Ketamine Treatment for Depression: What You Should Know

Chronic depression is a draining mental disorder. If you have been struggling and have had little success with traditional treatments, a psychiatrist may recommend ketamine treatment to ease your symptoms. Patients preparing to undergo this treatment may reap the greatest benefit by knowing the basics of how it works and what to expect at every step of the way.

How ketamine treatment works

Also known as ketamine infusion therapy, ketamine treatment has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat clinical depression. It works by providing a sense of detachment from the body and the world, bringing about positive changes in mood, such as euphoria and relaxation. Heightened senses are also common after ketamine treatment. For example, patients often report feeling like they are seeing colors for the first time.

It is important to remember, however, that ketamine treatment is designed to be supplementary. Patients are encouraged to discuss their realizations and experiences in treatment with a licensed mental health professional.

Is ketamine safe?

While there is a stigma surrounding ketamine due to its illegal recreational use, it is safe and effective when delivered under the supervision of a medical professional. Not only has the treatment been approved by the FDA, but it has been used in mental health settings since the mid-2000s. In addition, its medical use dates back to the Vietnam War, during which it was used as anesthesia.

When it is recommended for depression

A psychiatrist may recommend ketamine treatment for depression when the patient has had little to no success with traditional therapy and prescription medication. Typically, this means the patient has:

• Has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Has not responded to at least two types of antidepressant medications
• Has not responded to psychotherapy, even with the help of medication

Note that a psychiatrist may also recommend ketamine treatment for patients who cannot take prescription medication. This may be due to an allergy, intolerable side effects, or other health factors. Patients who have not tried medication but are interested in ketamine treatment should consult a psychiatrist for personalized advice.

What to expect from ketamine treatment

Even though every patient's treatment plan will be unique, there will be some similarities. For instance, more than one ketamine treatment session is needed to produce results. Here is a closer look at what patients can expect when undergoing this effective depression treatment:

Multiple infusions

Ketamine infusion therapy comprises a series of sessions–typically six–spread over the course of 12 to 21 days. Patients can expect to feel the effects of ketamine as soon as in the first session; this is in stark contrast to having to wait weeks for an antidepressant to provide relief.

Further, the positive effects of ketamine therapy are known to last several months after treatment ends. Some patients may, however, need booster treatment sessions to maintain results. A psychiatrist will help determine whether a booster is needed.

A supplementary treatment

Ketamine treatment is meant to complement other depression treatments. Therefore, even though some patients may need booster sessions, others find that the treatment acts as a buoy, easing symptoms so they may progress in therapy. It is similar to an antidepressant, as it is designed to provide short-term relief. By the time ketamine treatment and therapy are over, the patient should be at a place where their depressive symptoms do not interfere too much with their day-to-day life and overall sense of well-being.

What it feels like

Ketamine is a dissociative drug, which means it helps patients enter a detached, dreamlike state. It has some hallucinogenic effects, as well. Thus, many patients report changes in thought processes, perception, and consciousness in addition to the mood changes mentioned previously. For most patients, these sensations feel like a positive, even spiritual, experience.

Potential side effects

Unfortunately, some patients feel confused and anxious due to the drug's dissociative effects. Per the FDA, other potential side effects include:

• Feeling intoxicated
• High blood pressure
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision changes (blurred vision)

There is also the potential for ketamine treatment to exacerbate the symptoms of an existing psychotic disorder or substance use disorder. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under the age of 18 may not be the best candidates for this treatment. A psychiatrist will evaluate a patient's risk for developing negative side effects when discussing ketamine as a treatment option.

Contact us to learn more

Ketamine treatment may be the key to relief from hard-to-treat depressive symptoms. If you or someone you love has been struggling, contact our team for more information. We help patients in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas.

Request an appointment here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718 for an appointment in our Myrtle Beach office.

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