Ketamine Research and Studies

Who Can Benefit from Ketamine IV Therapy?

Help is closer than you think with ketamine therapy.
Help is closer than you think with ketamine infusions

Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression

For individuals who have tried two or more antidepressants without success, Ketamine IV Therapy can provide an alternative that works in a different way (Papakostas et al., 2020). Moreover, it may offer hope to those who felt that all options had been exhausted.

Individuals with Anxiety Disorders

Adults living with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder often find relief with ketamine infusions. In fact, this treatment can be particularly effective when standard therapies don’t fully resolve symptoms. Furthermore, it offers a faster response compared to traditional medications.

Patients Coping with PTSD or Chronic Pain

Veterans, first responders, and others coping with trauma may benefit from ketamine’s ability to reduce intrusive memories and hypervigilance. Similarly, patients with fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain can experience meaningful improvements. As a result, ketamine therapy provides relief for both emotional and physical suffering.

The Process: What to Expect During Ketamine IV Therapy

Initial Consultation and Screening

We begin by having you fill out our intake, medical history, and assessment forms to better understand your needs. Every treatment series starts with a thorough medical evaluation. Therefore, we can ensure ketamine therapy is both safe and appropriate for your situation.

The Infusion Session

During treatment, ketamine is administered intravenously in a controlled medical setting. The experience is closely monitored by trained clinicians, and most sessions last 40–50 minutes. In addition, patients are kept comfortable in a calm environment to maximize results.

Post-Treatment Monitoring and Care

Patients typically rest after the infusion and are observed for short-term side effects before being discharged with recommendations for support. To make things easier, we also offer free transportation services to help clients arrive home safely. Consequently, this removes one more stressor from the healing process.

Safety and Side Effects

Short-Term Side Effects

Some patients may experience mild dissociation, dizziness, or nausea during the session. However, these effects usually resolve quickly (Short et al., 2018). In most cases, patients return to their daily routine soon after treatment.

Long-Term Safety Profile

Current evidence suggests that, when administered under medical supervision, ketamine is safe. Furthermore, it does not carry the same risk of dependency as opioids or benzodiazepines (Dakwar et al., 2014). Therefore, it stands out as a reliable and low-risk option for long-term use.

The Science Behind Ketamine: Clinical Research Findings

Key Studies on Depression

Studies show that a single ketamine infusion can significantly reduce depressive symptoms within 24 hours, with effects lasting up to a week or more (Zarate et al., 2006). Consequently, patients who have failed multiple treatments finally experience rapid improvement.

Evidence for PTSD and Anxiety

In controlled trials, ketamine has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms more rapidly than placebo. Therefore, it offers a potential breakthrough for treatment-resistant cases (Feder et al., 2014). Moreover, ongoing studies continue to confirm its role in improving anxiety-related disorders.

Ketamine IV Therapy vs. Other Treatments

Comparison with Antidepressants

Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, which can take weeks, ketamine works within hours. As a result, it is especially useful for crisis intervention and situations requiring rapid relief.

Comparison with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

While ECT is effective, it involves anesthesia and can cause memory issues. On the other hand, ketamine is less invasive, has a faster recovery profile, and does not carry the same cognitive side effects.

Why Choose Hudson Valley Ketamine Lounge for Your Treatment?

Experienced Medical Team

Our clinicians have years of expertise in administering ketamine safely and effectively. In fact, our team includes four providers—MD, DNP, FNP-BC, FNP-BC, and RN—with training in anesthesiology, trauma, and emergency medicine. Therefore, you can feel confident knowing you are in expert hands.

Comfortable and Safe Environment

At Hudson Valley Ketamine Lounge, patients receive care in a private, calming setting designed to support healing. In addition, we dim the lights and maintain low noise levels to create a peaceful environment that enhances the therapeutic experience.

Personalized Care Plans

Every patient’s treatment is tailored to their medical history, symptoms, and goals. While our standard treatment ranges from 4–6 sessions in a series, dosages are carefully adjusted for each individual. Consequently, patients receive the most effective care possible.

Conclusion and Next Steps

For adults struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, Ketamine IV Therapy offers a promising path forward when other treatments have failed. At Hudson Valley Ketamine Lounge, we are committed to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care that helps our patients reclaim their lives. Therefore, you no longer have to feel trapped by your symptoms.

If you or a loved one is considering Ketamine IV Therapy, we encourage you to reach out to our team today for a confidential consultation. After all, relief could be closer than you think.

References (APA 7th Edition):

  • Berman, R. M., Cappiello, A., Anand, A., Oren, D. A., Heninger, G. R., Charney, D. S., & Krystal, J. H. (2000). Antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients. Biological Psychiatry, 47(4), 351–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(99)00230-9
  • Dakwar, E., Levin, F., Hart, C. L., Basaraba, C., Choi, J., & Nunes, E. V. (2014). The effects of subanesthetic ketamine infusions on motivation to quit and cue-induced craving in cocaine-dependent research volunteers. Biological Psychiatry, 76(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.08.009
  • Feder, A., Parides, M. K., Murrough, J. W., Perez, A. M., Morgan, J. E., Saxena, S., … & Charney, D. S. (2014). Efficacy of intravenous ketamine for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(6), 681–688. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.62
  • Murrough, J. W., Iosifescu, D. V., Chang, L. C., Al Jurdi, R. K., Green, C. E., Perez, A. M., … & Mathew, S. J. (2013). Antidepressant efficacy of ketamine in treatment-resistant major depression: A two-site randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(10), 1134–1142. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13030392
  • Papakostas, G. I., Shelton, R. C., Zajecka, J. M., Etemad, B., Rickels, K., Clain, A. J., … & Trivedi, M. H. (2020). L-methylfolate as adjunctive therapy for SSRI-resistant major depression: Results of two randomized, double-blind, parallel-sequential trials. American Journal of Psychiatry, 169(12), 1267–1274. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.11071114
  • Rush, A. J., Trivedi, M. H., Wisniewski, S. R., Nierenberg, A. A., Stewart, J. W., Warden, D., … & Fava, M. (2006). Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: A STAR*D report. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(11), 1905–1917. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905
  • Short, B., Fong, J., Galvez, V., Shelker, W., & Loo, C. K. (2018). Side-effects associated with ketamine use in depression: A systematic review. Lancet Psychiatry, 5(1), 65–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30272-9
  • Wilkinson, S. T., Ballard, E. D., Bloch, M. H., Mathew, S. J., Murrough, J. W., Feder, A., … & Sanacora, G. (2018). The effect of a single dose of intravenous ketamine on suicidal ideation: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(2), 150–158. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17040472
  • Zarate, C. A., Singh, J. B., Carlson, P. J., Brutsche, N. E., Ameli, R., Luckenbaugh, D. A., … & Manji, H. K. (2006). A randomized trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist in treatment-resistant major depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(8), 856–864. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.63.8.856

Ketamine for OCD: What to Expect

Ketamine for OCD Treatment
Ketamine for OCD Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel relentless. Intrusive thoughts, urges, or images spark anxiety; rituals briefly reduce it—then the cycle restarts. Standard treatments (SSRIs/SRIs and exposure-and-response prevention therapy, or ERP) help many people, but not everyone. For patients who remain stuck, IV ketamine is an emerging option that may deliver rapid—sometimes same-day—relief from obsessions and anxiety, and can be paired with therapy to build longer-lasting gains. PubMed+1 OCD can be treated with ketamine for daily life improvements.

How ketamine may help in OCD

OCD involves dysregulation in cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuits and glutamate signaling. Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors and triggers a cascade that boosts neuroplasticity—essentially helping the brain learn and “unlearn” faster. That may be why some patients notice a quick drop in intrusive thoughts and distress after an infusion, creating a window where ERP skills stick more readily. PMC+1

What the research shows (so far)

  • Randomized trial evidence: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover RCT (n=15), a single IV ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes) produced significant anti-obsessional effects during the infusion and up to one week for some participants. PubMed
  • Open-label data: Earlier work in treatment-refractory OCD showed modest but significant improvement over the first 1–3 days—with benefits for depression lasting longer than for OCD, underscoring the need for structured follow-up. PMC
  • Therapy synergy: A pilot from the same group tested ERP after ketamine and found that targeted exposure work may extend and consolidate ketamine’s gains—practically, that means using the post-infusion “learning window” to rehearse skills. PMC
  • Newer trials: Recent randomized work (including psychoactive-controlled designs) continues to suggest rapid symptom reduction with signal persisting over days, though sample sizes remain small and protocols vary. Larger trials are underway. PMC+2PubMed+2

Bottom line: Ketamine is not an FDA-approved treatment for OCD, but early studies show fast-acting relief for some patients, particularly for obsessions. Best results come when ketamine is integrated with ERP and ongoing care. PubMed+1

Who might consider ketamine for OCD?

  • You’ve completed good-faith trials of first-line medications (e.g., SSRIs/SRIs) and evidence-based ERP but still have substantial symptoms.
  • You need a rapid reduction in intrusive thoughts/anxiety to re-engage in therapy or daily life.
  • You’re open to pairing infusions with structured psychotherapy to build durable change.

What to expect at Hudson Valley Ketamine Lounge

  1. Comprehensive evaluation. We review your diagnosis, medications, and medical history to confirm that IV ketamine is appropriate and safe.
  2. Induction series. Most patients begin with a short series of infusions. Many notice a change in 18–24 hours; persistence varies, so we plan follow-up deliberately. PubMed
  3. Therapy integration. We coordinate with your ERP therapist (or help you connect with one) to schedule focused exposure sessions during the post-infusion window. PMC
  4. Maintenance & outcomes. If you respond, we personalize maintenance and track progress with tools like Y-BOCS(OCD severity) and functional goals.
  5. Safety & side effects. Transient dissociation, dizziness, or nausea can occur; monitoring is continuous during and after each infusion.

Important: Ketamine is an adjunct, not a replacement for ERP. The infusion can quiet the noise; therapy helps you learn new responses so improvements stick.” PMC

FAQs

How fast does it work?
Some patients feel lighter or less “stuck” during or within hours of the first infusion; others notice change after several sessions. Effects on obsessions often appear sooner than on compulsions. PubMed+1

How long do benefits last?
Early trials show benefits can persist for days to a week after a single infusion, which is why we pair ketamine with ERP and plan a brief series rather than one-off care. PubMed

Is this FDA-approved for OCD?
Not yet. IV ketamine for OCD is off-label. We practice transparently and integrate it with established therapies to maximize safety and benefit.

Ready to talk?

Explore pricing & scheduling and see upcoming availability here

Please reach out with any questions!

(845)-447-0610

Here’s a polished, patient-friendly article you can publish on HVKetamine.com. I framed it as clear education (not hype), with key takeaways, what to expect at your clinic, and responsible citations.

Ketamine for OCD: How It Helps, What We Know, and What to Expect

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel relentless. Intrusive thoughts, urges, or images spark anxiety; rituals briefly reduce it—then the cycle restarts. Standard treatments (SSRIs/SRIs and exposure-and-response prevention therapy, or ERP) help many people, but not everyone. For patients who remain stuck, IV ketamine is an emerging option that may deliver rapid—sometimes same-day—relief from obsessions and anxiety, and can be paired with therapy to build longer-lasting gains. (PubMed)

How ketamine may help in OCD

OCD involves dysregulation in cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuits and glutamate signaling. Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors and triggers a cascade that boosts neuroplasticity—essentially helping the brain learn and “unlearn” faster. That may be why some patients notice a quick drop in intrusive thoughts and distress after an infusion, creating a window where ERP skills stick more readily. (PMC)

What the research shows (so far)

  • Randomized trial evidence: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover RCT (n=15), a single IV ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes) produced significant anti-obsessional effects during the infusion and up to one week for some participants. (PubMed)
  • Open-label data: Earlier work in treatment-refractory OCD showed modest but significant improvement over the first 1–3 days—with benefits for depression lasting longer than for OCD, underscoring the need for structured follow-up. (PMC)
  • Therapy synergy: A pilot from the same group tested ERP after ketamine and found that targeted exposure work may extend and consolidate ketamine’s gains—practically, that means using the post-infusion “learning window” to rehearse skills. (PMC)
  • Newer trials: Recent randomized work (including psychoactive-controlled designs) continues to suggest rapid symptom reduction with signal persisting over days, though sample sizes remain small and protocols vary. Larger trials are underway. (PMC)

Bottom line: Ketamine is not an FDA-approved treatment for OCD, but early studies show fast-acting relief for some patients, particularly for obsessions. Best results come when ketamine is integrated with ERP and ongoing care. (PubMed)

Who might consider ketamine for OCD?

  • You’ve completed good-faith trials of first-line medications (e.g., SSRIs/SRIs) and evidence-based ERP but still have substantial symptoms.
  • You need a rapid reduction in intrusive thoughts/anxiety to re-engage in therapy or daily life.
  • You’re open to pairing infusions with structured psychotherapy to build durable change.

What to expect at Hudson Valley Ketamine Lounge

  1. Comprehensive evaluation. We review your diagnosis, medications, and medical history to confirm that IV ketamine is appropriate and safe.
  2. Induction series. Most patients begin with a short series of infusions. Many notice a change in 18–24 hours; persistence varies, so we plan follow-up deliberately. (PubMed)
  3. Therapy integration. We coordinate with your ERP therapist (or help you connect with one) to schedule focused exposure sessions during the post-infusion window. (PMC)
  4. Maintenance & outcomes. If you respond, we personalize maintenance and track progress with tools like Y-BOCS(OCD severity) and functional goals.
  5. Safety & side effects. Transient dissociation, dizziness, or nausea can occur; monitoring is continuous during and after each infusion.

Important: Ketamine is an adjunct, not a replacement for ERP. The infusion can quiet the noise; therapyhelps you learn new responses so improvements stick. (PMC)

FAQs

How fast does it work?
Some patients feel lighter or less “stuck” during or within hours of the first infusion; others notice change after several sessions. Effects on obsessions often appear sooner than on compulsions. (PubMed)

How long do benefits last?
Early trials show benefits can persist for days to a week after a single infusion, which is why we pair ketamine with ERP and plan a brief series rather than one-off care. (PubMed)

Is this FDA-approved for OCD?
Not yet. IV ketamine for OCD is off-label. We practice transparently and integrate it with established therapies to maximize safety and benefit.

Ready to talk?

Explore pricing & scheduling and see upcoming availability here:
/ketamine-therapy-pricing-scheduling-hudson-valley

References: (APA 7)

  • Bandeira, I. D., et al. (2022). Ketamine in the treatment of OCD: Systematic review. Summarizes fast onset and tolerability; calls for larger trials. (PubMed)
  • Beaglehole, B., et al. (2024). Ketamine for treatment-resistant OCD: Randomised double-blind study. Adds contemporary evidence of dose-related improvement over hours to days. (PMC)
  • Bloch, M. H., et al. (2012). Effects of ketamine in treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder. Biological Psychiatry. Open-label trial showing short-term improvement in OCD symptoms. (PMC)
  • Rodriguez, C. I., et al. (2016). Can exposure-based CBT extend IV ketamine’s effects in OCD? Pilot suggesting ERP can consolidate ketamine’s gains. (PMC)
  • Rodriguez, C. I., et al. (2013). Randomized controlled crossover trial of ketamine in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Proof-of-concept. Neuropsychopharmacology. Demonstrated rapid anti-obsessional effects, with some lasting ~1 week. (PubMed)

NAD+ with Ketamine Therapy : A Duo for Pain and Healing

At Hudson Valley Ketamine Lounge, we’re always exploring safe, evidence-informed ways to enhance our patients’ healing journeys. Ketamine therapy has already transformed lives by providing rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. Now, we’re proud to integrate NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) into our IV protocols—an innovative pairing that supports both the body and the brain. https://hvketamine.com

NAD+ Therapy DNA Sequence
DNA Sequence

Why NAD+ Matters

NAD+ is often called the “spark plug” of cellular energy. It fuels mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and anti-inflammatory pathways that keep our cells resilient. Levels of NAD+ naturally decline with age, stress, and chronic illness—exactly the circumstances that often accompany mood disorders and chronic pain.

By replenishing NAD+ directly through IV therapy, patients may experience:

  • Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Improved cellular repair and recovery
  • Enhanced brain resilience and energy metabolism

These benefits align beautifully with ketamine’s mechanism of action, which promotes neuroplasticity and new connections in the brain.

The Inflammation Connection: Pain and NAD+

Chronic pain is more than a sensation—it’s often fueled by a cycle of inflammation in the nervous system and tissues. Research suggests NAD+ plays a role in calming overactive immune pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting tissue repair.

When combined with ketamine, which is already known to reset pain signaling in the brain and spinal cord, NAD⁺ may help:

  • Ease inflammatory pain conditions (such as fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain)
  • Support recovery from central sensitization (“pain hypersensitivity”)
  • Promote longer-lasting relief and overall resilience

While ketamine provides rapid recalibration of the nervous system, NAD⁺ supports the foundation of cellular health—together creating a comprehensive approach to pain management.

What Patients Can Expect

At Hudson Valley Ketamine Lounge, NAD⁺ can be offered alongside ketamine infusions as an optional wellness add-on. Our providers tailor each session to your needs, ensuring safety, comfort, and personalized dosing.

Patients who receive NAD⁺ often describe:

  • A sense of increased clarity and focus
  • Improved energy and reduced fatigue
  • Decreased “inflammatory flares” or pain sensitivity

Most importantly, NAD⁺ is not a replacement for ketamine—it’s a synergistic partner, working in the background to help the body heal while the mind experiences ketamine’s transformative effects.

Our Commitment to Innovation and Care

At HVKL, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis. By integrating NAD⁺ into select IV protocols, we’re offering patients a chance to optimize both the short-term relief of ketamine and the long-term support of cellular health.

We’re also committed to transparency: while studies on NAD⁺ in psychiatry and pain management are still developing, its role in reducing inflammation and supporting energy metabolism makes it a natural and exciting partner for ketamine therapy.

Is NAD+ Right for You?

If you’re considering ketamine therapy for chronic pain or mood disorders, ask our team about NAD⁺ integration. Together, we’ll design a treatment plan that supports your body’s healing potential, reduces inflammation, and helps restore balance—inside and out.

References (APA 7)

Berven, H., Alves, G., & Bindoff, L. A. (2023). NR-SAFE: A randomized, double-blind safety trial of high-dose nicotinamide riboside in Parkinson’s disease. Nature Communications, 14, 7927. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43514-6

Kang, M. J. Y., Voleti, B., Haj-Mirzaian, A., & Hashmi, J. A. (2022). The mechanisms behind rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 860882. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.860882

Radenkovic, D., Reason, B., & Verdin, E. (2020). Clinical evidence for targeting NAD therapeutically. Pharmaceuticals, 13(9), 247. https://dohttps://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090247i.org/10.3390/ph13090247

Riggs, L. M., & Gould, T. D. (2021). Ketamine and the future of rapid-acting antidepressants. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 17, 207–231. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-072120-014126

Wang, X., Li, X., Yin, J., Zhao, B., Wang, H., & Li, Y. (2023). Neuroprotection of NAD⁺ and NBP against ischemia/reperfusion injury: Synergistic effects via SIRT1/SIRT3. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, 1096533. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1096533

Ketamine Therapy for Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain and PTSD

stethoscope

Introduction

Intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy has emerged as a powerful therapeutic intervention for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant mood disorders, chronic pain syndromes, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike traditional pharmacotherapies that often target monoaminergic systems and may take weeks to work, ketamine operates through a distinct mechanism of action on the glutamatergic system. Its ability to produce rapid antidepressant and analgesic effects within hours has reshaped our approach to managing complex psychiatric and pain-related conditions (Zarate et al., 2006).

Mechanism of Action

NMDA Receptor Antagonism

Ketamine is a noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a key receptor involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission. By blocking NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons, ketamine reduces inhibitory signaling, resulting in a surge of glutamate release (Duman et al., 2012). This glutamate burst enhances excitatory signaling in mood- and pain-regulating brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus (Krystal et al., 2019).

AMPA Receptor Activation and Synaptic Plasticity

The increased extracellular glutamate activates AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptors, triggering a cascade that includes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway (Duman et al., 2012; Li et al., 2010). These downstream effects result in rapid synaptogenesis and restoration of synaptic function, reversing the neuronal atrophy seen in chronic stress and depression models.

Role in Pain Modulation

In chronic pain, ketamine reduces central sensitization by dampening hyperexcitability in spinal and supraspinal nociceptive pathways. It also modulates opioid receptors and can help reverse opioid-induced hyperalgesia, providing an opioid-sparing effect (Schwenk et al., 2008).

Clinical Evidence

Ketamine Therapy for Mood Disorders

Numerous studies have validated ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects in major depressive disorder (MDD), especially in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In one landmark study, 71% of TRD patients showed a significant reduction in depression scores 24 hours after a single infusion (Zarate et al., 2006). Further studies have confirmed that repeated infusions (e.g., 6 over 2–3 weeks) can extend the duration of antidepressant effects (Aan Het Rot et al., 2010).

Ketamine is also unique in its rapid anti-suicidal effects. Wilkinson et al. (2018) found that suicidal ideation decreased significantly within 24 hours of a single infusion—an effect unmatched by conventional antidepressants.

Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain

IV ketamine has shown efficacy in neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, and cancer-related pain (Noppers et al., 2011). Its NMDA antagonism plays a key role in reducing the central amplification of pain signals. Short-term infusions have been associated with significant pain reduction lasting days to weeks (Cohen et al., 2018).

Ketamine Therapy for PTSD

Ketamine is gaining traction as a novel treatment for PTSD. Feder et al. (2014) demonstrated that a single infusion significantly reduced core PTSD symptoms within 24 hours. A more recent randomized controlled trial showed that six infusions over two weeks resulted in sustained symptom relief for up to a month (Feder et al., 2021).

Safety and Tolerability

When administered in a controlled medical setting, IV ketamine is well tolerated. Common acute side effects include transient dissociation, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure during infusion (Short et al., 2018). These effects usually resolve within 1–2 hours.

Though ketamine has a history of recreational misuse, therapeutic protocols use low, sub-anesthetic doses and involve close monitoring. No evidence suggests that clinical use under supervision leads to dependence (Sanacora et al., 2017).

Long-term safety studies are ongoing, but current evidence supports intermittent use as safe when appropriately monitored (Morgan et al., 2012).

Conclusion

IV ketamine therapy offers a paradigm shift in the treatment of refractory depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. Its unique glutamatergic mechanism promotes neuroplasticity and rapidly alleviates symptoms that are often unresponsive to traditional treatments. Ketamine is a scientifically validated and well-tolerated option for patients with severe, treatment-resistant conditions. As research continues to evolve, IV ketamine stands out as a hopeful and transformative intervention for those in need of rapid and effective relief.

Still having questions? Check out our FAQ page! https://hvketamine.com

References (APA 7th Edition)

Aan Het Rot, M., Zarate, C. A., Charney, D. S., & Mathew, S. J. (2010). Ketamine for depression: Where do we go from here? Biological Psychiatry, 68(2), 99–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.05.003

Cohen, S. P., Bhatia, A., Buvanendran, A., Schwenk, E. S., Wasan, A. D., Hurley, R. W., … & Hooten, W. M. (2018). Consensus guidelines on the use of intravenous ketamine infusions for chronic pain from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 43(5), 521–546. https://doi.org/10.1097/AAP.0000000000000808

Duman, R. S., Aghajanian, G. K., Sanacora, G., & Krystal, J. H. (2012). Synaptic plasticity and depression: New insights from stress and rapid-acting antidepressants. Nature Medicine, 18(12), 179–187. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.2979

Feder, A., Parides, M. K., Murrough, J. W., Perez, A. M., Morgan, J. E., Saxena, S., … & Charney, D. S. (2014). Efficacy of intravenous ketamine for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(6), 681–688. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.62

Feder, A., Costi, S., Rutter, S. B., Collins, A. B., Govindarajulu, U., Jha, M. K., … & Murrough, J. W. (2021). A randomized controlled trial of repeated ketamine administration for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(2), 193–202. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20050596

Krystal, J. H., Abdallah, C. G., Sanacora, G., Charney, D. S., & Duman, R. S. (2019). Ketamine: A paradigm shift for depression research and treatment. Neuron, 101(5), 774–778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.005

Li, N., Lee, B., Liu, R. J., Banasr, M., Dwyer, J. M., Iwata, M., … & Duman, R. S. (2010). mTOR-dependent synapse formation underlies the rapid antidepressant effects of NMDA antagonists. Science, 329(5994), 959–964. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1190287

Morgan, C. J., Mofeez, A., Brandner, B., Bromley, L., & Curran, H. V. (2004). Acute effects of ketamine on memory systems and psychotic symptoms in healthy volunteers. Neuropsychopharmacology, 29(1), 208–218. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1300342

Noppers, I. M., Niesters, M., Aarts, L. P. H. J., Smith, T. W., Sarton, E. Y., & Dahan, A. (2011). Ketamine for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 72(2), 268–278. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03941.x

Sanacora, G., Frye, M. A., McDonald, W., Mathew, S. J., Turner, M. S., Schatzberg, A. F., & Summergrad, P. (2017). A consensus statement on the use of ketamine in the treatment of mood disorders. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(4), 399–405. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.0080

Schwenk, E. S., Viscusi, E. R., Buvanendran, A., Hurley, R. W., Wasan, A. D., Narouze, S., … & Cohen, S. P. (2008). Ketamine in chronic pain: Risks and benefits. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 85(6), 1199–1206. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13887

Short, B., Fong, J., Galvez, V., Shelker, W., & Loo, C. K. (2018). Side-effects associated with ketamine use in depression: A systematic review. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(1), 65–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30272-9

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