Ketamine has taken a transformational role in the field of mental health. As the scientific community delves deeper into its potential, various modes of ketamine treatment have surfaced. This article will explore the different ways ketamine is administered in the therapeutic context.

Intravenous (IV) Ketamine Infusions

The most common and widely studied method of administering therapeutic ketamine is through intravenous infusions. With this method, ketamine is slowly dripped into the patient's bloodstream under the supervision of a medical professional. 

IV infusions allow for precise control over the dosage and immediate distribution throughout the body, ensuring a high level of effectiveness.

Intramuscular (IM) Ketamine Injections

Another method of administration is intramuscular ketamine injections. Although not as commonly used as IV infusions, IM injections may be preferred in certain situations due to their ease of administration. This method involves injecting ketamine directly into a muscle, typically in the upper arm or thigh.

Oral and Sublingual (Under the Tongue) Ketamine

Oral and sublingual administration of ketamine are also possibilities. Patients take ketamine in a pill, liquid, or lozenge form. While this method is non-invasive and convenient, it may not be as effective as an infusion or injection due to the variable absorption of the drug in the digestive system.

Intranasal Ketamine

Intranasal administration involves the use of a nasal spray to deliver ketamine. This method gained prominence with the FDA approval of Esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. 

Intranasal ketamine provides a less invasive option compared to IV infusions or IM injections, while still offering more consistent absorption than oral or sublingual routes.

However, while intranasal administration provides more consistent absorption than oral or sublingual routes, it may not achieve the same level of effectiveness as IV infusions due to the lower bioavailability of the drug.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

An emerging modality is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), where ketamine is used as a tool to enhance the psychotherapeutic process. Here, the emphasis is not solely on the biochemical effects of ketamine but also on the altered state of consciousness it induces, which can potentially help patients explore and resolve deeply-rooted psychological issues.

Topical Ketamine: An Emerging Option for Pain Management

While most therapeutic uses of ketamine are geared toward mental health conditions, there's another emerging area where this versatile drug is making waves — pain management. Specifically, the use of topical ketamine in the form of creams, gels, or patches.

Topical ketamine is typically applied directly to the skin over the area where pain relief is needed. This local application allows ketamine to numb the specific area.

Contact a clinic that offers ketamine treatments to learn more.