Many people suffering from chronic depression are finally finding relief thanks to a promising new treatment called ketamine therapy. Not only does this treatment often come without some of the troubling side effects of traditional antidepressants, but also it is proving effective against one of the most difficult mental health conditions, treatment-resistant depression.
So, what is ketamine therapy? How do you decide if it is right for you? This article takes a closer look at this treatment to help you answer these and other questions.
Medical professionals have been using ketamine for decades. Its main medical use is for anesthesia, first used on soldiers on the battlefield during the Vietnam War. The drug is known as a dissociative and can produce feelings of deep relaxation. It can also put patients in a detached and dreamlike state. In addition, it is known for its psychedelic effects.
Widespread illegal and recreational use of the drug caused ketamine to fall somewhat out of favor in the 1980s and 1990s. However, during the mid-2000s, the medical community began to discover its potential for treating depression and other mental illnesses. Today, it is administered by IV, injection, or the FDA-approved nasal spray. Ketamine is safe and effective if used in a medical setting under the direction of a doctor. In addition, it is known for being effective quickly without some of the unpleasant side effects that come with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants.
A psychiatrist is a type of doctor who treats mental health disorders with medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiety medications. This is the ideal professional for assessing a patient's mental health and candidacy for ketamine therapy. After examining the patient and interviewing them about their condition, medical history, and other treatments, the psychiatrist will decide if the patient is a good candidate for this treatment.
The ideal candidate is a patient with treatment-resistant depression. This is a patient who has tried other psychiatric treatments for depression, such as various SSRIs, and has not found satisfactory relief. However, like all medical treatments, ketamine therapy is not for everyone.
Ketamine may not be recommended for those with certain psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. Those with glaucoma, cardiac problems, and other medical conditions should not use ketamine therapy. In addition, pregnant women, those under 18, and those with substance use disorders (SUDs) should not undergo this treatment.
If the psychiatrist decides the patient is a good candidate for treatment, they will design a plan specific to that patient. Though ketamine therapy is safe if overseen by a professional, there are certain short-term side effects patients should be aware of. Ketamine can cause temporary confusion, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Some can become agitated, and the drug can also cause an increase in blood pressure.
Patients should refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery on treatment days. Also, combining this treatment with other forms of therapy, such as talk therapy, is encouraged. Patients may need to avoid eating for three hours before certain forms of ketamine therapy. They are also advised to abstain from all other drugs, including alcohol and caffeine. A doctor will instruct the patient on how to handle their medications and give the patient additional instructions specific to that patient's treatment plan.
If you or someone you love suffers from depression, especially treatment-resistant depression, ketamine therapy may finally bring relief. Our practice is currently helping patients struggling with depression and other mental health issues. We are here to listen and help.
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.
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