Description

Overview
Ketamine is a rapid-acting antidepressant and anesthetic used for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and severe anxiety disorders. It is also utilized in chronic pain management.

Mechanism of Action
Ketamine primarily works as an NMDA receptor antagonist, leading to a surge in glutamate in the brain. This enhances synaptic plasticity and neural connectivity, which helps with mood improvement and cognitive function.

Benefits and Indications
• Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) – Provides rapid relief for patients who do not respond to conventional antidepressants.
• Suicidal ideation – Can quickly reduce suicidal thoughts.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Used in some cases for severe PTSD.
• Chronic pain management – Helps treat neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Possible Side Effects
• Dissociation and hallucinations – Patients may feel detached from reality during treatment.
• Blood pressure elevation – Can temporarily increase BP and heart rate.
• Nausea and dizziness – Common but mild.
• Bladder issues – Long-term use may cause ketamine cystitis.