Introduction

Hi, I'm Dr. Joe Rosado, a primary care physician in central Florida. Today, we're discussing ketamine treatment for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).

Am I a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

To determine if you are a candidate for ketamine therapy, consider the following:

Have you tried at least two different antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants) without success?If you have not found relief from these medications, you meet the criteria for ketamine therapy according to the FDA.

Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?

Safety is a common concern. Here are some key points:

Ketamine has a short half-life, meaning it stays in your system for up to three hours.After treatment, the medication is quickly expelled from your body.This rapid clearance reduces the risk of long-term side effects.

What to Expect During a Ketamine Therapy Session

Ketamine can be administered via injection or a lozenge (troche). Here’s what you can expect:

Injection: Effects are felt quickly.Lozenge: Takes a bit longer to feel the effects.Experience: You may have a dissociative experience, seeing vibrant colors, hearing voices, or even seeing loved ones who have passed away. Each experience is unique.

Support During the Session:

A "trip sitter" or companion is recommended to support you during the session.In-office treatments are supervised by medical assistants, and you are encouraged to bring a loved one for additional support.

How Long Until You Feel Better?

Patients often ask about the time frame for improvement. Here’s the protocol:

The typical treatment schedule is twice a week for three weeks (Yale Protocol).Some patients see improvement within seven days.Most patients feel significantly better after six sessions over three weeks.Individual responses vary, and further treatments may be necessary based on progress assessments.