Standard vs. High Dose Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Dr. Ko explains how a study (reference below) took increasing doses of ketamine to see which one was the most effective against treatment-resistant depression versus an active placebo of midazolam (aka Versed).

Simply put, the higher the dose, the more effective ketamine is against depression symptoms. Thanks to this and other studies, we aim to increase the amount of ketamine per subsequent infusion in our treatment series at Reset Ketamine.

Got any questions? What do you think of what Dr. Ko shared in this video?

Check out our blog on this very topic:

Study mentioned in this video:
Fava, Maurizio, et al. “Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Ranging Trial of Intravenous Ketamine as Adjunctive Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).” Molecular Psychiatry, 2018, doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0256-5.

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DISCLAIMER: THESE VIDEOS DO NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
This information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, video, and other materials contained on this YouTube channel are for informational purposes only. No material on this side is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always see the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regiment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen on this YouTube channel. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a physician-patient relationship. This video describes the off-label use of ketamine and the FDA has not approved ketamine for use in mood /pain disorders.

[bargerderrick]

I agree with you from the perspective of an educated patient. The stronger the out of body experience the more positive effects are achieved. However, the higher doses can be scary for some patients. You should always go into any treatments that involve hallucinations with as open a mind as possible and remember “you’re okay”. Ketamine if used properly is the best treatment I have had, I do not recommend trying by yourself, all introverts or Veterans with extreme avoidance should still go through a medical clinic under a doctors supervision.

[JacobO-qs]

As a chronic pain patient, I could not agree more !!! I get 50mg torches three times a day for pain. But in the ER they will push 40 mg through my IV over a 2 minute period and that works way better . Would love to do infusion therapy but it’s so expensive here in Wisconsin . Thank you for all your help and info !!!

[kennyregiecyadingus]

I’ve battled severe depression for 20 years thats been extremely debilitating. I can’t function or hold job . Been on every ssri you can think of including ECT and finally in process of doing ketamine treatment after I read about it for years . I’ve had high hopes . At moment I’m on my 5th treatment. For my personal experience the first few infusions we started 50 (guessing mg) Doctor just told me 50 . I’m little over 200 pounds and unfortunately I haven’t received any relief or positive experience during the infusion that I hoped I would or like I’ve seen on so many videos. I know there’s no magic drug out there that will change everything but was desperate for relief . This last 5th infusion we moved up to 125 dose . This was first time I had positive experience during the infusion . However I don’t know yet how I’m gonna feel next day yet as just received it . I have my last six infusion coming up in two days . I’m praying that this will be the one to help give me the relief i need or at least notice a difference . I’m scared and hopeful at same time because I don’t know where to go from here if this doesn’t work for me . I’m hopeful I get some relief after this six infusion . I’m really scared as well because I’ve tried everything in past and for so many years felt hopeless and didn’t want to bother even seeing a Physciatrist just to be put back on same ssri that I’ve already been on that’s never worked or just made things worse. I’m happy to see so many are getting the relief from this new ketamine infusion I’m just praying this last infusion will notice a difference as to whether or not i need to make the decision to continue with booster infusion in future as this has cost a lot and not something my family who’s paying for it can really afford to do. But obviously worth it if life changing . Wish everyone the best and hope I get same results as so many others .

[jamesjudge]

I have been taking ketamine infusions every 2 - 3 weeks for about 5 years. I have bipolar type one depression and while ketamine made a big difference I am anything but symptom free. You seem to have a more holistic and spiritual approach which really harmonizes with my state of mind these days. I would like to meet you. You have really good energy. Though I love my current doctor I have a strong feeling that I need to meet you. I will make an appointment soon.

Oh, how do you feel about ketamine spray - not the FDA approved byproduct, but actual ketamine spray made by a compounding pharmacy? I take it 4 times a day and it really helps. Namaste, James

[shishka]

Would the dosage vary depending on how it’s administered? Would a ketamine lozenge administered orally need a higher mg/kg vs the IV infusion? Or should it be the same across the board?

[AlexDelfont]

So when you say for example 0.5mg/kg, do you mean just that one dose per infusion? So for a 70kg person, you'd just give them one dose of 35mg? Or is it multiple doses over the course of many hours. Could you explain this, as I can't seem to find clear info about it

[teddywolf]

What does it normally “feel like” to receive Ketamine treatment? Obviously since it is administered in a clinical setting I’m not looking to abuse anything. MDD w/ Anxiety. Rated at 70% by the VA. I’ve tried celexa, Wellbutrin, sertraline, and another that escapes me at the moment. I’ve never felt any different. I just started looking at this but I’ve never used any hallucinogens (clinically or recreationally) and I’m worried that it may be too much. Any info is appreciated.

[kevincinar]

When doing the IV infusion, do you push the entire dose at once or divide them during the session?

[jimsutube]

I had my first 9 treatments with the standard .5mg/kg and had no lasting effect. My new doctor used 1.5mg/kg and my depression is basically gone. What is the highest dose before there are diminishing returns? I will admit I get quite the psychedelic experience at this dose (125 mg) over 40 min.

[Javelintup]

Definitely agree in the higher dose or it’s a waste of time

[evangalvin]

Right now I’m getting 77 mg and I am 151 kg. So that’s just slightly above .5 mg per kilogram and it’s a pretty scary experience for me. Definitely not getting any hallucinations or anything. Honestly it’s extremely anxiety causing and I feel like I don’t wanna have a heart attack in there. Also, my blood pressure starting out at around 126/75 and then sometimes it spikes up to 178/103 when I’m feeling really intense.

Today I tried taking the blindfold off to come back to reality a little bit because it was getting pretty intense in there. I’m mostly just worried about dying while I’m in there and seeing the blood pressure so high has been pretty worried. It did go down about 10 or 15 minutes after infusion was done, just wondering if you had any ideas or suggestions because like to try a higher dose but I’m concerned about my experience already. I also don’t wanna be wasting money with too low of a dose.

Do I have anything to worry about or should I just trust the process?

[smarie]

What about oral dosage treatments? Is 450 mg a lot?

[Roy-xeis]

I am 175 and was recommended 800mg after my initial 400 mg dose, which fits the math. I am expecting a heavy experience.

[Malchus]

I had a 1mg/kg treatment and it made me nauseated and dizzy with a headache...very uncomfortable.

[Robin-bklm]

1mg/kg IV is equivalent to 2mg/kg powder taken nasally. That is the low end of the k-hole. Be ready to enjoy and benefit and stay safe (lie down) during the 60-90 minute trip.

[hermajesty]

Did the whole Spravato regimen with great results first 2 treatments. The efficacy diminished with each visit though because they can’t up the dose. Having my first high dose ketamine infusion Tuesday 1/26/21. Pray for me 😉

[a.evansrn]

I am in 1.2 mg/kg and I don’t have any mystical fun visual journeys. Mine is just sinking and being sucked through a black hole. But that black hole leads me through dark pathways that I believe are my brain. I have to tell myself it’s okay and this last journey I lost myself at the end. But I eventually woke up. Still not feeling good today, the day after. Still feel I’m drugged