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Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. While traditional medications such as SSRIs are highly beneficial in treating depression in some patients, 1/3 of patients will only have moderate improvement and the other 1/3 almost no improvement at all. Ketamine has been identified as a novel antidepressant that is not only fast acting but effective.  In numerous clinical studies, ketamine has been shown to rapidly reduce depression and suicidality. It is currently FDA approved for treatment-resistant depression and being evaluated to treat a wide range of conditions. Current off-label use of Ketamine has been shown to be effective in many people suffering from numerous conditions, including major depression, anxiety, PTSD OCD, certain chronic pain syndromes. At this moment ketamine is the only FDA-approved ‘psychedelic’ for use in treatment-resistant mental illness. Although it is not categorized as a traditional psychedelic, it has been shown to have genuine psychedelic properties with the ability to induce profound mystical states. In the future, Innerbloom, hopes to incorporate MDMA and Psilocybin once approved by the FDA.

Ketamine has been shown to be helpful for a variety of mental health disorders. These include:

• Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

• Those suffering from the deep loss of a loved one.

• End of life anxiety, depression that comes from a terminal illness.

• Life altering injury

Ketamine has an excellent safety profile. In fact, the doses used for ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) are far less then what is used for anesthesia. Additionally, the medication is only given through oral and intramuscular routes. The purpose is not to be completely sedated but to enter a quiet relaxed state where therapy can be best paired. Ketamine is also unique in that it has very few interactions with other medications, which make it ideal for someone who wishes to stay on their medication regimen, which has provided some benefit for them. With all medicines there exist certain risks, therefore it is important to see someone who is specifically trained in the practice of ketamine.

• Previous severe allergic reaction or adverse effect to Ketamine.

• Severe Cardiovascular Disease, uncontrolled Hypertension

• Glaucoma or acute globe injury

• History of psychosis, or Bipolar Mania

• Heart attack within the previous 3 months

• History of tracheal stenosis to airway instability

• Urinary retention

• Pregnancy

• Elevated intracranial pressure

• Ongoing substance abuse.

As previously stated, the doses used in ketamine therapy are far less than those used for anesthesia. Ketamine is unique as well in that it does not induce respiratory depression, which some of the most commonly prescribed daily medicines do (opioids, benzodiazepines). The most common side effects include nausea, elevated blood pressure, and heart rate (which is normal with ketamine administration). Psychological distress, either from being unfamiliar with altered states of consciousness, or reliving difficult traumas that may arise. All of these risks are addressed during the preparation sessions and any opportunity to mitigate their presence is utilized.

MORE RESEARCH HERE