The Facts and Myths About Ketamine for Depression

The use of ketamine for depression is becoming popular, especially among patients who have tried several medicines without significant improvements. Read on to learn about ketamine as a treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 14 million Americans suffer from depressive symptoms each year. Unfortunately, many individuals who seek therapy never recover or find relief from their severe or chronic depression. There have been several myths about ketamine, and this article aims to counter those myths with the truth.

Myths and facts about ketamine for depression

The following are some of the myths and the truth about ketamine for depression:

Myth: Ketamine is a horse tranquilizer

The truth is that ketamine is used as an anesthetic in veterinary procedures in the same manner as in human medicine. The distinction is that the dosages given to bigger animals are far higher than those given to people for mental health therapy. Therefore, when ketamine is called a “horse tranquilizer,” it brings up images of potentially lethal medication. However, ketamine is not just used on horses — it is used on a wide range of animals, and the animal’s size determines the dosage.

Myth: Ketamine use can cause addiction

Another popular misconception about ketamine is that it will lead to addiction. While ketamine is not physiologically addictive, when it is abused for recreational purposes, it can be psychologically addictive. It is, however, safe when given by a medical professional in a supervised setting. Patients who get ketamine for depression will be given safe doses, and the therapy will be provided by a medical professional.

Myth: Ketamine poses a risk to the human body

There is a misconception that ketamine treatments are hazardous to your health because of the dangers of recreational ketamine use. When high dosages of ketamine are used in dangerous circumstances, the drug’s adverse effects, such as loss of consciousness and psychosis, occur. However, when patients are given ketamine infusions for depression by experienced healthcare professionals, these dangers are not present.

Myth: Ketamine treatment is painful

Ketamine treatments are given as an IV infusion, so there is no discomfort. Pre-infusion uneasiness and needle anxiety are the most common forms of pain reported by patients. If the patient is uneasy around needles, they can bring some headphones and some calming music for relaxation. During the treatment, the doctor will monitor and care for the patient to keep them safe and comfortable. There may be slight dizziness afterward, though this varies from patient to patient.

The bottom line

Infusions of ketamine are a game-changing therapy for depression. With ketamine therapy options, doctors have recorded remarkable results with patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. However, it is critical to educate individuals about the hazards and benefits of ketamine usage and misuse. By dispelling the myths surrounding it, more patients may be able to benefit from this therapy option. Contact us today to learn more about ketamine for depression.

Get more information here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718

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