Ketamine treatments have shown themselves to be valuable allies in the fight against many conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain. But, like any drug, not all applications deliver the same results. Two popular applications of ketamine treatment—IV and sublingual, or under the tongue—have varying degrees of effectiveness and side effects, making the decision to pursue one type or the other a personal one.
The Difference Between IV and Sublingual Treatments
The way a ketamine treatment is administered, in this case via IV or sublingually, can impact its effectiveness and degree of noticeable side effects. Each application has its benefits, but many practitioners tend to support the belief that IV ketamine treatments offer a greater impact and quicker response time.
First, let’s look at what makes the two applications different. Sublingual ketamine treatment is a form of ketamine that is administered orally under a patient’s tongue. While some of the drug is absorbed by the surrounding tissue, much of it is sent along a less direct route. Sublingual ketamine is digested and absorbed by a person’s intestine in its original form, after which it’s sent to the liver to be processed in metabolites. The metabolites finally enter the bloodstream at this point and begin to take effect. This form of application requires a patient to follow a strict protocol for maximum effectiveness, but also costs a bit less than IV treatments and is more easily accessible through a wider range of doctors.
IV ketamine treatment is administered directly to a patient’s bloodstream in a more controlled way. Because the effects of the drug are more easily monitored, a larger dose can be given. By bypassing the digestive system, more of the drug reaches its target—the brain—and, as a result, delivers quicker and perhaps more effective relief.
Important Pros and Cons
IV and sublingual ketamine treatments vary greatly in how their side effects are experienced, too.
Ketamine treatment is known for having mild side effects that usually won’t affect the rest of your day following a session. However, sublingual treatments can cause more noticeable and long-lasting side effects like hallucinations and increased blood pressure due to the way the liver metabolizes the drug. Alternately, IV treatment can produce elevated blood pressure and feelings of dissociation, but because of the way the body processes the drug, they quickly pass.
Ultimately, which type of ketamine treatment you choose will be unique to your situation. But understanding the many things to consider—cost, side effects, efficiency of the treatment—can help you to make a better-informed decision that will deliver the highest benefits.
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