Ketamine 101: What it is and How It Works

How Does Ketamine Work?
Ketamine primarily works by antagonizing the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of the glutamate system, which is a major excitatory neurotransmitter. By blocking NMDA receptors, ketamine alters the effects of glutamate and induces a state of dissociation, where individuals may feel detached from their surroundings or experience a sense of disconnection from their own body.
Additionally, ketamine influences other neurotransmitter systems, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin, contributing to its complex mechanism of action.
In recent years, ketamine has gained attention for its potential therapeutic use in mental health, particularly in the treatment of conditions like treatment-resistant depression (TRD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain. The precise mechanisms behind its therapeutic effects are still under investigation, but ketamine is believed to induce neuroplastic changes in the brain, potentially leading to improvements in mood and emotional well-being.
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