3 ms·
From what I've read, one of the most exciting properties of ketamine treatment of depression is it's rapid onset. Ketamine seems to become effective in hours a
by cwkoss 8y ago
From what I've read, one of the most exciting properties of ketamine treatment of depression is it's rapid onset. Ketamine seems to become effective in hours and retain benefit for days. If there is a negative reaction, stopping can similarly rapidly cease effect. Conversely, SSRIs or Tricyclics can take weeks to begin taking effect, and if a negative reaction occurs, it can similarly take weeks for effects to extinguish after ceasing dosage.
- AnIdiotOnTheNet 8y agoBut is that really an effective long term solution? Ketamine is addictive after all, you can't keep doing that every few days.
- cwkoss 8y agoSSRI withdrawal symptoms can be pretty rough, seems chronic high-dose ketamine withdrawal is also quite bad. However, ketamine therapeutic dose is ~ 1/4th low recreational dose, so I think withdrawal is likely to be minimal with this dosage regime. Certainly something to be concerned about. I've read ketamine abusers can often end up with kidney issues (presumably proportional to dosage as its related to elimination), but I'd also think monitoring kidney health with chronic dosing, even at low levels, could be prudent - especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney issues.