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Ketamine for Anxiety

Does Ketamine Help With Anxiety?

Almost 30% of people suffer from anxiety disorders at some point in their lives, making it one of the most prevalent psychological conditions.

Prolonged success with treatment can be hard to find. While up to 70% respond adequately to diazepam for the first 3-4 weeks, less than two-thirds see remission of symptoms

As alternate treatments for anxiety continue to be studied, preliminary evidence shows that ketamine can help patients who suffer from anxiety. 

Patients with depression benefit from ketamine as well, and anxiety is frequently a co-occurring condition in these patients. This may help explain why ketamine has also helped patients suffering from anxiety.

Ketamine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Ketamine has demonstrated exceptional promise in managing GAD. GAD is often resistant to traditional therapeutic approaches.

Various studies conducted exemplify patients who have found success with lower doses of ketamine. During treatment, patients’ scores decreased on several anxiety ratings, such as HAM-A and CADSS.  

During the maintenance phase of treatment, patients would show improved functioning in social and work-related settings.

Ketamine for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

SAD can be a debilitating condition for people to deal with. It affects everyday situations in daily life.

Preliminary evidence has shown ketamine can provide relief for patients compared to a placebo. Additionally, ketamine showed a noticeably higher proportion of treatment responders based on anxiety scale assessments from the LSAS and VAS.

Anxiety from Bipolar Disorder

Intravenous ketamine has helped patients with bipolar disorder relieve their anxiety and depression.

Patients can maintain typical treatments such as lithium or valproic acid.

Possible Side Effects

Ketamine is generally well tolerated by most people. At full doses, ketamine works as an analgesic. At lower doses, ketamine can help with a variety of conditions with relatively low side effects.

Some side effects experienced by ketamine users were:
  • Dissociative symptoms
  • Mild elevations in pulse and blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Blurry vision
  • Headache
  • Restlessness

These side effects will usually end if ketamine use is stopped. Additionally, the side effects do not persist long-term.

Ketamine does not cause cravings or addiction in patients.

Learn More About Ketamine

Our compounding pharmacy can give you the information and assistance you need if you’re looking for more information about ketamine therapy. Our experienced pharmacists can guide you through the process of starting ketamine for anxiety.

We value our patients and prioritize their health and healthcare outcomes. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact our pharmacists.

You can also text us directly here:
Littleton: 303-707-1500
Cherry Creek: 303-333-2010

Or send us a message on social media! Follow us and get a peek at how we make our medications in the lab.