Ketamine Treatment For Depression: The Difference Between IV and Sublingual

You may have heard that ketamine is a great option when it comes to picking a treatment for depression. And that’s true—ketamine therapy is a safe and innovative approach to depression that has been proven to be highly effective, especially in patients who have been resistant to other treatments. But how do you know which kind of ketamine therapy to choose? Should you go with IV ketamine or sublingual treatment? Let’s break down the two options and explore how ketamine can help if you are struggling with treatment-resistant depression.

IV Ketamine vs. Sublingual

There are two main options when it comes to using ketamine treatment for depression—IV ketamine and sublingual ketamine. Each treatment method has its own way of getting the medicine into your bloodstream, affecting how much of the treatment gets to your brain and how quickly it can provide relief. Here’s a closer look at both:

IV Ketamine

In this form of treatment, ketamine is delivered straight to the patient’s bloodstream via an intravenous tube. IV ketamine allows for greater control in the administration of the drug and allows more of the drug to reach the brain.

• Better Absorption: More of the ketamine treatment reaches the brain, making it more effective.
• Faster Results: IV ketamine provides relief usually within hours of treatment.
• Controlled Dosage: As you go through the treatment, a medical professional can control your exact dosage.
• In-Office Treatment: IV ketamine can be time-consuming and costly as it requires you to visit a medical professional in a clinic.

Sublingual Treatment

In sublingual ketamine treatment, the drug is taken orally by placing it under the patient’s tongue. In this treatment, the drug has a longer path to reach the patient’s brain, as it is first digested and absorbed into the intestines. The liver then processes it into metabolites, and only then does it enter the bloodstream.

• More Affordable: Oral treatments are less expensive than IV treatments.
• At-Home Option: While it might be convenient to take the treatment at home, we always recommend the supervision and administration of a professional.
• Less Absorption: Ketamine is absorbed through the digestive system, so less ketamine reaches the brain than IV treatment.
• Unpredictable Effects: Since the drug is processed through the liver, the effects may be slower and unpredictable.
• More Side Effects: Oral ketamine can sometimes lead to longer-lasting side effects like hallucinations, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure since it is processed through the system slower and more gradually.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IV Ketamine and Sublingual Ketamine as a Treatment for Depression

Sublingual ketamine treatments can be easier to administer than IV ketamine, and many patients choose to employ sublingual treatment at home. However, this is where the advantages of sublingual ketamine stop. First of all, sublingual treatments are far more difficult to monitor than IV treatments, and the effect of the drug is far less streamlined and unpredictable than in the more controlled IV method. Furthermore, during IV treatment, the infusion bypasses the digestive system and goes straight into the bloodstream, meaning more of it gets to the brain for a more beneficial effect. In sublingual treatment, the ketamine is digested first and less of it makes it to the bloodstream and the brain.

Another difference between the two forms of ketamine as a treatment for depression is the question of side effects. Sublingual treatments often have more severe and long-lasting side effects than IV ketamine. These may include hallucinations and elevated blood pressure. IV ketamine has less severe side effects that usually go away quickly.

For this reason, the best way to take ketamine is via IV treatment as supervised by a trusted professional. It is both safer and more effective than sublingual treatment. However, each person has to decide for themselves what their best options are and there are a lot of factors, including cost and convenience, to consider.

FAQs

1. Which treatment is best, oral ketamine or IV ketamine?
   The difference between IV and sublingual ketamine is that IV ketamine offers faster, more controlled results with higher absorption, while oral ketamine, however, is more convenient and less expensive. Oral ketamine may take longer to take effect and can have unpredictable results. Talk to your medical provider to see which option is best for you.
2. How quickly can I expect relief from each treatment?
   IV ketamine can provide quick relief within hours, while sublingual ketamine may take longer to have an effect, and it may be harder to predict how your body will process the treatment.
3. Can I take oral ketamine at home?
   Yes, oral ketamine can be taken at home. Some clinics allow patients to take the sublingual ketamine treatment at home with the guidance and supervision of a medical professional.
4. How often will I need treatment?
   Each person reacts to ketamine differently, so the frequency of treatments can vary. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the frequency of treatment to help you meet your mental health goals.

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Contact Ketamine Greater Boston

If you have any questions about ketamine treatment or about which form of therapy is right for you, do not hesitate to contact us. At Ketamine Greater Boston, we’re here to help you find the best treatment. Fill out the form below to get started!