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. For many patients, ketamine therapy has been a lifeline in the fight against depression. It is a safe and regulated procedure.

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. The drug provides quick relief with minimal long-term side effects or addiction issues.

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. The doctor will monitor and care for the patient during the treatment to keep them safe and comfortable. There may be slight dizziness afterward, though this varies from patient to patient.

Myth: Ketamine is essentially a club drug

Ketamine, or "Special K," is a popular drug in the club scene. Ketamine, like any other illicit drug, can be deadly if used for recreational purposes. Recreational use of Ketamine is different from its professional use for depression. In fact, in 2019, the FDA authorized SpravatoTM, an esketamine nasal spray, for treating treatment-resistant depression. Recreational Ketamine dosages may be up to ten times greater than those prescribed for depression treatment.

Myth: Ketamine may be used as a one-time therapy

This treatment is quite successful, but it does not last long, and patients may require further infusions in the future. Six therapy sessions within a period of two to three weeks are required before the healthcare provider can customize the treatment plan to suit the patient’s specific needs. Until patients are well enough to visit the office as required, they will need to wait longer between treatments.

Most patients gradually reduce their frequency of visits until they are able to switch to occasional treatments. While many studies have been done on the first phase of therapy, the maintenance phase has not been studied as extensively since it has to be tailored to each patient's requirements and reaction to the medicine, like any other treatment. The medical team has extensive experience in smoothly transitioning patients through each stage of therapy so that they do not regress.

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.

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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