Schedule Free Consultation

10 Myths About Ketamine

As Medical Doctors that are experts in Ketamine Therapy, it is our responsibility to dispel misinformation and provide accurate, evidence-based information regarding treatments. Ketamine-assisted therapy has gained attention in recent years for its potential to help individuals with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. However, along with its rise in popularity, there has been a fair share of myths and misconceptions surrounding this treatment approach. Here, we delve into 10 common myths about Ketamine-assisted therapy:

Myth 1: Ketamine is Just a "Party Drug"

One of the most prevalent myths surrounding Ketamine is that it is simply a recreational drug with no legitimate medical use. While it’s true that Ketamine has been misused as a club drug due to its dissociative effects, it is also an FDA-approved anesthetic with well-documented benefits in medical settings. Over the last 20 years, its efficacy, superiority and safety in treating severe depression, anxiety,  PTSD, and other mental health disorders has been extensively researched.

Myth 2: Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is the Same as Recreational Ketamine Use

Contrary to popular belief, Ketamine-assisted therapy is a structured, supervised treatment administered by medical professionals in controlled settings. This therapy involves careful dosing and monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness. Recreational use, on the other hand, lacks the guidance of healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical regulations of the medicine, and can be unsafe and unpredictable.

Myth 3: Ketamine is Highly Addictive

While Ketamine does have the potential for misuse and dependence, especially in recreational settings, when used under medical supervision, the risk of addiction is significantly lower. The appropriate way to receive the Ketamine is only in a monitored medical setting, never at home, and for a fixed amount of sessions (typically six infusions over 3 weeks). Medical professionals closely monitor patients undergoing Ketamine-assisted therapy to minimize the risk of misuse and ensure safe treatment outcomes.

Myth 4: Ketamine Causes Psychosis

There is a fear that Ketamine may induce psychotic symptoms. However, under proper medical supervision and screening, the risk of such effects is extremely low. Ketamine-assisted therapy is designed to minimize adverse reactions and maximize therapeutic benefits.

Myth 5: Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is a Last Resort

While Ketamine-assisted therapy is often considered for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, it is not solely reserved as a last resort. Many patients benefit from this therapy early in their treatment journey, especially if they have not found relief from traditional antidepressants or therapies.

Myth 6: Ketamine is Unsafe

When administered by trained medical professionals in a clinical setting, Ketamine is a safe treatment option for many individuals. The doses used in Ketamine-assisted therapy are carefully calculated to minimize side effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits. Patients are monitored throughout the treatment session to ensure their safety.

Myth 7: Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is Only for Depression

While Ketamine has shown remarkable results in treating depression, its benefits extend beyond this one condition. Research suggests that Ketamine-assisted therapy is also effective in treating anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain conditions.

Myth 8: Ketamine is the Same as Other Psychedelic Therapies

While Ketamine does have psychedelic properties, it differs from other psychedelic therapies like psilocybin or LSD. Ketamine’s mechanism of action involves blocking certain receptors in the brain, leading to its unique therapeutic effects. It is essential to understand these differences when considering treatment options.

Myth 9: Ketamine is Ineffective in the Long Term

While the effects of Ketamine may not last indefinitely, many patients experience long-lasting benefits as the medicine mechanism of action actually works to fix the underlying cause of many mental health disorders. Ketamine-assisted therapy can be part of a comprehensive mental health plan that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions.

Myth 10: Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is Only for Severe Cases

While Ketamine is often recommended for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, it is not limited to severe cases. Many patients benefit from this therapy early in their treatment journey, especially if other treatments have not provided relief.

In conclusion, Ketamine-assisted therapy holds promising potential for individuals struggling with various mental health conditions. However, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction and rely on accurate, evidence-based information when considering this treatment option. It is essential for individuals considering Ketamine-assisted therapy to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if it is the right choice for their needs. With proper guidance and supervision, Ketamine can be a valuable tool in the treatment of mental health disorders, offering hope and relief to those who need it most.

To learn more, or book a free consultation visit us at renewketamineinfusion.com or call us at 949-503-1414.

Dr. Tanya Dall and Dr. Justin Yanuck,  Renew Ketamine Infusion

Schedule FREE Consultation

Schedule your free consultation at one of our convenient locations.

San Juan Capistrano
Seal Beach
Tustin

OCD

Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) is unfortunately resistant to many forms of medical treatment including both medication and therapy.

Ketamine has been shown to be an effective, fast acting, safe option for patients with OCD. Over the course of the Ketamine infusions (2-4 weeks) neuroplasticity can lead to a change or abatement in the intrusive, repetitive thoughts and behaviors that typify OCD.

When combined with our unique post infusion integration process, patients with severe OCD can see profound relief of their symptoms.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Chronic Pain

“There is extensive research currently being done on this topic. I can say from personal experience as a practicing Board Certified Pain Medicine Physician, I have had patients with chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, who have had significant relief of their symptoms with Ketamine assisted therapy. With that said, Ketamine assisted therapy will definitely not work for everyone with chronic pain, and each patient will require a thorough evaluation to ensure they are an adequate candidate for a trial of Ketamine assisted therapy for relief of their chronic pain” -Dr. Justin Yanuck.

The current evidence of Ketamine assisted therapy for chronic pain is fairly mixed. The majority of studies only looked at ketamine infusion without any assisted psychotherapy.

Ketamine has the ability to lead to relief on its own (and the mechanisms for this have been well studied). We feel quite strongly that the real potential for Ketamine to provide relief, especially for chronic pain patients, is when combined with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy allows the individual to process their experience and build off this experience to lead to new psychological frameworks for processing both internal and external stimuli.

Pain is complex, and Ketamine assisted psychotherapy is not one-size-fits-all. Our treatment plan gives patients with treatment-resistant chronic pain and even opiate dependance a chance to try a different and effective treatment. Start here (button) for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a major public health concern, affecting up to 7% of Americans.

As many as half of all Americans with PTSD get inadequate relief from traditional treatments which include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Ketamine combined with psychotherapy has been shown to be very effective at reducing the symptoms of PTSD. These effects last well beyond its near immediate relief.

Many mechanistic actions for how Ketamine works in PTSD have been proposed.

Ketamine allows people to reacquaint themselves with their past inciting trauma from an emotionally neutral perspective. Ketamine will not make you forget about the trauma. It can allow you to acknowledge its occurrence in a neutral way in order to not be continually re-traumatized by thinking about it.

Depending on the patient, outcomes can be noticed almost immediately with a sense of lightness and joy. Ketamine followed by psychotherapy has been shown to lead to significant relief of the burdens of PTSD.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Anxiety

Traditional treatments for anxiety will often either work poorly, have addictive properties, or severe side effects including brain fog and drowsiness. Furthermore, these treatments tend to have reduced efficacy over time, and lead to only transient relief of symptoms.

Ketamine, when combined with our novel integrative psychotherapy, can lead to significant relief of anxiety.

During the ketamine infusion and integration process, patients will often get a better understanding of their anxiety, and are able to reframe many of the triggers that often provoke their anxiety.

Ketamine has properties that allow for rewiring of the brain (new synapse formation and repair of existing synapses). Ketamine allows people to effect changes into their own lives. It shows people that they have the power to heal from within and take control of their relationship with anxiety.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Depression

Ketamine has been shown to be extremely effective and safe for patients with depression and treatment resistant depression (those who fail to get relief from two or more antidepressants).

Ketamine is highly effective at rapidly (within 2-8 hours) reducing depressive symptoms. Traditional antidepressants often take weeks to months to work.

Many traditional antidepressants have side effects including reduced libido, weight gain, GI upset, mood disturbances, and unfortunately require daily use for months to years.

Many antidepressants, even if they do work, require you to be on them for years, if not for the rest of your life.

Ketamine treatment has been shown in most patients to lead to resolution of symptoms without the need for any further medications.

Ketamine is not a medication meant to be taken for the rest of your life. The goal is to provide sustained relief after the completion of a set treatment plan. This is accomplished by combining the actions of Ketamine in the brain with psychotherapy. Additional enhancement sessions available as needed.

Unfortunately, there is a significant subset of patients that do not get significant relief from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Ketamine acts as a catalyst to stimulate a patient’s innate capacity for psychological healing. This allows patients to overcome past experiences and learned behavior to truly heal. Ketamine, combined with therapists who are specifically trained to work with psychedelic therapies, can lead to profound breakthroughs and deep psychological healing.

Start here for a free physician consultation to see if Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can help renew you.

Invite your friend/ relative/patient to try Ketamine infusion combined with integrative therapy

Invite them and renew their outlook


Facebook-f Instagram Pinterest Youtube

Ketamine infusion combined with integrative therapy to help you renew your outlook



It is possible our treatment offered here at RENEW can help!

Schedule Free Consultation

Fill out your information for a free virtual physician consultation to discuss how we can help