Ketamine therapy can treat mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by disrupting the consolidation of traumatic memories, and by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters and neural pathways which are responsible for the regulation of emotions. This may lead to a reduction in the intensity and frequency of traumatic memories and the distress associated with them, as well as other symptoms of PTSD.
 
Ketamine has an effect on the activity of certain neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and GABA, which are involved in the regulation of mood and emotion. By modulating the activity of these neurotransmitters, ketamine may lead to an improvement in symptoms of PTSD such as anxiety, depression, and nightmares.
 
It is important to consult with the healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using ketamine as a treatment option. Ketamine treatment is FDA-approved for treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). You may qualify for a Dual Diagnosis and be eligible to use ketamine therapy to treat your mental health conditions, such as anxiety and PTSD.

It’s important to note that SPRAVATO, also known as esketamine nasal spray, is a medication that is approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). SPRAVATO is not currently FDA-approved for treating PTSD. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks of SPRAVATO as a treatment option for PTSD. Your condition may qualify for a Dual Diagnosis, and therefore, make you eligible for SPRAVATO treatment.
 
Some important facts you should know about SPRAVATO treatment include:
 
– SPRAVATO is intended to be used in combination with oral antidepressants.
– SPRAVATO should be administered in a certified medical office where the patient can be monitored for at least 2 hours after administration due to the risk of sedation and dissociation.
– Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after taking SPRAVATO.
– It’s important to inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions, mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or attempts, as well as any history of substance abuse.
– SPRAVATO is not intended for use by patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Overall, though SPRAVATO is not currently FDA-approved for treating PTSD, it can be used to treat those who qualify for a Dual Diagnosis of PTSD and TRD or PTSD and MDD.

Ketamine treatment for PTSD is considered experimental and research on its effectiveness is still ongoing. Therefore, the results of ketamine treatment for PTSD can vary from person to person. At this point, it’s difficult to predict exactly what you can expect from the treatment.
 
A number of clinical trials have suggested that ketamine may have rapid and robust antidepressant effects in people with PTSD. The trials show that ketamine may be able to reduce symptoms of PTSD such as anxiety and depression, even in people who have not responded to other treatments. The response to treatment with ketamine may vary, depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms. Clinic trials have suggested that ketamine may be able to reduce symptoms of PTSD, such as:
 
– Intrusive flashbacks or repetitive memories of the traumatic event
– Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event
– Negative feelings and ideas about oneself or the world
– Arousal and reactivity symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances
– Hypervigilance and chronic anxiety
 
Many people report experiencing a reduction in symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and nightmares, after receiving ketamine treatment. However, each person may respond to the treatment differently, and some people may not experience significant improvement. It is important to consult a mental health specialist to determine if ketamine treatment is right for you, and to maintain realistic expectations about the benefits of the treatment.
 
You can empower your mental wellness and find inner happiness with the assistance of our qualified doctor, Dr. Soroya Bacchus, M.D at Psychiatry Unplugged. We are conveniently located at 6801 Park Terrace, Suite 530B Los Angeles CA 90045. For more information, call us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Beverly Hills CA, Santa Monica CA, Encino CA, Pacific Palisades CA, and surrounding areas.