Ketamine and Esketamine for depression. What does the evidence say?

[@lorettalynch2703]

I am 58 years old. I have been depressed since I was 9 to ten years of age. Ketamine has SAVED MY LIFE! Hands down.

[@carl8568]

Purely anecdotal, but I found ketamine to give out a rather unpleasant vibe. Hard to believe people use this substance to "party". Outside of a therapeutic setting is has the potential to be highly addictive as tolerance builds very rapidly. However, I never felt the inclination to revisit using ketamine for depression.

[@donnyspringsteadah452]

Was it daily doses of esketamine that weren’t working by day 25? Or was it a one-time treatment to see how long it worked?

[@DanGreer]

The dosing in the study was Esketamine 84mg twice weekly for 4 weeks. It seems like there was still some improvement at day 25, but it wasn't enough improvement to be statistically significant. This study had 68 patients.

[@bustedrav]

I would be interested in seeing how Habit forming it ends up being. Clonazepam and similar drugs are frequently prescribed for anxiety and the withdrawals can actually be life threatening, hopefully this is less dangerous.

[@DanGreer]

The IV ketamine, and esketamine nasal spray have to be given by a healthcare provider. So I think that helps to make it safer. But you are correct there does seem to be some abuse potential for both Esketamine and Ketamine.

[@shellym9373]

Thank you! Super informative. 💖💫

[@DanGreer]

I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@ThePhalanx10000]

Hello, you are very knowledgeable in pharmaceutics and pharmacology. What is your background?

[@DanGreer]

Thank you for the compliment. I am a pharmacist (Pharm.D.) and I have board certification in psychiatric pharmacy.

[@ThePhalanx10000]

@@DanGreer That explains it! I'm actually on my last APPE rotation and doing a presentation on esketamine and came upon your video. Very helpful! Did you do a residency too? I'm trying to decide if I want retail or hospital.

[@DanGreer]

@@ThePhalanx10000 Thank you, yes I did two years of residency with the second year being in mental health. Good luck!

[@mgray3130]

The one study, one! In the study one out of 75 died. Three of them were suicide.

[@SCYN0]

FDA just approved Esketamine for Depressionen yeeees

[@DanGreer]

I saw! Just did a video review of Spravato as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/horJYXeIa6uCg6M

[@davidseriff711]

Ketamine infusions will make you feel better but the effects wear off. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy will be a lot more helpful for a real long lasting affect, but you have to get a good therapist. Ketamine alone is just a quick temporary fix.