ASHEVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) — Ketamine clinics have been growing in popularity as an alternative depression treatment, but after the death of celebrity Matthew Perry, questions about the drug’s safety have intensified.
For Stephanie, a local mother who asked that her last name not be used, ketamine therapy has been life-changing.
“Honestly, most of my life, I can remember experiencing feelings of depression, but pretty intensely since I had children postpartum and then after,” she said.
Stephanie’s depression was so severe she couldn’t fully be present with her children.
“My depression was impacting my relationships in a way that I was not happy,” she said. “I was feeling like I was starting to, you know, impact my family in a negative way.”
Traditional treatments fell short
After trying other antidepressants that increase serotonin in the brain, Stephanie said she “just never quite got to where I really wanted to be.” Three years ago, she discovered ketamine therapy.
“When you go through a session, what is it like?” FOX Carolina’s Kari Beal asked.
“It’s a little bit of an out-of-body experience. However, I will say I’m always very aware that I’m having an experience,” Stephanie explained. “Honestly, I’ve never felt afraid or that I get out of touch with myself. It’s very relaxing.”
Stephanie receives her treatment with a therapist present for every session.
“It’s a very experiential process and I felt like it would be even better if I could go through that with someone trusted, with a professional who was already familiar with me and who I have a good rapport with,” she said.
Medical supervision is crucial for safety
Stephanie has been seeing certified nurse practitioner Keith Parris, who co-owns Hydrate Medical in Asheville and Derive Health in Charlotte. When asked if he’s ever had anyone experience problems during ketamine treatment, Parris said no.
“People use the term bad trip when they take a mind-altering drug and they’re in a club with 1,000 people they don’t know,” Parris said. “We provide a setting where they’re medically safe, they’re supported by staff, they’re in a comfortable room, and, you know, supported throughout their whole treatment.”
Regarding Matthew Perry’s death, Parris emphasized the importance of proper medical supervision.
“The first thing that happens is the ketamine is only administered by a provider, a physician, nurse practitioner, or a PA who’s had specific training,” he said.
Parris noted that in Perry’s case, the actor obtained ketamine illegally and took a high amount with no supervision.
“His assistant, who had no medical training at all, was administering this drug. He gave him the drug and then left him alone in a hot tub or a whirlpool,” Parris said.
Positive results for families
When asked about addiction potential, Stephanie said she’s never experienced cravings for the drug outside the clinical setting. Since beginning ketamine therapy, both she and her children have noticed significant improvements in her mental health.
“In fact, I think that was most encouraging for me is to see the positive input that I’ve gotten from my family and the happiness that they have for how they see it’s impacted my life in a way that has brought me a lot of happiness and satisfaction and given me a lot of hope, to be honest,” she said.
It’s important to note that ketamine is an off-label drug for depression, meaning it’s not FDA-approved for this specific use but is allowed. There is one FDA-approved drug called Spravato, a nasal spray that also must be taken in a clinical setting. This is often covered by insurance.
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