Learn more about Ketamine and depression and how patients may get more access to the potential benefits of the therapy in different forms.
Ketamine infusion therapy holds significant promise for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, various barriers often make ketamine infusions inaccessible for many patients. In such cases, practitioners may explore alternative dosage forms of ketamine to provide viable options for their patients.
When infusions are not accessible to patients
Ketamine infusion therapy, although promising for treatment-resistant depression, remains out of reach for many patients due to several barriers. The high cost of in-office ketamine infusions can be prohibitive, especially since many insurance companies do not cover it. This lack of insurance coverage forces patients to pay out-of-pocket, significantly limiting access for those with financial constraints.
Additionally, the therapy’s availability is restricted because many providers do not offer it. Providers need special licenses and must adhere to stringent guidelines, reducing the number of available ketamine centers.
Ketamine infusions require a controlled environment and continuous monitoring by trained medical personnel, necessitating intensive training and limiting the locations that can provide this service. Moreover, the need for repeated infusions over a short period can pose financial and logistical challenges, particularly for patients with limited transportation options or those who cannot take time off work.
In addition to these challenges for patient access to ketamine therapy, the current FDA shortage of ketamine injectables has had an effect on the supply to offices that provide infusions. Some offices have used compounding pharmacies to help with ketamine injection as well as other compounded dosage forms of ketamine so as not to disrupt patient care.
Slow-release ketamine tablets may show promise for treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
A recent report in JAMA discusses results from the early phases of a clinical trial studying a slow-release tablet form of ketamine. It showed that, after 12 weeks, the patients who received the extended-release tablets had fewer symptoms than those who received the placebo. In the study, only 12% of the patients experienced dissociation, which is often a common effect with the injectable and some other forms of ketamine. This form of ketamine may improve patient access to therapy and possibly reduce some of the current challenges associated with in-office ketamine infusions.
Learn about other compounded ketamine dosage forms:
Ketamine can be compounded into different dosage forms
- Nasal Spray
- Troches
- Mini-Troches
- Ketamine injection
- Ketamine Infusion (IV)
- Ketamine Vials
- Oral Capsules
- Rapid Dissolve Tablets (RDTs)
Nasal Spray
Troche
Mini-Troche
Sterile Infusion
Vial (Injectable)
Rapid Dissolve Tablets (RDTs)
