Ketamine infusions have been used since the early part of this century as a powerful antidepressant, effective in up to 70% of patients. Study after study confirms the drug’s impressive results in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD and—in some studies—even addiction. Ketamine works when traditional therapies fail, even in the most stubborn cases of treatment-resistant depression. Furthermore, ketamine works quickly, oftentimes alleviating depressive symptoms within 24-hours of an infusion.
But even with these facts readily available, there are still an astounding number of myths about ketamine. These myths prevent many people from looking into ketamine infusions, even if they or a loved one could benefit immensely from treatments.
At Ketamine Greater Boston, we have performed thousands of ketamine infusions and see how this drug can change—or even save—lives. It brings hope to those suffering from debilitating depressive or psychiatric disorders. Yet, a stigma still exists and all we can do is try to educate people, provide them with the facts about ketamine infusions and try to dispel the many myths that exist.
MYTH #1: KETAMINE IS A HORSE TRANQUILIZER AND IS NOT SAFE FOR HUMAN USE
Ketamine has been used an anesthetic since the 1960s—long before it was introduced to veterinary medicine. In fact, ketamine is listed on the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines because it is one of the most effective, safe, and affordable pain medications available. Like many other highly effective medications, ketamine is also used in veterinary medicine—on all animals, not just horses—as a pre-operative sedative or anesthetic.
MYTH #2: KETAMINE FOR DEPRESSION IS JUST A WAY FOR BIG PHARMA TO FLIP A PROFIT
Actually, the complete opposite is true. Ketamine has been around for more than half a century—its patent expired long ago, eliminating any possibility that Big Pharma could profit off of its use. This is the main reason why ketamine for depression has not been approved by the FDA—since Big Pharma can’t make a profit on it, no company is willing to fund the clinical trials that would be needed for it to gain FDA approval. It is FDA approved for the treatment of chronic pain & emergency pain, and also as an anesthetic. Ketamine-like drugs are currently being developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and others, and are in the late phases of clinical trials, seeking FDA approval.
MYTH #3: KETAMINE IS PHYSICALLY ADDICTIVE
This is simply not true. Ketamine is not a physically addictive drug like opiates or benzodiazepines. When abused recreationally, ketamine can eventually become psychologically addicting. When used to treat depression, ketamine is administered in doses much, much lower than what would be abused in a recreational setting. Furthermore, ketamine is administered by a physician under close supervision in a clinical setting. It is not sent home with patients as a take-home drug, thus minimizing the risk that the drug could be abused by the patient, or make it into the hands of an unauthorized user.
MYTH #4: KETAMINE IS JUST ANOTHER “BREAKTHROUGH” THAT WILL DISAPPEAR IN TIME
To debunk this myth, just do a Google search for “ketamine for depression.” Ketamine has, without a doubt, shown efficacy as a treatment for depression and other psychiatric disorders. A National Institute of Health psychiatrist said, “There is a ketamine tsunami coming, whether psychiatrists are ready for it or not. I hope we don’t end up on the wrong side of history on this.” Ketamine has already changed the lives of thousands of those suffering from depression. How many more lives it can change or save?
We live in a world where people read headlines and make judgements based on nothing more than the rumors they’ve heard. We invite you to dig deeper and learn more about ketamine for depression. It’s a truly miraculous and revolutionary depression treatment that could easily change your life, or the life of a loved one. Get the facts, you’ll be glad you did.
Contact Ketamine Greater Boston
If you have questions about how ketamine works, or are curious as to whether it could help you or a loved one, please contact us via the brief form below. We are happy to connect you with one of our expert physicians who can answer your questions and address your concerns.
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