Because of its sedative and pain relieving qualities, ketamine was used as a general anesthetic during the 1960s. While first developed in the 1950s, ketamine’s use was expanded to include treating mental health concerns such as PTSD, anxiety and depression in recent years.
Research shows that almost half of people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder do not respond well to traditional anti-anxiety medicines. And for these people with anxiety, exploring new approaches is fascinating, especially ketamine therapy NJ.
Different Approaches to Using Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Treatment has different approaches and its dosages are easier and less effective to control.
- Intravenous / IV Infusions: The most effective method of delivering drugs; a controlled IV drip of balanced solution delivers ketamine to the patient. This method is typically performed in medical settings and is considered one of the most effective forms.
- Intramuscular / IM Injections: This is a single dose injection into a large muscle such as the thigh or arm in a clinical environment.
- Sublingual Tablets – A tablet is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve slowly. This strategy is mostly utilized for maintenance at home in between IV or IM procedures but is usually the least efficacious.
- Nasal Spray – Esketamine marketed as Spravato, is a depression resistant to treatment and is marketed as a nasal spray. It has to be given in a hospital setting because it has very strong psychoactive properties. Some providers combine it with conventional anxiolytics.
Of these methods, IV infusions, IM injections, and Spravato nasal spray administration are considered the best because they are seemingly the quickest ones for absorption into the bloodstream.
How Effective is Ketamine for Anxiety?
While a lot has been written on the application of ketamine for depression, its utilization regarding anxiety is just beginning. However, early research indicates that in some aspects of anxiety, it may work well.
Ketamine and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is an anxiety disorder where the patient suffers from unwanted thoughts and compulsive actions.
Final Thoughts
Individuals dealing with anxiety with no success using traditional medication/leads may finally have something new to consider. Ketamine therapy directly alters glutamate levels while increasing neuroplasticity which helps offer immediate relief while also restructuring negative thought processes envolved.
Research is being done at the moment, but initial results tend to show that ketamine use for treating anxiety could prove its value. People who are considering the use of Ketamine Anxiety Treatment in New Jersey are encouraged to contact a professional who has experience in the appropriate administration of ketamine.
