Authors: Jason Chang, DNP, ARNP-C
Affiliations: AVYIA
Corresponding Author/Contact: jason.chang@avyia.com
Abstract
Mrs. Anesthesiologist Momma, a 38‑year‑old physician and mother, experienced persistent mild‑to‑moderate postpartum depression since 2020. After SSRIs failed or caused intolerable side effects, she sought ketamine microdosing through AVYIA alongside her ongoing Wellbutrin regimen. Within days, she noted reduced alcohol cravings, improved morning outlook, and gentle, non‑dissociative relief—enhancing her mood and supporting healthier lifestyle changes.
Background
Postpartum depression can persist beyond the peripartum period, undermining maternal well‑being and infant care. First‑line antidepressants often provoke side effects—such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction—that lead to poor adherence. Novel interventions, including ketamine microdosing, may offer rapid symptom relief with minimal disruption to daily life.
Introducing the Research
Conducted by Jason Chang, DNP, ARNP‑C at AVYIA, this case study evaluates the impact of a structured ketamine microdosing protocol on mood symptoms, alcohol cravings, and overall functioning in a busy physician‑mother.
What You’ll Learn
How low‑dose ketamine can complement standard antidepressants without significant dissociation.
The potential for ketamine to attenuate addictive behaviors (e.g., nightly alcohol use).
Practical integration of microdosing into a demanding professional and parenting schedule.
Breaking Down the Research Article
A. The Big Question
Can personalized ketamine microdosing improve mood and reduce alcohol cravings in a patient with chronic postpartum depression unresponsive to SSRIs?
B. How They Did It (Study Design & Methods – Simplified)
Patient Profile: 38‑year‑old anesthesiologist, mother of one, diagnosed with postpartum depression in 2020.
Previous Treatments: Zoloft (discontinued due to weight gain/sexual side effects), ongoing Wellbutrin with partial benefit.
Trigger for Change: Self-education on ketamine’s antidepressant mechanisms and consultation with AVYIA.
Protocol:
Oral ketamine microdose (10 mg) every third evening over 4 weeks.
Concurrent therapy: Continued yoga practice and follow‑up coaching.
Lifestyle adjustments: Dietary improvements and reduced alcohol consumption.
C. Key Findings (The Takeaway)
Reduced Alcohol Craving: End‑of‑day desire for wine dropped from 2–3 drinks to occasional sips.
Morning Hopefulness: Woke feeling “more hopeful and less overwhelmed” on 5 of 7 mornings per week.
Minimal Dissociation: Reported “very few dissociative effects… nothing scary… just relaxing.”
Synergistic Benefits: Improved sleep quality and motivation to restart healthy habits weekly.
“It’s amazing…the ketamine has been wonderful… so much better for my liver than booze lol!”
D. What Does This Mean For You? (Implications & Significance)
For Busy Mothers & Providers: Low‑dose ketamine can fit seamlessly into professional and caregiving routines.
For Addiction Management: Microdosing may reduce reliance on substances used to self‑medicate mood disturbances.
For Holistic Care: Combining ketamine with lifestyle interventions (yoga, diet) amplifies therapeutic gains.
E. Important Considerations & Limitations
Single‑Patient Data: Broader studies are required to confirm generalizability.
Self‑Reporting Bias: Reliance on patient‑reported craving and mood metrics.
Microdosing Safety: Long‑term effects of repeated low‑dose ketamine require further study.
Conclusion: Integrating Ketamine Microdosing for Postpartum Wellness
Recap
Mrs. Momma’s experience demonstrates that ketamine microdosing can rapidly enhance mood, diminish alcohol cravings, and support healthy habit formation in treatment‑resistant postpartum depression.
Future Directions
Randomized trials should assess dose‑response relationships, sustainability of benefits, and potential synergies with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
Call to Action
If traditional antidepressants leave you wanting more, consider discussing personalized ketamine microdosing with a licensed provider to explore its potential for safe, rapid relief and improved quality of life.
