Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has gained attention for its potential role in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD). While it was originally developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic, emerging research has explored its use—at sub-anesthetic doses—for individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.
Ketamine exerts its effects through several mechanisms, including dissociation, analgesia, and transient changes in perception. These effects have made it a valuable tool not only in operating rooms but also in select psychiatric and pain management settings. Although ketamine is chemically related to phencyclidine (PCP), it has a safer profile and has been used in medical settings for decades.
Ketamine therapy refers to the off-label administration of ketamine—often intravenously—in a controlled medical setting, typically in combination with psychological support. It is being investigated as a rapid-acting option for those with severe depression, especially TRD, which is defined as a failure to respond to at least two adequate trials of antidepressants.
The dissociative properties of ketamine may temporarily allow individuals to access distressing thoughts or emotions with less psychological resistance. In clinical settings, this experience is closely monitored to ensure safety and therapeutic benefit.
Esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, has received FDA approval in the U.S. for use in TRD and is administered intranasally under strict protocols. Racemic ketamine (the IV form) is still considered “off-label” for depression, though it is widely used in clinics.
Research has shown that ketamine can lead to rapid but temporary improvements in mood, especially in those with suicidal ideation. However, results vary between individuals, and more research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety and optimal treatment protocols.
Ketamine's mechanism of action is not fully understood. It is known to affect multiple brain pathways and receptor systems:
In Canada, up to 21.7% of individuals with depression may meet criteria for TRD. These individuals often experience prolonged episodes and may not respond to conventional antidepressants. For select patients, ketamine therapy may offer a new pathway when other methods have not been effective.
By promoting this new growth, ketamine may assist in treating depression.
Ketamine therapy is generally well-tolerated in a controlled clinical setting, but it is not without risks. Common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, transient dissociation, elevated blood pressure, and perceptual disturbances.
While ketamine is not physically addictive in the way that opioids are, repeated or unsupervised use carries the potential for psychological dependence. Recreational misuse can lead to significant cognitive, urological, and psychological harms.
For these reasons, ketamine therapy should only be administered under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals in an appropriately equipped clinical environment.
Our clinic is dedicated to leveraging the success of ketamine therapy to assist patients struggling with depression. Our experienced and well-trained medical team will ensure your safety throughout the process, conduct each procedure in a controlled clinical environment, and closely monitor you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, we invite you to contact Ketamine Therapy Toronto to schedule a consultation. Our experienced medical team can help determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for your situation.
To see how we can assist you, call us at 647-259-7740 or email us at admin@ketaminetherapyclinic.ca to book your initial consultation. You can also contact us online.