Ketamine

What is Ketamine? 

Ketamine is a well-established and safe medication originally created for anesthesia and pain management. Recently it has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool in mental health when used at low sub-anesthetic doses and has the potential to address a range of mental health challenges, particularly those rooted in trauma.   

Although originally approved by the FDA as an anesthetic in the 1970’s, ketamine’s resurgence in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits has led to its widespread use as “off-label.”  This refers to prescribing a medication for a purpose not explicitly approved by the FDA.

However, when administered under appropriate supervision and in the right settings, ketamine has a well-established safety profile. Its use “off-label” for mood and trauma-related disorders is becoming increasingly recognized, with research demonstrating its benefits for these conditions.

How does Ketamine work?

Ketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor, a receptor in the brain that is involved in the regulation of mood, cognition, and pain perception. Unlike traditional antidepressants which primarily target serotonin and norepinephrine, Ketamine acts on glutamate, the brain’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter.    

Ketamine’s unique approach is believed to help clients experience a period of greater synaptic activity in the brain. This results in increased neuroplasticity, which helps to alter rigid thinking and behavioral patterns — in other words, increasing the brain’s ability to learn and change. The earliest effects of neuroplasticity can begin at approximately 24 hours, peaking at 72 hours, and lasting up to 3 weeks after treatment.

During this “neuroplastic window” trauma processing is particularly effective. In our intensive trauma therapy, we have the chance to use this window and help clients process memories and create new neural networks that lead to significant changes and lasting improvements in mental health.

What does Ketamine feel like?  

Everyone responds differently to Ketamine. 

Low-dose ketamine can induce dreamlike states and mild dissociation, involving temporary shifts in awareness and potentially leading to profound relaxation, reduced anxiety, and elevated mood. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that ketamine’s ability to alter consciousness may also evoke intense emotions, memories, or psychological experiences that could be overwhelming or distressing for some individuals, especially those with a history of trauma. 

What are the potential side effects?

• Dissociation (feeling detached from reality, body, or environment)  

• Dizziness   

• Nausea and vomiting  

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure  

• Blurry vision or double vision  

• Altered sense of time, space, or reality

It’s important to note that the severity can vary depending on the dose and individual factors. 

How long do the effects last?  

Effects typically begin 5-10 minutes after taking ketamine and peak within 20-30 minutes. The most noticeable effects last 30 minutes to an hour, then gradually fade over several hours. While the overall experience can range from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the dose, some changes in perception and coordination may linger for 2-3 hours. Each person’s journey is unique, so we ensure ample time for your experience to unfold comfortably.   

Is ketamine for everyone?

Although ketamine has a high safety record, there are some contraindications to be mindful of: 

• • uncontrolled high blood pressure/hypertension 

• • pregnancy/nursing 

• • certain heart issues 

• • active substance abuse  

• • glaucoma 

• • certain medications 

Please note that a thorough medical evaluation with our partnered prescriber is necessary before being qualified for a ketamine retreat.