If you or someone you love is suffering from severe depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression, ketamine may be the key to a brighter, healthier future. To help you determine if ketamine treatment for depression is the right choice for you, our ketamine clinic in Newport News, VA has provided answers some of the most frequently asked questions about ketamine for depression below.
You can also find helpful information about the ketamine infusion process in our Ketamine Therapy FAQs, or speak directly with our providers about your health and healing journey. To schedule a consultation, please call Illuminate IV Therapy at 757-863-7599 or send us a message.
As with all chronic illnesses, there is no cure for depression. However, ketamine has been shown to provide immediate and effective relief from the symptoms of depression.
Ketamine works through a distinct mechanism of action, unlike any other antidepressant medication. Unlike traditional medicines, which only sedate you to mask the effects of depression, ketamine targets the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, blocking it and effectively ramping down your nervous system.
In addition, ketamine increases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that helps neurons grow in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to the development of new thought patterns and belief systems, creating long-lasting effects. Therefore, ketamine works in a multifaceted approach to offer immediate short-term relief and long-acting effects.
No, a referral from a psychiatrist is not required for ketamine depression treatment. While provider referrals are welcome, an initial consultation with one of our providers can determine if you are a good candidate for ketamine therapy. Request a Discovery Call.
Ketamine therapy is typically recommended for individuals who have severe depression, or treatment-resistant depression, and those who are experiencing suicidal ideation. Several medical conditions can make ketamine treatment unsuitable or potentially unsafe. Conditions that may disqualify a patient include:
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While we cannot predict with certainty which patients will respond to ketamine treatment, research studies have found that when ketamine is used to treat mental health conditions, like depression, it is effective for 60-80% of individuals.
No, other antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), do not interfere with ketamine for depression. However, if you take benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Ativan, or you take lamotrigine in doses higher than 150mg per day, these medications can interfere with ketamine efficacy.
While we cannot predict with certainty which patients will respond to ketamine, it has been shown to provide immediate and effective relief for bi-polar disorder, PTSD, anxiety, OCD and other mood disorders in 60-80% of individuals.
The number of ketamine infusions you will need to feel mood improvement varies from person to person. Some individuals experience relief from depressive symptoms the day after their first infusion, but most individuals begin to notice significant improvements after 3 or 4 treatment sessions.
The effects of a single ketamine infusion typically last up to two weeks. After a series of seven infusions, some people could remain symptom-free for a lifetime. We also offer the option of booster infusions, which can be given monthly or a few times per year, as needed.