Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence

Our Treatments

Intravenous (IV) Ketamine

IV ketamine is as an anesthetic medication that is also used for treatment resistant depression. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that IV ketamine has rapid and robust antidepressant effects in individuals who continue to suffer from depression, despite trying numerous antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. IV ketamine is used 'off label' for depression, meaning that it has not been Health Canada approved for this specific indication. 

Intranasal (IN) Esketamine

Esketamine nasal spray is a Health Canada and FDA-approved treatment for treatment resistant depression. Esketamine is an add-on treatment, specifically approved for use in addition to an antidepressant medication (e.g., SSRIs/SNRIs) for individuals that have not responded to two or more antidepressants. 

Oral Ketamine Tablets

Ketamine is compounded into an oral tablet that dissolves under your tongue. Oral ketamine is used off-label for treatment resistant depression. Initial clinical trials have shown promising results; however, oral ketamine is less studied compared to IV ketamine and nasal esketamine.  Oral ketamine is associated with significant dissociative effects, similar to IV ketamine. As such, oral ketamine is administered in the clinic where you are monitored by trained healthcare professionals to ensure a safe and supported treatment experience. Of note, you cannot take oral ketamine tablets home as doses are exclusively administered under direct monitoring in the clinic.

Interested in learning more? Contact the CRTCE.