Ketamine therapy is a medically supervised treatment to address certain mental health and chronic pain conditions. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has gained recognition for its ability to provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression when traditional treatments have been ineffective.
Ketamine works by interacting with receptors in the brain, particularly the NMDA and BDNF receptors, which help regulate mood, pain perception, and neural connectivity. By influencing these pathways, it’s understood that ketamine can help “reset” neural circuits, leading to quick improvements in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation [1].
While precise numbers are unknown, it is estimated that tens of thousands of patients in the United States alone are currently receiving prescription ketamine therapy. Licensed healthcare providers carefully monitor treatment to ensure safety, manage side effects, and adjust dosing as needed.
What is a Ketamine “Prescription”?
A Ketamine prescription is a medical order written by a licensed healthcare provider that allows a patient to legally obtain ketamine for specific medical purposes, such as:
- Pain management: Sometimes prescribed for severe or chronic pain conditions.
- Mental health treatment: In controlled doses, it can be prescribed for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD, often in the form of oral, nasal, or intravenous therapy.
Forms of Ketamine You Can Be Prescribed
Ketamine can be prescribed as a treatment to receive in a clinical setting (e.g, IV therapy) or as a take-home medication in certain forms.
For example, a prescription might be written for lozenges or oral tablets that a patient can use at home under their healthcare provider’s guidance.
These forms allow patients to manage their symptoms outside of a clinic setting while still following strict dosing instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Mental Health Conditions That May Qualify for A Ketamine Prescription
Ketamine is prescribed off-label (not FDA-approved) primarily for mental health conditions that have not responded to standard treatments. Its use is usually reserved for situations where conventional therapies have been ineffective.
Common qualifying conditions include [2]:
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD): Ketamine can be used when multiple antidepressants or therapies (usually 2+) have not provided relief.
- Anxiety disorders: Ketamine may help relieve symptoms of severe or treatment-resistant forms of generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorders.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Ketamine is often integrated with trauma therapies such as EMDR or Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
- Acute suicidal ideation: Ketamine may be used in controlled clinical settings to rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts.
Who Can Legally Prescribe Ketamine?
Ketamine can only be legally prescribed by licensed healthcare providers who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances. This includes physicians (MDs or DOs), psychiatrists, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) who hold appropriate state or national licenses [3].
These professionals must follow strict regulations because ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. Only providers who meet legal and professional requirements can assess a patient’s condition and write a valid prescription.
Safety and Monitoring Guidelines for Prescription Ketamine
Before prescribing ketamine, providers look at medical history, current medications you’re on, mental health status, and risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of substance use.
The dose, form, and frequency are determined by a licensed provider to maximize benefit and reduce side effects. In-clinic treatments, such as IV infusions, are typically supervised with vital signs monitored, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
For oral or lozenge forms prescribed for at-home use, providers give detailed instructions on timing, dosage, storage, and what to do if side effects occur. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor safety and response.
Treatment effectiveness and patient safety are continually assessed through follow-ups, allowing adjustments to dosage or administration method as needed.
Steps to Get A Ketamine Prescription
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: The first step is to speak with a doctor, psychiatrist, or other qualified healthcare professional licensed to administer ketamine. Ketamine is only legal under supervised medical use.
- Evaluation and Screening: Providers typically conduct a thorough evaluation that may include physical exams, lab tests, and mental health assessments. This ensures that ketamine won’t interact with other medications or medical conditions.
- Discussing Treatment Options: If ketamine is appropriate, the provider will explain the various ways it can be administered, including intravenous infusion, nasal spray, oral tablets, or lozenges.
- Prescription and Dose: Your provider writes a prescription specifying the form, dosage, and frequency of ketamine use. For take-home use, these might be oral tablets or lozenges, while in-clinic treatments are typically supervised injections or infusions.
- Monitor and Follow-Up: Even after receiving a prescription, patients are usually monitored closely. Follow-up appointments help track effectiveness, adjust dosages if needed, and ensure safety.
Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Utah
If you’ve already tried conventional methods of mental health treatment with no relief, ketamine may be an ideal option for you. At Harper Clinic Utah, we provide personalized treatment planning and licensed ketamine therapy to address deep-rooted depression, trauma, and emotional blocks.
We require clients receiving ketamine therapy to also be in traditional therapy, either with one of our therapists or an outside provider. Contact our consultation team to learn if you are a good candidate for ketamine assisted therapy today.
Sources
[1] Dwyer, E. (2023). Antidepressant mechanisms of ketamine: a review of actions with relevance to treatment-resistance and neuroprogression. Frontiers in neuroscience, 17, 1223145.
[2] Rosenbaum, S. et al. 2024. Ketamine. StatPearls.
[3] DEA. Mid-Level Practitioners by State – Under Construction.