I wrote that out three times in the title because eventually I will have all three “bad” experiences written down. Three out of a couple dozen isn’t bad. Not true, one bad trip is enough to stop the treatment altogether. Having 20 plus treatments with Ketamine for PTSD and depression qualifies me as an expert though.. Kidding, kinda.
I think the drug has a ton of potential to help reduce the negative effects of PTSD and depression. There’s a ton of info in the Research section on the drug, both legal and illegal use.
Ketamine is used primarily during surgery, administered by an anesthesiologist. It’s preferred in surgeries with children; it reduces memories immediately before and after, making surgery less traumatic overall.
“Special K” is used illegally as a street drug, party drug, to provide a high with potential psychedelic experiences. You wind up passed out somewhere drooling in a new coma like stupor. Some party, eh?
Recent research and trials have found administration of low doses , in a controlled environment to show promising signs in treating PTSD and depression. It’s a dangerous drug in my opinion, if not used properly, and with the correct support.
The pain clinic where I get nerve blocks and spinal epidurals offers ketamine treatments. Another money maker.
Four hours of fasting and when you show up you’re put in a separate room with a semi-comfortable recline. The nurse inserts an IV and you’re set up with a blood pressure cuff and oximeter, which wakes you up every 15 minute when the cuff starts up automatically and scares the hell out out of you..
Once you’re set up the doctor will inject the drug and saline into the IV, which then requires 3-4 hours of laying there while the drug is administered over time. Drip, drip, drip.
In Ontario the health care system will cover 6 treatments per year, and if you want more than that it’s $525 out of pocket expense. Many people go monthly. I personally averaged 8 times per year for the past 3 years. The last treatment was in July of 2024, and after a “bad” experience the decision was made to cease all further treatments. That was the third time things went south.
Three times a charm I suppose.
The intravenous time takes about 4 hours, the effect of the ketamine comes in waves, you ride the first one to a peak, only to be followed by another wave, a higher peak.
You lose the ability to track time, write or speak in cognitive sentences. It’s best to sleep, meditate, listen to music as you can’t do much else.
Think positive thoughts. Yeah right.
Let your mind wander, and wander it does. You’ll jump from one thought or another to another, logical thinking be damned.
Depending on the dose, I find ketamine to be on the same lines as psilocybin, or “magic” mushrooms. Those folks that have experimented with mushrooms or LSD would understand. The potential of a true psychedelic experience is there with ketamine, if yoru mind can harness the power.
I should write down my experiences with other psychedelics some time, the adventures of misguided youth.
Does ketamine have a future in treating PTSD and depression? I believe so. But there are caveats. Like it needs to be administered in conjunction with on-site therapy, mental health professionals can guide you through this journey. An open discussion to figure out why your mind can’t win the battle, rewrite the narrative, and come out better for it.
Plus if you’re not totally authentic and honest with your doctors, you could be in for a real bumpy ride, or just gain 4 hours of sleep. Sometimes that’s a good enough benefit all in itself. Sleeping, not the bumpy ride.
I’ll write about my 3 journeys that ended badly, and why the decision was made to stop this therapy for me personally. 3 trips to hell and back, but just barely.
TQK