What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, commonly used in a surgery and pain management.
In recent years, it has also been prescribed as a fast-acting antidepressant and as a psychedelic adjunct to psychotherapy. Approved by FDA for mental health treatment since 2019, it is considered safe when administered under medical supervision.
Ketamine can be delivered through various methods, including intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection, nasal spray, and sublingual lozenges. At Atomic Mindworks, we utilize sublingual ketamine in conjunction with psychotherapy, known as Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), to enhance accessibility and cost effective for patient.
How does Ketamine Work?
Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors and stimulating AMPA receptors, promoting the formation of new synaptic connections and enhancing neuroplasticity, which can lead to lasting symptom improvement.
Ketamine has rapidly acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs of administration. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement.
What are the effects of Ketamine?
During KAP sessions, patients may experience a sense of detachment and shifts in perception, often gaining valuable insights. Overall, ketamine's ability to reduce negative thought patterns and build new neural connections offers a transformative potential for individuals seeking mental health support.
The effects of ketamine last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make patients feel "far from" their body and facilitates shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Motor and verbal abilities will typically be reduced. During Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, patients typically lie down in a comfortable position during their dosing session, wearing headphones and an eye-mask. While it may feel hard to articulate what happens during the experience, many patients feel like the insights gained are clear.
Is Ketamine Safe?
Ketamine has been FDA approved for anesthesia and analgesia since 1970, and as a mental health treatment since 2019, and is currently listed on the World Health Organization's essential medications list. It's track record of safety in emergency rooms, outpatient and psychiatric settings has created an extensive body of clinical evidence that supports its safety for psychotherapeutic use (Gao et al., 2016).
The side effects of ketamine are mild and transient (if they do occur) and it can be safely administered with most other medications. Atomic MindWork’s patient-centered collaborative care model has rigorous patient safety policies and procedures in place to safeguard patient health and support improved clinical outcomes.
What is Ketamine Assisted Counseling? (KAC)?
KAP is a integrated approach supports a more holistic ketamine treatment with focuses psychotherapy sessions to deepen the therapeutic, leading to more frequent insights and improve clinical outcomes for effective healing process.
In a 2019 study led by Jennifer Dore, patients experienced significantly decreased depression & anxiety scores (HAM- A & BDI at p<0.0001) in private practice setting with a licensed mental health professional vs. receiving ketamine alone.
At Atomic Mindworks we have built a platform around the therapeutic alliance. In ourpatient-centered collaborative care model. This approach allows patients to remain in therapy with existing clinicians, receive personalized treatment plans, and experience comprehensive care.
Is Ketamine Covered by Insurance?
While there have been some positive developments in insurance reimbursement for ketamine treatments, the landscape remains complex and coverage is not guaranteed.
We are here to support you on your journey to improved mental health. And remember, with Atomic Mindworks, we believe in transparent pricing; there are no hidden fees, no additional billing invoices after treatment, no additional credit card processing fees and most importantly, the. highest quality care.
What are Ketamine Troches?
Ketamine troches (pronounced TRO-KEYS) are small, lozenge-like tablets that dissolve slowly in the mouth. They are a form of sublingual administration, where the medication is absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue. This method allows for ketamine to enter the bloodstream more directly, bypassing the digestive system for quicker, more efficient absorption.
At Atomic Mindworks. We may prescribe ketamine troches to be used in addition to infusions. We’re committed to providing our patients with detailed, accessible information about all aspects of their treatment. Follow the link for more information about Ketamine Troches