Emergency physician Dr. Jennifer Ellice (MD) joins Heather Gray to demystify ketamine therapy, from its 50-year medical history to how it can rapidly shift mood disorders through neuroplasticity. Drawing on years in a busy ER and now co-founding a ketamine clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Ellice explains why ketamine is considered safe in clinical settings, how it differs from other psychedelics, what the Yale Protocol looks like in practice, and who is (and isn’t) a good candidate. You’ll hear clear, non-hype explanations of BDNF, astrocytes, the default mode network, and why some patients describe a single session as “years of therapy.”
Key Learnings & Takeaways (Short)
- What it is & safety: Ketamine is a 50+-year, hospital-used anesthetic with rapid on/off effects, safe when clinically monitored.
- Why it helps: For treatment-resistant depression, structured courses show ~60–80% meaningful remission, often faster than SSRIs/talk therapy.
- How it works (simple): Boosts neuroplasticity and BDNF; early research points to astrocyte and DMN effects that can open access to new insights.
- Protocols & formats: IV (most reliable brain exposure), intranasal (Spravato®), oral. Typical induction: 6-10 infusions over 2-4 weeks; many notice changes by infusions 3-4.
- Who it’s for / not for: Can help TRD, anxiety, PTSD, some chronic pain; avoid with psychosis, active mania, or poorly controlled cardiac/hypertension, medical screening required.
- Side effects: Usually transient nausea/dizziness; “K-hole” is rare with proper dosing and supervision.
- Expectations: It won’t change personality or help everyone; pairing with therapy/integration often makes gains more durable.
Resources
- Golden Afternoon Clinic (Los Angeles) — Dr. Jennifer Ellice’s clinic for clinician-guided ketamine therapy.
