Ketamine has been safely used for decades as an anesthetic, especially in emergency settings, because it works quickly and does not suppress breathing like many other anesthetics. Over time, researchers discovered its powerful and rapid antidepressant effects, sparking extensive studies on how it can be used to treat mental health conditions.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine works through the glutamate system—helping the brain create new pathways and connections. This unique action makes it especially effective for people who haven’t found relief with conventional medications. By increasing brain flexibility, aka neuroplasticity, ketamine helps interrupt harmful thought loops and calms the mind’s chatter to support the growth of healthier, more adaptive patterns of thinking.
Recent research, including a major 2022 study, has shown that serotonin is not the primary driver of depression as once believed. This shift is pushing psychiatry toward new and alternative treatments, with ketamine leading the way in transforming how we understand and heal the mind.