The anesthetic ketamine has proven to be an effective drug against severe migraines and other strong pains. New Australian research suggests it could also be effective in treating severe conditions of depression with suicidal tendencies. Proper dosing prevents dependence on this hallucinogen drug.
Exchange of Opiate for Ketamine
Ketamine has been used in healthcare since the 1960s. However, due to its hallucinogenic effects, it has found application more in veterinary care. 21st-century science has returned ketamine to Western medicine as a remedy for severe pain, including migraine attacks, post-traumatic and post-operative pain. Proper dosing of ketamine works similarly to opioids, without the risk of addiction.
The principle of ketamine dosing is the same as for the insulin pump, which according to the instructions from the sensor dispenses insulin to diabetics. Ketamine is not as addictive as opioids, where the body feels chronic pain to get its dose.
Suicidal Tendencies Reduction
Researchers and doctors are researching various treatments that could relieve people with depression, especially its severe and life-threatening form.
Ketamine has been known in previous research to be able to “repair” damaged or dysfunctional brain connections and promote the production of dopamine, a substance that acts as a neurotransmitter and is responsible for creating pleasant feelings. New research from the Australian University of the Sunshine Coast has confirmed these effects of ketamine in practice.
Adem Can and colleagues focused on oral administration of ketamine, which is more pleasant and practical than injections. They included 32 adults with chronic suicidal ideation who received ketamine at regular doses for 6 weeks.
69% of them showed a significant improvement in their mental state during treatment. In half of these patients, the improvement lasted for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of ketamine. The results are very encouraging, and research will continue.
Source: https://newatlas.com/medical/regular-oral-doses-ketamine-suicidal-thoughts/, Featured picture by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
