Ketamine for Depression
Clinical depression is so much more than “the blues.” It is a debilitating mood disorder that can disrupt almost every aspect of your life. Though there are plenty of treatments available, they don’t always work the way we wish they would—if at all. If you’re struggling to find a treatment for depression that works for you, ketamine may hold the relief you need. Call San Antonio Ketamine Specialists at (210)960-6998 to schedule your ketamine infusions.
How does ketamine work for depression?
Where depression disrupts your life, ketamine disrupts depression. The exact way that ketamine works to relieve depression symptoms isn’t yet completely understood. However, research suggests that ketamine increases the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain. Traditional antidepressants work by increasing serotonin and dopamine and then glutamate. Ketamine has also shown to increase BDNF “Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor”. BDNF is integral for the formation of new neural networks and pathways.
Is ketamine safe for depression?
Yes. Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic and is routinely used off-label for treating several treatment-resistant mood disorders, including depression.
What should I expect from my treatment?
When you come into our office for your infusion, you will get your own private room. Your care provider will be with you during the duration of your infusion for your comfort and safety. A sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine will be administered through an IV for roughly 45-60 minutes. Following the completion of your infusion, you will remain in the office for a 30-minute recovery period.
Your experience during treatment will be unique to you. You may feel disassociated from your body and notice a change of perception in sound, color, and time. These effects of ketamine will subside once the treatment is over. However, you may continue to experience nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness.
Give yourself grace after your treatment. Your brain has done a lot of work, and it will continue to do a lot of hard work after your treatment is over.
You will need someone to drive you home after your treatment.
Are there any side effects of ketamine for depression?
You will experience the effects of the ketamine during your infusion. However, the effects of ketamine will stop shortly after the infusion has ended.
Am I a good candidate for ketamine infusion therapy for depression?
Most people dealing with depression are good candidates for ketamine. Talk to your mental health care provider or call San Antonio Ketamine Specialists if you are experiencing:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Medication or treatment-resistant depression
- Looking for rapid relief from depression symptoms
Take your life back today.
If treatment-resistant depression is getting in your way of really living your life, it’s time to explore new options. We are committed to giving you your best chance at relief. Call San Antonio Ketamine Specialists today at (210)960-6998 to schedule your free consultation!