How Effective Is Ketamine Therapy for Depression?

You may have heard of a new approach to depression treatment: ketamine therapy. Although this is a new method, the drug ketamine has been used for decades, primarily as an anesthetic. Like with any new medical approach, you may be wondering how effective ketamine therapy is for treating depression. This review discusses precisely that, highlighting the safety and efficacy of the therapy for patients who have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Reviewing the efficacy and safety of ketamine therapy for depression

Patients should fully understand the purpose and expected results before starting any depression treatment. This general overview of the efficacy and safety of ketamine therapy is to help those who have been diagnosed with TRD make more informed treatment decisions. For more personalized guidance, we strongly encourage speaking directly with a wellness practitioner who understands ketamine therapy.

Ketamine therapy for depression explained

Ketamine therapy for depression can treat depression in individuals who have not found relief from alternative treatment methods. Many patients with severe depression or TRD have found relief with ketamine therapy. Ketamine is a type of drug that has been used for decades, though only recently has it been used to treat depression. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved ketamine therapy to treat TRD in 2019.

The efficacy of ketamine therapy for depression

Ketamine therapy can be highly effective for many patients. It reportedly helps reduce depression symptoms like sadness, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Consequently, many patients are able to improve their quality of life.

However, like with all treatments, results may vary. To see the full benefit of ketamine therapy, patients must follow the treatment plan that their wellness practitioner recommends. Additionally, the consistency at which the patient follows other parts of the depression treatment plan may impact the overall benefit. For instance, if a patient relies solely upon ketamine therapy, they may not see much (if any) benefit. However, if they continue psychotherapy, remain on any prescribed antibiotics, and seek lifestyle improvements, they are far more likely to see the desired relief.

The safety of ketamine therapy for depression

As an approved FDA medication, ketamine therapy is generally considered safe. However, its safety largely depends on how it is used. Keep in mind that ketamine therapy for TRD should only be used in a controlled setting, where a practitioner can monitor the patient. It should never be done at home or recreationally.

When administered appropriately in a comfortable and supervised office setting, any side effects are typically mild and brief. Specifically, the side effects that patients may experience include:

• Nausea
• Dissociation
• Drowsiness
• Headaches

For most patients, ketamine therapy places them in a temporary relaxed state that helps alleviate symptoms of depression quickly. In rare and severe cases, ketamine therapy may produce hallucinations and delusions (psychosis). Panic attacks may also occur, though these are incredibly rare.

When to consider ketamine therapy for depression treatment

Ketamine therapy is often an ideal treatment solution for patients who have been diagnosed with TRD. To receive this diagnosis, patients must have tried alternative treatments that have not produced optimal symptom relief.

Patients with a history of suicidal ideation and/or attempts at self-harm may benefit from ketamine therapy to help alleviate their feelings and attempts of self-harm. The ideal ketamine therapy patient has a realistic understanding of what results they can expect and understands that this therapy is just one part of a comprehensive depression treatment plan.

When ketamine therapy is not recommended for depression treatment

Ketamine therapy is not right for everyone. Patients who were recently diagnosed with depression and have yet to try any depression treatments should first seek relief with alternative treatments, such as psychotherapy and antidepressants. Patients who have recently begun an alternative treatment plan may also need to give the current treatment plan enough time to work before seeking ketamine therapy.

Additionally, ketamine therapy is not recommended for depression treatment if the patient has a history of blood vessel concerns, has an alcohol addiction, is pregnant, or has high cerebrospinal fluid levels.

Are you considering ketamine therapy? Contact us today

We encourage you to contact us today if you are dealing with symptoms of depression and would like to discuss ketamine therapy and other treatment options with a wellness professional. We can help you put together a treatment plan based on other treatments that you have tried in the past and your treatment preference. We are here to help.

Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.

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