**California legalizes ketamine for treatment-resistant depression**
**SACRAMENTO, Calif.** — California became the first state in the United States on Tuesday to legalize ketamine for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression.
The legislation, AB 2295, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and goes into effect immediately.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been shown to have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in people with treatment-resistant depression. It is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly in a clinical setting.
AB 2295 allows licensed physicians to prescribe ketamine for the treatment of depression in adults 18 years of age or older who have not responded to at least two other antidepressant medications.
The bill was authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) and was supported by a coalition of mental health advocates and organizations, including the California Psychiatric Association, the California Psychological Association, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Low said in a statement that he introduced the bill because he has seen firsthand the devastating effects of treatment-resistant depression.
“Ketamine has the potential to be a life-saving treatment for people who have exhausted other options,” Low said. “This bill will give Californians access to this important medication and help them get their lives back.”
Dr. Kimberly Ho, a psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco, said that ketamine is a “game-changer” for the treatment of depression.
“Ketamine has been shown to be effective in treating depression when other medications have failed,” Ho said. “This bill will allow more people to access this life-saving treatment.”
The legalization of ketamine for the treatment of depression in California is a significant step forward in the fight against this debilitating condition. It is hoped that other states will follow California’s lead and make this important medication more accessible to people who need it.
**Background on ketamine**
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for decades in medical settings. It is typically used for short procedures, such as endoscopies and colonoscopies.
In recent years, ketamine has been shown to have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in people with treatment-resistant depression. It is believed to work by blocking a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which is involved in the regulation of mood.
Ketamine is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly in a clinical setting. It can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. However, these side effects are typically mild and transient.
**Ketamine for depression**
Ketamine has been shown to be effective in treating depression when other medications have failed. It is typically used as a last resort for people who have not responded to at least two other antidepressant medications.
Ketamine can provide rapid relief from depression symptoms. In some cases, people report feeling better within hours of receiving an infusion.
The effects of ketamine can last for several weeks or months. However, it is important to note that ketamine is not a cure for depression. It is a treatment that can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
**Ketamine therapy**
Ketamine therapy is typically administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed physician. The medication is typically given intravenously or intramuscularly.
The dosage and frequency of ketamine infusions will vary depending on the individual patient. Some people may need only a few infusions, while others may need ongoing treatment.
Ketamine therapy is generally well-tolerated. However, there are some potential side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. These side effects are typically mild and transient.
**Ketamine and the future of depression treatment**
Ketamine is a promising new treatment for depression. It is a medication that can provide rapid relief from symptoms and improve quality of life for people who have not responded to other treatments.
It is hoped that ketamine will continue to be studied and developed as a treatment for depression. It is a medication that has the potential to change the lives of millions of people who suffer from this debilitating condition..
