Commonly known as an anesthetic, recent studies highlight the potential for ketamine to offer fast relief from PTSD and anxiety symptoms where traditional therapies fall short. Ketamine can be particularly effective, especially in treatment-resistant cases. However, the drug is still a controversial treatment due to abuse and ethical concerns. Telemedicine leader Direct Meds is increasing medication accessibility and supporting ketamine’s transition as a mental health treatment without compromising the need for medical oversight. The company offers highly personalized experiences at surprising speeds, providing patients with education, ongoing support, and the insight of medical professionals. Medical research has unveiled the antidepressant effects of ketamine. It has been shown to increase neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, reducing the intensity of PTSD and anxiety symptoms by repairing neural pathways and reducing hyperactivity in fear responses. Ketamine infusion makes noticeable improvements to PTSD symptoms within 24 hours and usually lasts several weeks after treatment. Repeated infusions can lead to sustained symptom reduction. These benefits are much faster than traditional antidepressants, which take weeks to show efficacy. Image credit: DirectMeds Despite the research supporting ketamine’s application for mental health treatment, much of society remains unsure about its safety. Not much is known about the long-term effects of ketamine infusions and like any medical treatment, abuse and dependency can become an issue. These concerns are reinforced by the public’s recognition of ketamine as an illicit party drug that should be strictly forbidden from clinical environments. Ketamine can be highly addictive, and in rare cases, trigger dissociative effects and increase anxiety. However, other alternative drug therapies have reshaped what many practitioners believe is necessary to manage chronic conditions like PTSD and anxiety. Cannabis, a highly stigmatized hallucinogen, has entered mainstream medicine in America. It can be used medically in almost all of the US states. These advancements in alternative treatments should prompt society to rethink why ketamine can’t also improve quality of life. When used in low doses and administered in controlled environments, ketamine can promote mood enhancement, emotional processing, and relaxation without inducing hallucinogenic effects. Practitioners usually infuse 25 to 50 mg of ketamine, a much lower amount than traditional anesthetic applications. On top of the stigmatization of ketamine infusions, patients have limited opportunities to access these treatments. Few providers offer ketamine infusions and those that do may be too far or expensive for consistent visits. Direct Meds believes that telemedicine holds the key to improving treatment accessibility without neglecting the need for medical oversight. The company offers a customer-centric process for accessing weight loss medication. Direct Meds has a qualified team of nurses and doctors, who work hands-on with patients to create tailored treatment plans. While they specialize in prescribing and dispensing FDA-approved weight loss medications, Direct Meds partners with clients to improve their long-term health. This process usually begins with weight loss but can eventually include hormone replacement therapy and dietary supplements. Co-founder Chris Armstrong is passionate about optimizing the patient healthcare experience, and this extends to obtaining specialized treatments like ketamine. After recovering from a serious cancer diagnosis, Chris’ sister sought out ketamine infusions as a way to repair the brain damage caused by her previous condition. The treatments became pivotal for her wellness journey, enhancing her ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Low-dose ketamine infusions can be completed up to five times a week depending on a patient’s needs. Direct Meds is adding this treatment to its services but remains dedicated to curbing abuse. The company conducts rigorous medical history reviews on top of the initial screening process patients go through. Direct Meds practitioners are also required to have video consultations with a patient and complete a medical questionnaire before suggesting ketamine treatment. The company also partners with third-party clinics to ensure the drug is administered in safe, monitored environments. “Direct Meds provides everything a patient needs to counteract chronic conditions, optimize their well-being, and ultimately build the life they desire,” Chris says. “This includes exploring the role emerging treatments like ketamine play in a patient’s physical and emotional health. We offer specialized care, and our team strongly believes that innovation is a pinnacle to discovering greater health outcomes.” In the next five years, Direct Meds aims to become a preferred telemedicine provider for patients across America. The company hopes to set a new standard for care in the process, reimagining how patients are treated and supporting medical innovation that may revolutionize health outcomes. During this time, ketamine infusions are projected to become a standardized therapeutic practice with scientifically supported benefits. The post Emerging Treatment Options Offer Renewed Sense of Hope: The Promise of Low-Dose Ketamine for PTSD and Anxiety appeared first on LA Weekly.