Have you heard of ketamine but aren't sure what it is or how it works? Are you looking into treatments for depression, chronic pain, and PTSD? If so, you may have encountered the term "IV ketamine" and wondered what it is. This blog post will explain the difference between IV ketamine and oral ketamine and why one treatment may or may not be better.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication that has been used by medical professionals since 1970 as an anesthetic during surgeries. Over the years, its use has expanded to treat depression and chronic pain in adults. It's also being studied for potential use in treating PTSD, anxiety, and addiction. Some of the most studied forms of ketamine administration are intravenous (IV) infusion and oral/sublingual tablets.
IV Ketamine vs. Oral Ketamine
IV ketamine is administered directly into the bloodstream via a vein in your arm or hand. This form of administration results in faster drug absorption into your system, allowing it to work more quickly to relieve symptoms. The effects usually last about three days after a single dose; however, some people may need multiple doses for the best results. This type of ketamine typically requires fewer doses than oral tablets due to its rapid absorption rate.
Oral tablets are taken by mouth with water or juice or placed under your tongue. Depending on the concentration of the tablet, they can take up to an hour before they start working; however, once they start working, their effects can last up to 24 hours after taking them. Oral tablets require more frequent dosing than IV infusions because their absorption rate is slower and not as strong as IV infusions.
Which One Is Better?
It depends on your individual needs and preferences; there's no one-size-fits-all answer when deciding between IV ketamine vs. oral ketamine for treatment purposes. Your provider can help you determine which would be best for you based on factors such as the severity of symptoms, overall health history, lifestyle preferences, etc. It's important to discuss all options with your doctor before making any decisions about treatment plans, as both forms have potential risks associated with them that should be taken into consideration when making these decisions.
Both IV ketamine and oral ketamine have been used successfully to treat various conditions, including depression, chronic pain, and PTSD, among others; however, different people respond differently when it comes to treatment plans which means that deciding between IV vs. oral could depend on individual needs and preferences as well as potential risks associated with each form of administration when discussed with a provider before starting any type of treatment plan involving either form of ketamine administration. Ultimately only you can decide which route is right for you; just make sure that you understand all the risks involved before making any final decisions about how you want to move forward with treatment plans involving either form of administration method available – IV versus Oral Ketamine! Safe Haven Health specializes in effective at-home ketamine treatment for depression and anxiety. If you would like to learn more about our ketamine treatment program, click here.
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