Ketamine therapy is one of a few new depression treatments that offer help to depression patients when more traditional therapies do not produce sufficient results. If you have tried other depression treatments and are still struggling, this may be something your psychiatrist recommends. Here are some key things to know about ketamine therapy and how it differs from other treatments.
Ketamine therapy employs ketamine, a dissociative drug used in anesthesia and pain management, to help relieve the symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including depression. Though ketamine has been used in medicine for decades, it has only recently been used to treat depression. Therefore, physicians exercise caution when prescribing ketamine therapy. This therapy can offer a number of benefits, including rapid onset of relief and a way to avoid side effects associated with traditional depression treatments such as antidepressants.
Like other depression treatments, ketamine comes with side effects, and some of the best results come from combining ketamine therapy with talk therapy. However, when considering this drug therapy, it helps to understand how it differs from other drugs, like antidepressants, used to treat depression.
A significant difference between ketamine therapy and the use of antidepressants is who it is recommended for. The ideal candidate is a patient with treatment-resistant depression. This is usually a person who has tried at least two antidepressant drugs without success. However, a psychiatrist may consider this therapy for candidates who cannot take antidepressant drugs or cannot cope with the side effects of these drugs. Also, because ketamine has been used illicitly as a party drug, it carries a risk of addiction. Therefore, those with substance use disorder are not good candidates.
Antidepressant drugs are largely administered via oral tablets or pills. However, ketamine is typically administered through an IV or nasal spray. In addition, with antidepressants, the medication is taken daily. Ketamine therapy is typically delivered in a series of treatments over several weeks, followed by maintenance treatments.
The large majority of antidepressants work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain that deal with depression. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain. This action increases the neurotransmitter glutamate, leading to a cascade effect that promotes new neural connections, improving mood and alleviating depression symptoms.
One significant complaint patients have about traditional antidepressants is how long they take to work. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can take weeks to months to kick in. However, ketamine therapy can produce faster improvements in symptoms. Many patients notice the effects just hours or days after treatment.
Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center works with all types of patients struggling to overcome depression. Every case of depression is unique, and what works for one patient may not work for another. Call our team today to learn more about ketamine therapy or to make an appointment to learn which therapy is right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hopetmsofny.com or call Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center at (646) 578-8152 for an appointment in our New York office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Ketamine Therapy in New York, NY.
A person’s mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it encompasses their emotional, psychological, and social wellness. Good mental health is necessary for someone to cope with stress, relate to others, make healthy choices, and live happy and productive lives. Here is how one’s mental state can impact every area of…
Depression treatment is one of the most common services a psychiatrist provides. Therefore, if you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. If symptoms of depression are interfering with your life and you are considering talking to a psychiatrist about it, here are some helpful things to know.Depression can refer to one of a…
A TMS doctor offers a form of brain stimulation that helps some with depression overcome their symptoms. This treatment offers many benefits that traditional depression treatment does not and has been successful where traditional treatments have failed. If you are wondering if a TMS doctor can help you, here are some key things you should…
Although often overlooked, mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether you have a mental disorder or are going through a difficult time due to external factors, a psychiatrist can provide professional help. You can also follow several self-care tips outside of treatment to help make your mental health journey easier.Self-care is crucial…
A person’s mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it encompasses their emotional, psychological, and social wellness. Good mental health is necessary for someone to cope with stress, relate to others, make healthy choices, and live happy and productive lives. Here is how one’s mental state can impact every area of…
Depression treatment is one of the most common services a psychiatrist provides. Therefore, if you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. If symptoms of depression are interfering with your life and you are considering talking to a psychiatrist about it, here are some helpful things to know.Depression can refer to one of a…