Ketamine is a medication that has been used in healthcare for decades. Today, it may help some people with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. Microdosing ketamine means taking a much smaller amount than a standard treatment dose. The goal is to support mood and well-being without the stronger dissociative effects that can occur with higher doses. Research on microdosing ketamine is still ongoing, and treatment decisions should always be made with a qualified healthcare provider.
Interest in microdosing ketamine has grown. Celebrities such as Elon Musk, Sharon Osbourne, and Lamar Odom have shared their experiences. Their stories have helped bring attention to ketamine therapy and its potential role in mental health treatment. In 2019, the FDA approved esketamine nasal spray, a medication derived from ketamine, for adults with treatment-resistant depression under medical supervision.
The History of Ketamine Use
Ketamine may seem like a newer treatment for depression, but it has been used in medicine for decades. Researchers first developed ketamine in the 1960s as a dissociative anesthetic for both people and animals. During the 1970s, it became widely used in healthcare settings. Around the same time, ketamine also gained attention as a recreational drug known by the street name “Special K.”
In the 1990s and early 2000s, researchers began studying ketamine more closely. They noticed that it appeared to reduce symptoms of depression and suicidal thinking in some patients. As more studies were completed, interest in ketamine therapy continued to grow. Today, healthcare providers may use ketamine to help some people with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. In addition, interest in microdosing ketamine continues to increase as researchers learn more about its potential benefits and risks.
How Ketamine Works
Ketamine works differently from many traditional antidepressants. It affects NMDA receptors in the brain and influences glutamate, a chemical messenger involved in mood, learning, and memory. Researchers are still studying exactly how ketamine works. However, studies suggest it may help create new connections between brain cells.
Ketamine may also support neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new pathways. This process may help some people move away from negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking over time.
Many antidepressants can take several weeks to begin working. Ketamine may work much faster for some people. In some cases, patients notice changes within hours or days of treatment. Researchers continue to study ketamine’s potential role in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.
Benefits of Microdosing Ketamine
A full therapeutic dose of ketamine may help improve symptoms of depression in some people. In contrast, microdosing ketamine uses much smaller amounts of the medication. Because of this, the effects are often more subtle.
Some people are interested in microdosing ketamine because they hope to support mood and overall well-being without the stronger dissociative effects that can occur with higher doses. However, research on microdosing ketamine is still ongoing, and experts continue to study its potential benefits and risks. The experience can vary from person to person. Factors such as the dose, treatment plan, and individual response may all affect the results.
Famous People Who Microdose Ketamine
People across all walks of life sometimes need help with their mental health. Celebrities are no exception. Several celebrities are quite open about taking ketamine to help with various symptoms. Here are some of their stories:
Elon Musk
Elon Musk has publicly discussed using ketamine and has credited it with helping manage depression. He has also said that ketamine can help him move out of a negative frame of mind when needed. In addition, Musk has expressed concerns about some antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), saying they may not be the right fit for everyone. His comments have helped increase interest in ketamine therapy and microdosing ketamine.
Researchers continue to study the potential benefits and risks of ketamine for mental health conditions. Treatment decisions should always be made with guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
Sharon Osbourne
In 2021, Sharon Osbourne left “The Talk” after accusations of using racist language. During that difficult time, she experienced psychological trauma. Severe backlash and death threats caused her to develop depression and anxiety. A good friend recommended she try ketamine treatments, and she decided to take the advice. Osbourne received three months of supervised ketamine therapy. The drug helped her to relax and detach from the pain she was feeling. She explains that she was able to cry her tears, get everything out, and move on.
Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom recently opened up about using ketamine. He uses the drug to help him conquer his struggle with addiction. The former NBA star had already tried rehab and “some other things” before stumbling upon ketamine. Odom’s past is riddled with substance abuse issues. He experienced a near-death overdose back in 2015 and realized he needed to make a change. He explains that microdosing ketamine has helped him overcome his cocaine addiction. He describes the sensation of ketamine treatments as a “healthy high.”
The experiences of Odom and other celebrities show how powerful ketamine can be when used properly. Ketamine clinics for mental health are becoming much more common. Medical professionals continue to study and observe the positive results of this treatment.
Why Some People Choose to Microdose Ketamine
In medical settings, ketamine is often given at a full therapeutic dose. This type of treatment may produce noticeable dissociative effects and is commonly used under close medical supervision. However, some people are interested in microdosing ketamine because it uses much smaller amounts of the medication.
One reason people explore microdosing ketamine is the possibility of experiencing more subtle effects than those associated with a full treatment dose. Some individuals may prefer a lower-dose approach based on their comfort level, treatment goals, or previous experiences with ketamine. Additionally, ketamine is the only “psychedelic-like” medicine available legally in the United States. Compared to micro-dosing mushrooms for depression.
Research on microdosing ketamine is still ongoing. While some people report positive experiences, results can vary from person to person. Factors such as dosage, medical history, and individual response may all influence the experience. A qualified healthcare provider can help determine whether ketamine therapy may be appropriate for a person’s needs.
What to Know Before Microdosing Ketamine
Ketamine is a federally controlled substance and should not be used recreationally. If ketamine therapy is recommended, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. A medical professional can determine an appropriate dosage, review potential medication interactions, and monitor for side effects.
Ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. A qualified healthcare provider can determine the most appropriate approach based on symptoms, medical history, and overall health.
how does ketamine make you feel ?
Many people wonder how ketamine feels during treatment. The experience can vary from person to person. Factors such as dosage, treatment setting, and individual response may all affect the experience. In clinical settings, some patients report feelings of relaxation, calmness, or emotional distance from stressful thoughts.
Some people also experience mild dissociation, which may feel like a floating sensation or a change in perception. Others report seeing colors, shapes, or patterns differently during treatment. Many patients describe the experience as feeling like a “reset” for the brain, although each person’s experience is unique.
Some individuals report improved mood and reduced negative thought patterns after treatment. Because of these effects, ketamine continues to be studied as a treatment option for depression and other mental health conditions. Music can also influence the treatment experience. Many patients choose calming music or meaningful songs to help create a comfortable environment during their session.
Available Types of Ketamine
There are multiple ketamine types and administration methods. Your healthcare provider will help you determine which type is right for your mental health needs.
IV Drips
Ketamine IV drips have an intravenous method of delivery. This allows the medication to travel rapidly to the brain through the bloodstream. Ketamine infusions must be delivered in a clinical setting. They typically take less than an hour to administer. Your doctor will consider your weight and symptom severity when determining what dosage to give you.
IM shots
IM ketamine is given as a shot into a muscle, usually in the arm or thigh. Because it works quickly, people often feel the effects within minutes. In addition, many prefer IM ketamine because it can last longer than other forms, such as lozenges or IV Ketamine. This makes it a popular choice for therapeutic use.
Lozenges
Ketamine lozenges are also called sublingual troches. You take them orally by placing them under the tongue or in the cheek. You don’t necessarily need to take these lozenges in a clinical setting. Some people prefer lozenges over other types of ketamine because they’re more affordable. Ketamine lozenges also show great promise for relieving chronic pain. They work fine alone, but they’re more effective when taken with other forms of ketamine.
Nasal Spray
In 2019, the FDA approved inhalable ketamine for depression in the form of a nasal spray. This form of the drug, known as esketamine, is derived from ketamine. One study shows that esketamine can reduce depressive symptoms in 70% of patients. Study participants used esketamine in combination with an oral antidepressant.
Microdosing Ketamine Q and A
What is the difference between microdosing ketamine and a full dose?
A full dose of ketamine is designed to create a stronger therapeutic effect and may cause a noticeable dissociative experience. Microdosing uses a much smaller amount of ketamine. Because of this, many people experience more subtle effects. A healthcare provider can help determine which approach may be appropriate based on individual treatment goals.
Can ketamine be used without hallucinations?
Yes. Microdosing uses a much smaller amount of ketamine than a standard treatment dose. Because of this, many people do not experience strong changes in perception or awareness. Instead, they may notice more subtle effects on mood and well-being.
Is ketamine FDA-approved for depression?
The FDA approved esketamine nasal spray in 2019 for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine is derived from ketamine and must be used under medical supervision. Other forms of ketamine may also be prescribed by qualified healthcare providers.
Is microdosing ketamine safe?
Ketamine should only be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. A medical professional can review medications, health history, and treatment goals to determine whether ketamine is appropriate. Taking ketamine without supervision may increase the risk of side effects and misuse.
How quickly does ketamine work?
Many antidepressants can take several weeks to begin working. Ketamine may produce effects much sooner for some people. However, results vary based on the person, dosage, and treatment plan.
What conditions can ketamine help treat?
Ketamine therapy may help some people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. A healthcare provider can determine whether ketamine is appropriate based on a person’s symptoms and medical history.
What is the difference between ketamine and esketamine?
Esketamine is a medication derived from ketamine and is available as an FDA-approved nasal spray. Ketamine may be given through IV infusions, IM injections, lozenges, or other medically supervised methods. A provider can help determine which option may be most appropriate.
Both Spravato (intranasal esketamine) and IV ketamine treatments have been shown to reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, but research suggests IV ketamine may produce faster and greater improvements for some patients. In one study comparing ketamine treatments over a 4–5 week induction period, patients receiving IV ketamine experienced a 49.22% reduction in depression scores by their eighth treatment, compared with a 39.55% reduction among patients receiving intranasal esketamine. Significant improvement was seen after the first IV ketamine treatment, while the Spravato group reached significant improvement after the second treatment. The researchers concluded that IV ketamine was associated with a more rapid response and greater overall improvement than intranasal esketamine in this group of patients with similarly severe treatment-resistant depression.
Why do people microdose ketamine?
Some people choose microdosing because it uses smaller amounts of ketamine than a full treatment dose. The goal is to support mood and well-being while avoiding the stronger effects that may occur with higher doses. A healthcare provider can determine whether this approach is appropriate.
Microdosing Ketamine Near Me | West Jordan, UT
Living with treatment-resistant depression or other mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. Ketamine therapy may offer another option for individuals who have not found relief with traditional treatments. Interest in ketamine has grown in recent years as more people learn about its potential role in mental health treatment. Public discussions, including those from celebrities and other public figures, have also helped increase awareness of ketamine therapy.
At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, supervised ketamine treatments are available in Salt Lake City and West Jordan, Utah. Our team works closely with each patient to determine whether ketamine therapy may be an appropriate part of their treatment plan. If you would like to learn more about ketamine therapy or schedule a consultation, call (385) 685-1410 today.
