Bigfork

Researchers are studying how oral ketamine can be safely used at home to treat adults with chronic conditions such as major depressive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and chronic diseases. The study builds on a previous pilot involving 500 participants, which showed ketamine may be safe and effective without therapy supervision. This larger study will last up to five years and aims to answer questions about when and how often ketamine should be taken, and which additional protocols might improve treatment outcomes. Participants will use oral ketamine at home following RIVER Foundation's protocols, which tailor dosing based on symptom severity, chronic condition history, and current medications rather than weight. The study uses digital technology to monitor effects and collects data on adverse events, which were minor in the pilot study. Oral ketamine doses come from a contracted compounding pharmacy to ensure accuracy. This study examines the safety and effectiveness of these home-based ketamine treatments and explores ways to enhance their benefits by managing factors like neuroinflammation. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed regularly over an average of five years using mental health scales including PHQ9 for depression, GAD7 for anxiety, and PCL5 for post-traumatic stress symptoms. Researchers will track changes in these scores to evaluate ketamine's impact. Safety monitoring includes observing adverse effects and overall participant well-being. The long-term follow-up aims to improve understanding of how oral ketamine can be integrated into treatment for chronic conditions, potentially offering a more accessible option for those affected.