At Illuminate IV Therapy, when we have a conversation with someone interested in Ketamine therapy, there’s always a lightbulb moment when they learn something new about how this revolutionary treatment has the potential to help them. That’s because in many cases, people haven’t explored viable options outside the traditional medicine and psychotherapy box.
Here are a few of the topics we cover with potential patients when our team conducts a consultation:
Ketamine Therapy Treats More Than Just Depression
Most of the attention focused on Ketamine therapy highlights its effectiveness in treating depression, but that just scratches the surface of how effective it is in treating other psychiatric conditions. The new train of thought is that most mental health conditions stem from the same source – and Ketamine is geared up perfectly to directly target that root cause. Studies have shown that Ketamine therapy can achieve positive results for individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder and even reduce suicidal ideations.
Ketamine May Be Effective When Other Medications Have Failed
There are various medications used to treat anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, you might consider ketamine treatment if you’ve tried different medication combinations or dosages without any relief in your symptoms. Ketamine is the only medication that targets the root cause of most mental health disorders – the excitatory neurotransmitter that “ramps up” your nervous system. Ketamine is also currently being used in conjunction with SSRI’s and even as an initial treatment option. Individuals who haven’t succeeded with traditional SSRIs often find that ketamine could be the answer they’re looking for.
If You Haven’t Responded to Traditional Therapies, Ketamine May Help
Cognitive behavior therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy can yield excellent results for many people who suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, or PTSD. But for some individuals it’s not enough to adequately address their symptoms. That’s why a combination of these therapies and ketamine therapy can often help people improve their mental health and simultaneously identify triggers that contribute to their mental health struggles. When these two therapies work synergistically, it can be very effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression that’s often challenging to address using traditional medications and psychotherapy alone.
Side Effects from SSRIs? Ketamine Might Be the Answer
The antidepressant drug that’s most prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). But they don’t work well for some people because of the side effects which can range from weight gain to dizziness, insomnia, and reduced sex drive. Studies have shown ketamine has only minor, short-term side effects and no recognized long-term side effects. During treatment, patients may experience mild dissociative effects or nausea, but medication can be given to reduce or eliminate these temporary side effects. Compared to SSRIs, ketamine’s side effects are relatively minimal.
Ketamine Therapy Can Deliver Rapid Relief
While treatments such as psychotherapy and anti-depressant medications can take weeks to provide relief. This waiting game also means mental health practitioners can’t quickly determine whether a treatment is effective, if doses or drugs need adjusting, or if a person is treatment resistant. Ketamine therapy can deliver positive results after just a few weeks. Many of our patients at Illuminate IV Therapy see significant improvement within a short time after their first infusion, which becomes more pronounced as they progress through their treatments.
If you or a loved one is battling anxiety, depression, or PTSD, ketamine is an option that’s definitely worth exploring. To learn more about whether you’re a good candidate for ketamine therapy and how the experienced staff at Illuminate IV can assist you in your journey to better mental health, contact us today for a consultation.
