HOW DOES IV KETAMINE WORK

Intravenous (IV) ketamine is a medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  The exact mechanism of how ketamine works is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter called glutamate in the brain.

Ketamine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which means it blocks the NMDA receptors in the brain.  NMDA receptors are important in the transmission of pain signals and are also involved in the regulation of mood and cognition.  By blocking these receptors, ketamine can reduce the transmission of pain signals and modulate mood and cognitive processes.

Additionally, ketamine has been shown to increase the release of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).   BDNF is important for the growth and maintenance of neurons, and it has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and other mood disorders.  By increasing BDNF levels, ketamine may help to improve mood and cognitive function.

Overall, the exact mechanisms of how ketamine works are still being studied, but it is believed to act on several neurotransmitter systems to produce its therapeutic effects.