Ketamine Research Guide

Full name: Ketamine (and esketamine)

A dissociative anesthetic that, at lower doses, produces psychedelic-like effects and rapid relief from severe depression. The nasal-spray form esketamine is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression.

How Ketamine Works

Blocks NMDA glutamate receptors, which is thought to quickly boost synaptic connections and lift mood. This is a different pathway from classic serotonin psychedelics.

Dosing Protocol

• Typical dose: Low sub-anesthetic doses for depression (clinic-administered)
• Frequency: A series of supervised sessions
• Duration: Acute effects last ~40-90 minutes
• Route: IV infusion, intramuscular, or nasal spray (esketamine)

Reported Benefits

• Rapid relief from treatment-resistant depression
• FDA-approved option (esketamine) exists
• Can reduce suicidal thoughts quickly
• Useful when other antidepressants fail

Potential Side Effects

• Dissociation and confusion
• Raised blood pressure
• Nausea
• Bladder problems with heavy long-term use
• Abuse potential

Research Citations

1. Esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression (2019) - Pivotal trials supported FDA approval, showing reduced depression symptoms when added to an oral antidepressant.
2. IV ketamine for depression and suicidal ideation (2018) - Single infusions produced rapid, though often short-lived, reductions in depression and suicidal thoughts.

Related Psychedelics Compounds

• MDMA - Full Profile
• Psilocybin - Full Profile
• LSD - Full Profile
• Ibogaine - Full Profile
• DMT - Full Profile
• Ayahuasca - Full Profile

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