Ketamine Data Sheet
In 2000, a first double-blinded, placebo-controlled study performed at Yale University demonstrated the rapid-acting and sustained antidepressant effects of (R,S)-ketamine in patients with depression
Molecule
- Ketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) in the brain
- Ketamine is one of the most commonly used drugs in anesthesia and has been in use since the late 1960’s
- When Ketamine is synthesized, (S) – ketamine and its mirror image (R) – ketamine is actually created. This occurs spontaneously.
FIGURE 1: The structure of (a) (S)-ketamine and (b) (R)-ketamine.
Mechanism of Action (per the most recent data)
- Blockade of the NMDA receptor plays a role in its rapid-acting antidepressant
- The long acting antidepressant effects of ketamine are believed to be due to the upregulation of BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor).
- Modulates dopaminergic neurotransmission and serotonergic neurotransmission
- Ketamine acts on opioid, nicotinic, and muscarinic receptors.
- Ketamine can help decrease a stress response to traumatic events
- At treatment doses, ketamine paradoxically stimulates glutamate transmission.
- Ketamine helps neurons grow and allows for new neuronal connections to be formed (synaptogenesis).
Benefits of Ketamine
- Ketamine induces neuroplastic changes (increases in spine density, synaptic strengthening) over periods of hours to days following a single exposure in animals.
- Ketamine increases neurogenesis and downregulates stress-induced inflammation. Adult neurogenesis refers to the birth of new neurons from stem cells, which occurs at a high rate in the hippocampus and is mediated by growth factors such as BDNF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Studies in rodents have demonstrated increases in neurogenesis after ketamine administration both in vitro and in vivo, which is thought to contribute to its sustained antidepressant effects. ketamine reduces cerebral focal ischemia and hemorrhagic necrosis volumes as well as chronic cerebral hypoperfusion
- Ketamine protects against ischemic injury by reducing cell swelling and preserving cellular energy following anoxia-hypoxia injury, while also increasing neuronal viability and preserving cellular morphology
- Ketamine may have neuroprotective properties against soluble amyloid beta protein-mediated toxicity, according to one study of ketamine in mice
Personal Observations of Patient’s Response
- Improved mood
- Less impulsive
- Calmer
- Higher frustration tolerance
- Sleep improved
- Tremors improved
- More motivated
- Less fatigue
- Less chronic pain issues
- Very well tolerated and safe treatment
Embark on your journey to healing and support!
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, a loved one, or a colleague, we understand this is a difficult time, and our team is here to assist you every step of the way. It is our privilege to support you through this transformative journey.