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Discover the transformative potential of microdose ketamine treatment for mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Learn about Joyous’ innovative protocol that prioritizes patient safety and well-being, helping thousands find relief and lasting recovery.
In the realm of psychiatric medicine and the advent of a mental health renaissance, few treatments have garnered as much attention as ketamine. Since its FDA approval in 1970 as an anesthetic, our understanding of ketamine as a breakthrough therapy has gotten traction by finding utility in unexpected places and challenging traditional understandings of mental health treatment. Today, we will delve into the safety profile and brief history of ketamine, from its initial approval to its emergence as a promising treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Ketamine was originally known for its efficacy as an anesthetic agent. It quickly became a common anesthetic in surgical settings because of its rapid onset of action and minimal suppression of vital functions, a key factor in its unique safety profile. This soon began to garner the interest of researchers exploring novel, and safer, avenues for mental health treatment.
Hospitals began to replace benzodiazepines and other anesthetics with ketamine due to its shorter recovery time, reduced risk of respiratory depression, and lower potential for addiction. This shift began ketamine's transition from the operating room into psychiatric clinics.
Studies have shown that conventional antidepressants have often proven to be ineffective for individuals battling treatment-resistant depression (TRD), so researchers have been studying alternative therapies such as ketamine since the 90s. A study published in 2000 further confirmed its potential as an antidepressant and opened up the floodgates for more research. Ketamine treatment emerged as a shining light for many who have been battling TRD, offering rapid relief from depressive symptoms within hours or days for some patients, compared to the weeks or months traditional antidepressants take to have a noticeable effect. Furthermore, patients who use traditional antidepressants often report side effects such as emotional numbness, sexual dysfunction, weight changes, insomnia, and more.
In 2019, esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, received FDA approval as a nasal spray for the treatment of depression, marking a significant advancement in mental health care. It has proven highly effective and is generally well-tolerated with minor side effects such as mild sedation and dissociation. Adverse effects on the cardiovascular system or urinary tract are rare and typically occur only under extreme circumstances such as unsupervised treatment, deviating from your treatment protocol, or excessive recreational use. This form of ketamine has also been used off-label for conditions like anxiety, OCD, substance use disorders, pain, and PTSD, by some providers.
Within the burgeoning landscape of ketamine-assisted therapy, the Joyous Protocol stands as a beacon of safety and innovation. Embracing microdoses of ketamine, this protocol prioritizes patient well-being through meticulous monitoring and tailored interventions.
Central to the Joyous Protocol is its emphasis on safety. Starting with the medication itself, the Joyous protocol utilizes very low doses, known as psycholytic doses, and come in the form of a troche - a waxy lozenge placed between the cheek and gums. Unlike higher-dose treatments which can produce psychedelic effects that may be overwhelming, intense, or disassociating for some patients, Joyous patients remain coherent and able to engage with their environment when taking the medication. The troche form also creates a slow-absorption rate that keeps the experience light, with patients experiencing a sense of mental spaciousness, calm, and nervous system relaxation that allows them to process underlying emotions or patterns without feeling overwhelmed. Treatment includes daily monitoring that tracks patient experience, side effects, and symptom progress, monitored by our medical and care teams. The Joyous program leverages various safety measures throughout the program and provides a concierge-like service with a whole team accessible to patients when they have questions or need assistance.
Joyous has successfully treated over 52,000 patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Over 89% of Joyous patients have reported depression and anxiety symptom improvements in the first month of treatment. This highlights the incredible potential of mental health treatment that pairs microdose ketamine medication with curated treatment courses that help patients not only find relief from their symptoms, but rediscover their joyous selves again.
The neuroplastic characteristics of the medication also allow for the mental health improvements to last far beyond treatment; according to our post-treatment data, respondents report depression and anxiety scores lower than when they initially started Joyous treatment, even up to 12-months after stopping the program. Unlike other depression medications, our medically-monitored program is designed for patients to eventually “graduate” from treatment with new skills and mindsets to manage life’s ups and downs.
While ketamine's reputation is often overshadowed by concerns of misuse and abuse, particularly in recreational contexts, controlled medical use is a very different landscape. Ketamine-induced cystitis, a potential consequence of chronic abuse, remains a concern primarily for those misusing ketamine at high doses over prolonged periods of recreational use. Again, we strongly advise against the recreational use of ketamine for many reasons.
In contrast, the adverse effects associated with ketamine treatment for depression are easily mitigated in medically monitored low-dose settings like the Joyous protocol. Sedation, dissociation, and urinary tract adverse effects are managed through careful dosage titration and attentive patient monitoring. To date, having treated over 50,000 patients, our data shows no evidence of lasting bladder side-effects resulting from longer-term regular use of our protocol.
As the medical community continues to explore the potential of ketamine in depression treatment, ongoing research shows promising new insights into its long-term efficacy and safety. With each study, we come closer to a future where ketamine's transformative potential is fully realized, offering hope to individuals grappling with the burdens of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and a growing list of mental health related ailments.
Ketamine's journey from operating rooms to promising psychiatric treatment epitomizes the dynamic nature of medical innovation. As we navigate the complexities of its therapeutic landscape, the Joyous protocol stands as a testament to our commitment to safety, efficacy, and compassionate care in the realm of ketamine-assisted therapy.
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