ASHEVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) \u2014 Ketamine clinics have been growing in popularity as an alternative depression treatment, but after the death of celebrity Matthew Perry, questions about the drug\u2019s safety have intensified.<\/p>\n
For Stephanie, a local mother who asked that her last name not be used, ketamine therapy has been life-changing. <\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, most of my life, I can remember experiencing feelings of depression, but pretty intensely since I had children postpartum and then after,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Stephanie\u2019s depression was so severe she couldn\u2019t fully be present with her children. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy depression was impacting my relationships in a way that I was not happy,\u201d she said. \u201cI was feeling like I was starting to, you know, impact my family in a negative way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Traditional treatments fell short<\/p>\n
After trying other antidepressants that increase serotonin in the brain, Stephanie said she \u201cjust never quite got to where I really wanted to be.\u201d Three years ago, she discovered ketamine therapy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you go through a session, what is it like?\u201d FOX Carolina\u2019s Kari Beal asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a little bit of an out-of-body experience. However, I will say I\u2019m always very aware that I\u2019m having an experience,\u201d Stephanie explained. \u201cHonestly, I\u2019ve never felt afraid or that I get out of touch with myself. It\u2019s very relaxing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stephanie receives her treatment with a therapist present for every session. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Medical supervision is crucial for safety<\/p>\n
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\u2019s ever had anyone experience problems during ketamine treatment, Parris said no.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople use the term bad trip when they take a mind-altering drug and they\u2019re in a club with 1,000 people they don\u2019t know,\u201d Parris said. \u201cWe provide a setting where they\u2019re medically safe, they\u2019re supported by staff, they\u2019re in a comfortable room, and, you know, supported throughout their whole treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regarding Matthew Perry\u2019s death, Parris emphasized the importance of proper medical supervision. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe first thing that happens is the ketamine is only administered by a provider, a physician, nurse practitioner, or a PA who\u2019s had specific training,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Parris noted that in Perry\u2019s case, the actor obtained ketamine illegally and took a high amount with no supervision.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis 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,\u201d Parris said.<\/p>\n
Positive results for families<\/p>\n
When asked about addiction potential, Stephanie said she\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn fact, I think that was most encouraging for me is to see the positive input that I\u2019ve gotten from my family and the happiness that they have for how they see it\u2019s 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to note that ketamine is an off-label drug for depression, meaning it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n