from reality.
But beyond surgery, ketamine is being explored and used for its powerful antidepressant effects and pain management. That’s why ketamine is being used in many medical fields.
Here are the most common areas where ketamine is used.
- Anesthesia for humans and animals (3).
- Pain management for fibromyalgia and CRPS (4).
- Mental health treatment for depression, anxiety and PTSD (5).
Ketamine comes in several forms, each with its own properties and uses:
- Injectable ketamine is the most common form used in medical settings.
- Oral ketamine is used for ongoing treatment of chronic conditions but may not produce as fast results as injectable ketamine.
- The nasal spray is the newest form, easy to use, and fast absorption.
Like any medication, ketamine may have side effects. Common side effects are dizziness, nausea, and occasional hallucinations.
There are more serious risks like high blood pressure and heart rate. If any of the above side effects occur, talk to your healthcare provider.
Determining the right medical ketamine dose depends on what condition you are treating and the patient’s specific needs.
For anesthesia, the dose can range from 1 to 4.5 mg/kg when given intravenously (6). For mental health treatment, the dose is lower, usually 0.5 mg/kg (7).
Here are the factors that can affect the right ketamine dose:
- Age and weight are important when it comes to ketamine doses, as they can affect how the body processes the medication.
- Medical history and current health conditions can also impact dosage requirements.
- Current medications may interact with ketamine and, therefore, may need to be adjusted.
How you administer ketamine matters a lot for its efficacy and safety.
- Intravenous (IV) is common for anesthesia and mental health treatment.
- Intramuscular (IM) injection is an option when IV access is not possible.
- Oral and nasal spray is more convenient for ongoing treatment but requires careful dosing to be effective.
If you have questions on how much ketamine you need based on your current health status, talk to a healthcare professional for proper guidance.
Every patient is unique, and their treatment should reflect that. Some special considerations may include:
- Pre-existing health conditions that interact with ketamine.
- Previous response to ketamine or other medications.
- Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise habits.
Choosing the right healthcare provider is key to effective and safe ketamine treatment. Look for professionals who are certified, like Dr. Pervaiz at Ketamine Wellness NY, and have years of experience.
This customized approach means you get professional help that’s tailored to you.
At Ketamine Wellness NY, we provide the best care. Led by board-certified physician Dr. Pervaiz Qureshi, our team will help you become the best version of yourself with a customized ketamine treatment plan.
Call or visit today to book your appointment and get $100 off your first IV treatment.
The path to optimal mental health and wellness is complex and personal. Ketamine treatment is a new option for people with treatment-resistant conditions, but patients should approach this therapy with educated decisions and the right support team.
A customized dosage plan under the care of a qualified healthcare provider is key. Each patient’s individual profile (age, weight, medical history, lifestyle factors) plays a big role in determining the best treatment approach.
Working with a trusted provider like Ketamine Wellness NY not only gets you better results but also a supportive and non-judgmental environment. By putting personalized care and
follow ups first you can start your journey to better mental health.
Get started today. Investing in your mental health is investing in a happy and balanced life, and with the right team, it can be life-changing.
We’ll walk you through it!
- Andrade, Chittaranjan. “Ketamine for Depression, 4: In What Dose, at What Rate, by What Route, for How Long, and at What Frequency?” The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 78, no. 7, 23 Aug. 2017, pp. e852–e857, https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.17f11738.
- “Ketalar (Ketamine) Dosing, Indications, Interactions, Adverse Effects, and More.” Reference.medscape.com, reference.medscape.com/drug/ketalar-ketamine-343099.
- Li, Linda, and Phillip E. Vlisides. “Ketamine: 50 Years of Modulating the Mind.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, vol. 10, no. 612, 29 Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5126726/, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00612.
- Mandal, Suprio, et al. “Efficacy of Ketamine Therapy in the Treatment of Depression.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 61, no. 5, Sept. 2019, p. 480,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6767816/, https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_484_18. - Pastrak, Mila, et al. “Systematic Review of the Use of Intravenous Ketamine for Fibromyalgia.” Ochsner Journal, vol. 21, no. 4, 2021, pp. 387–394, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8675611/, https://doi.org/10.31486/toj.21.0038.
- Rosenbaum, Steven B, and Jorge L Palacios. “Ketamine.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470357/.
- 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.