Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for many years in medical settings as a sedative and pain reliever. However, in recent years, ketamine has gained attention as a potential treatment for depression. Research has shown that low-dose ketamine infusion can produce a rapid and significant antidepressant effect in people who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications.

Ketamine is believed to work by increasing the levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, in the brain. This leads to the growth of new neural connections and may help to restore the brain’s ability to regulate mood. Ketamine treatment for depression typically involves a series of intravenous infusions over a period of several weeks.