Ketamine Treatment: Why Route of Administration Matters – Exploring IM and IV Ketamine for Precision Care in Mental Health and Chronic Pain
Introduction
Ketamine has emerged as a ground breaking treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety, as well as chronic pain conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), cluster headaches, and other neuropathic pain. At SABI Mind, we are committed to providing ketamine treatment through a personalized, evidence-based approach that meets the unique needs of each patient.
Safety and effectiveness of treatment are among the key pillars of our commitment to providing quality care to our clients. One of the ways that we seek to improve safety and treatment efficacy is considering the route of administration (ROA) used for ketamine treatment - that is, how the medication is delivered to the body. With the recent launch of our IV ketamine program, we now offer both intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) ketamine treatments, allowing us to take a precision approach to mental health and chronic pain care. In this blog post, we’ll explore why the route of administration matters and how IM and IV ketamine can be tailored to support your treatment journey.
Understanding the Basics - ROA
The most common routes of administration for ketamine include:
Sublingual (under the tongue)
Intranasal (absorption via nasal mucous membranes)
Intramuscular Injection (IM, usually via the deltoid muscle)
Intravenous Infusion (IV, directly into the bloodstream)
The nature of the differences between these ROAs lies in how they affect the absorption, distribution, onset of action, and overall efficacy of the drug. Factors such as bioavailability, convenience, and patient-specific conditions play a significant role in determining the most suitable route for each individual.
Sublingual (SL) and Intranasal (IN) routes are commonly used for ketamine treatment as they offer a simple and non-invasive means of delivery. These two methods have a bioavailability of 25-30% and 45-50%, respectively, which can make them less efficient and harder to dose effectively in standard-dosing contexts. However, they are well-suited for clients participating in low-dose (or psycholytic) treatment or those who experience needle phobia.
IM ketamine involves a simple injection into the muscle, where it is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream, yielding 93% bioavailability. This method is known for its relatively quick onset and ease of administration. IV ketamine is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an infusion, allowing for precise control over dosage and immediate effects, while boasting 100% bioavailability. When considering a precision approach to ketamine dosing, using ROA’s with a higher bioavailability means there are fewer variables to account for when striving for consistency in dosing and absorption of the medicine.
Why Route of Administration Matters – Precision in Treatment
The route of administration plays an important role in the effectiveness and personalization of ketamine therapy. For example, IV ketamine’s rapid onset, ability to adjust dosage in real-time, and ability to stop the infusion at any moment, make it particularly well-suited for older clients, clients with a more complex health profile, or those who are particularly anxious about the experience. It’s also an excellent option for some chronic pain clients who may require longer infusion sessions to achieve optimal results.
On the other hand, IM ketamine offers a more simple procedure, which may be preferable for clients who are new to ketamine therapy or who prefer a less invasive approach. The choice between IM and IV ketamine depends on factors such as the client's medical history, treatment goals, and personal preferences. At SABI, our team works closely with each patient to determine the best route of administration, ensuring a precision approach that maximizes therapeutic outcomes while prioritizing safety and effectiveness.
The Role of IM and IV Ketamine in Your Treatment Journey
At SABI, we are proud to offer both IM and IV ketamine treatments, giving our clients access to a wider range of options for their mental health and chronic pain care. Our dedicated medical team carefully evaluates each client's needs to recommend the most appropriate route of administration. Whether it’s the rapid, controlled delivery of IV ketamine or the straightforward, effective approach of IM ketamine, we are dedicated to providing safe, personalized care in a supportive environment.
Both methods are administered under close medical supervision, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort. By combining cutting-edge treatment options with a compassionate, patient-centered approach, we aim to help you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life. Our commitment to safety, effectiveness, and personalized care is at the core of everything we do.
At SABI, we believe that a personalized approach can make all the difference in your ketamine therapy experience. Whether you’re seeking relief from mental health challenges or chronic pain, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. When you're ready to explore your options further, we welcome you to reach out—we're happy to discuss how our client-centred approach to ketamine therapy might work for you.
To learn more, book in for a complimentary consultation here: https://www.sabimind.com/book-a-consultation
