Types of Ketamine Treatments for Anxiety 

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people globally, making it one of the most common mental health conditions today. Traditional treatments, such as therapy and medications like SSRIs, have been helpful, but not everyone responds to these methods. This is where ketamine treatments have emerged as a revolutionary option for anxiety management. With a unique mechanism that impacts the brain's neurotransmitters, ketamine works rapidly and effectively for many patients. The Best Psychiatric Clinics in Allen offer a variety of ketamine treatments to address anxiety and other mental health conditions. Hence offering tailored solutions to individual needs. 

Ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, has been repurposed for mental health treatment over the last decade. It interacts with the glutamate system in the brain, which regulates mood, cognition, and stress response. There are several ways ketamine can be administered for anxiety, each with its unique approach and benefits.

Let us explore the main types of ketamine treatments for anxiety in detail.

Continue reading below to learn more about this treatment method, and its kinds in detail.  

1. Intravenous (IV) Ketamine Infusion Therapy 

IV ketamine infusion therapy is the most common and well-researched method for treating anxiety disorders. During this treatment, ketamine is delivered directly into the bloodstream via an IV drip. This allows for precise control of the dosage, ensuring consistent and measurable effects.

The treatment typically lasts 40 minutes to an hour. Patients are seated in a comfortable environment as the infusion is administered. Most patients report feeling relaxed or slightly dissociated during the session. 

IV therapy works rapidly, with many patients experiencing relief within hours or days after the treatment. This makes it an excellent option for individuals with severe anxiety who need immediate results. 

The process requires medical supervision and must be administered in a clinical setting, which might not be convenient for everyone. 

2. Intramuscular (IM) Ketamine Injections 

IM ketamine injections involve administering ketamine directly into a muscle, typically in the thigh or upper arm. This method is slightly less common but is still highly effective for treating anxiety. 

The injection is performed in a clinic by a healthcare professional. Unlike IV infusions, which require a drip over time, IM injections are quick and efficient. 

This method is more straightforward and less time-consuming than IV infusions. It is also a suitable alternative for patients who are uncomfortable with needles in their veins. 

While effective, IM injections don’t allow for as much dosage control as IV therapy, and the effects may be slightly less predictable. 

3. Nasal Spray (Ketamine) 

Ketamine, marketed under the brand name Saravati, is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders. This form of ketamine is a derivative of the original compound, designed specifically for mental health conditions. 

Patients self-administer the nasal spray under the supervision of a medical professional in a clinical setting. The process usually takes 2 hours, including observation after administration. 

Ketamine is convenient and non-invasive. It’s ideal for patients who prefer not to receive injections or infusions. Moreover, it’s FDA-approved, making it a widely accepted treatment option. 

The nasal spray may not work as quickly as IV infusions and requires multiple sessions for optimal results. 

4. Oral Ketamine (Lozenges or Capsules) 

Oral ketamine is another option for treating anxiety, often used as part of at-home therapy under the guidance of a healthcare provider. 

Patients dissolve ketamine lozenges under the tongue or swallow capsules. The dosage and frequency are carefully prescribed to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

This method offers the convenience of at-home treatment. It’s less invasive and can be a good option for patients who respond well to ketamine but don’t want to visit a clinic regularly. 

Oral ketamine has a slower onset and may not be as potent as IV or IM methods. It also requires an elevated level of responsibility and adherence to the treatment plan by the patient. 

5. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) 

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines ketamine treatments with talk therapy to address anxiety at its root cause. The focus here is not just on symptom relief but also on uncovering underlying emotional or psychological issues. Below we have a brief overview regarding how things work. Moreover, we will go over the benefits and disadvantages/drawbacks of this kind of therapy.  

 Ketamine is administered (via IV, IM, or orally), and once the patient enters a relaxed state, a therapist guides them through the session. The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine often makes patients more receptive to therapy. 

 KAP offers an integrated approach by combining the biochemical effects of ketamine with the insights gained from therapy. Many patients report transformative results.

In any case, this method requires a trained therapist and may take longer to achieve noticeable improvements. Specifically, if it is to be compared to other forms of ketamine treatments. 

6. Sublingual Ketamine Tablets 

Sublingual ketamine tablets are another at-home option, like lozenges. The tablets are placed under the tongue, where they dissolve and enter the bloodstream. 

Like oral ketamine, sublingual tablets are prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. Patients use them in a safe and controlled environment, often as part of a broader treatment plan.

This method is easy to use and less intimidating for patients who dislike needles or clinical settings.

Sublingual ketamine has a slower onset, and the effects may vary depending on the patient’s metabolism.