Ketamines Infusion For Treatment Resistant Depression
Depression symptoms can be an incredibly difficult condition to cope with. It creates a mindset of perpetual darkness, from which break is hard. Unfortunately, traditional antidepressants cannot promise relief. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are simply designed to reduce symptoms and make life more bearable.
Those suffering from major depressive disorder, as well as other mood disorders have hope. Promising ketamine research into treatment and management options that could lead to actual recovery has been ongoing since antidepressants were first introduced over sixty years ago. Though there’s still progress needed on this front, thirty percent don't respond positively right away, Those that take an oral antidepressant may take as long a several months before the antidepressants work.
While medications are intended to improve mood and quality of life, too often they have limited response or stop working after a period of time. With limited resources available for those affected by major depression, each person must take proactive steps towards managing symptoms so they don't become victims to its severity and potentially devastating consequences of severe depression. FDA approved ketamine treatments has forever changed hw mental health professionals will treat major depression and other mood disorders.
Breaking News, Ketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression Symptoms
Depression symptoms can be an incredibly difficult condition to cope with. It creates a mindset of perpetual darkness, from which break is hard. Unfortunately, traditional antidepressants cannot promise relief. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are simply designed to reduce symptoms and make life more bearable.
Those suffering from major depressive disorder, as well as other mood disorders have hope. Promising ketamine research into treatment and management options that could lead to actual recovery has been ongoing since antidepressants were first introduced over sixty years ago. Though there’s still progress needed on this front, thirty percent don't respond positively right away, Those that take an oral antidepressant may take as long a several months before the antidepressants work.
While medications are intended to improve mood and quality of life, too often they have limited response or stop working after a period of time. With limited resources available for those affected by major depression, each person must take proactive steps towards managing symptoms so they don't become victims to its severity and potentially devastating consequences of severe depression. FDA approved ketamine treatments has forever changed how professionals will treat major depression and other mood disorders.
Breaking News, Ketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression Symptoms
The good news is, the ground breaking research at Yale School of Medicine shows ketamine therapy shows huge promise for treatment resistant depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ketamine, you think of a club drug. Ketamine has been around for over 100 years. It was developed as a replacement for PCP, an anesthetic. Ketamine is a psychedelic medication that was used on the battlefield to save soldiers on the battlefield. It is a medication that helps relieve pain, has anti inflammatory properties and helped control blood loss, it has immune stimulating properties as well as the anti depressant effects.
Doctors and other health care professionals noticed that patients with suicidal ideation, after given ketamine, actually experienced significant improvement in their suicidal thoughts. In fact, these depressed patients denied suicidal thoughts after receiving a ketamine. Some reported that months later the suicidal ideation had not returned.
What is Racemic Ketamine?
Racemic ketamine is a form of ketamine infusion. Racemic ketamine is different from esketamine , which is an enantiomer of ketamine. Esketamine can be administered as a nasal spray.
An enantiomer is a molecule that has the same chemical composition as another molecule, but its atoms are arranged in an opposite configuration. Enantiomers have different physical and chemical properties, which makes them important for treating major depression, PTSD , bipolar disorder and unipolar depression.
Esketamine is an enantiomer of ketamine. Racemic ketamine, on the other hand, is a combination of both molecules and can be used to treat Treatment Resistant Depression with minimal side effects. Both forms of ketamine can offer hope to individuals suffering from Treatment Resistant Depression when used correctly. With patience and commitment to therapy, individuals can reclaim their lives and
A Nasal Spray Called Esketamine
In 2019 FDA approved esketamine for the treatment of depression. Intranasal ketamine is now a viable option for those seeking relief from treatment resistant depression. Esketamine nasal spray was initially studied at the Veterans Administration Hospital on veterans suffering from severe depression and PTSD.
Nasal spray called esketamine is produced by Johnson and Johnson under the name Spravato.
The method of delivery for esketamine nasal spray versus intravenous ketamine treatments may be different, but both treatments have proven to help those with treatment resistant depression.
Esketamine nasal spray rate of absorption will vary based on different factors. Things that impact rate of absorption with the spray include nasal congestion, mucosal layer thickness and nasal air-flow rate. These factors interfere with the absorption rate. So you are never sure how much ketamine has been absorbed by the body.
Ketamine infusions have the advantage of being absorbed by the blood stream. Both forms of ketamine will initially give you an altered sense of self during the treatment. Depending on the your response to the treatment, you will be given higher doses of ketamine. The benefits of being able to adjust dosage during the treatment according to patient response. Intravenous ketamine allows immediate treatment for adverse side effects.
Side Effect s Ketamine
Side effects of ketamine include mild sedation, dizziness, nausea, feelings of dissociation, and increased heart rate. A dissociative effect is a type of side effect that can occur after receiving IV ketamine . Dissociation is the feeling of being disconnected from one's thoughts, feelings, and environment, as if you are watching yourself from the outside of your body. It typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, but can sometimes linger for up to 24 hours after treatment.
Additionally, ketamine can cause some temporary fatigue or cognitive issues that may linger for up to 24 hours after treatment. It is important to rest after a ketamine treatment in order to allow the body time to recover.
Ketamine for Depression
The initial dose of esketamine is lower than the infusion, and then increased as necessary. Ketamines infusions gives the advantage of dose adjustment during the course of treatment to maximize relief from depression symptoms.
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression is ground breaking in the mental health field.
Clinical trials with ketamine infusions as well as with the nasal spray called esketamine, have been proven successful in providing more rapid antidepressant effects than prescribed antidepressants.
It is thought to produce antidepressant effects by targeting glutamate receptors in the brain, which can lead to an improvement in mood and symptom relief. NMDA receptors, a type of glutamate receptor, have been identified as targets for ketamine treatment and research suggests that NDMA receptor activation could play an important role in the antidepressant effects of a ketamine infusion .
The Benefits of FDA Approved IV Infusion Ketamine
Ketamine has also been associated with dissociative effects that may make it more tolerable for people who are intolerant of traditional antidepressants. This makes ketaminean attractive option for those looking for alternative treatments.
Research into ketamine is still relatively new. Nonetheless, preliminary results suggest there is a significant decrease in depressive symptoms, especially in those who suffer from treatment resistant depression. or other mood disorders. It is important to be mindful of the potential positive effects associated with ketamine treatment and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Ketamine research reports ketamine is an effective treatment for those who suffer from treatment-resistant depression, mood disorders, pain disorders, substance abuse bipolar disorder and decreases anxiety symptoms.
Ketamine works to reset the neural pathways of your brain, helping you overcome depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments. It improves the communication between brain cells. The course of treatment with IV infusions is tailored to each individual patient, as it has been found that different people require varying frequencies of infusions during the course. Treatment plans are designed to ensure long-term relief for those suffering from depression and can be discussed with the treatment provider.
Ketamine Treatments Protocol
The initial treatment will be the lowest therapeutic level. Treatment sessions are performed in a safe and sterile environment, and patients will remain awake throughout them.
IV ketamine starts out at lower doses. Increases from initial dose will be evaluated based on the antidepressant effect you may experience. A single dose in patients with treatment resistant depression, may feel improvement immediately. Others may experience subtle changes. It's important after the first dose to continue on your course of treatment. Many times family members will notice improvement in the depressive symptoms of a person suffering from major depression before the patient does. There are times significant improvement happens over a period of time. The infusions spaced out to allow the medication to take effect.
The standard protocol for IV ketamine is treatments every other day for two weeks to six weeks. This will depend on the provider. Then maintenance visits thereafter once or twice monthly. It is important to understand that ketamine therapy has the potential to bring about long-term changes in your brain, so it needs to be done correctly and consistently monitored over time. Possible benefits to infusions is if you experience adverse effects to the treatment , your health care provider can adjust your dosage immediately.
Possible Benefits of Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine works on the brain cells communication system. In the acute phase of treatment, ketamine helps to increase the connections to the brain. The brain's ability to heal can be seen on CAT scans or Pet Scans. The images of a depressed brain are like a tree in winter. Even at the lower dose, ketamine show improved communications between the brain cells. Over time, the brain goes from looking like a dead forest in winter, to a lush green forest in spring time. The NMDA receptors are impacted even in the deepest recesses of the brain.
The multiple benefits to treatment may include: improved mood and physical health, increased energy levels, reduced stress, better sleep patterns and more. With ketamine, individuals can finally feel the hope of recovery from treatment-resistant depression. Allowing them to reclaim their life.
A systematic review of ketamine studies have shown that the treatment is generally safe and effective for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. If you think this therapy could help you, it's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor to ensure that it’s right for you to improve your mental health.
FDA Approved Ketamine for Depression Versus Electroconvulsive Therapy
Patients with treatment resistant depression many times are offered electroconvulsive therapy in conjunction with oral antidepressants. Ketamine infusions can be a more attractive option than electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) due to their non-invasiveness, quicker response time and potential for long-term relief. Ketamine also does not require anesthesia or sedation, making it a less risky choice over ECT.
Side effects of electroconvulsive therapy are often more severe than those of ketamine . These may include confusion, headache, nausea and muscle aches for days after the procedure. In comparison, ketamine has been found to have minimal side effects and is generally well tolerated by patients.
For those suffering from unipolar depression, ketamine has been found to be an effective treatment over ECT.
How to Prepare for Your First Treatment of Ketamine
If you’re considering ketamine treatments, it is important to take the time to prepare. Make sure to talk with your provider about any potential risks and side effects before beginning treatment. You should also let them know of any other medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with ketamine. Additionally, it is important to arrive at each infusion well hydrated and on an empty stomach in order to maximize the effects and reduce any potential discomfort. Being hydrated is more important for those receiving ketamine in the nasal spray form. IV infusion ketamine will hydrate throughout your session.
Be prepared and bring an eye mask, music , or any other items that may help you relax during the treatment session. Treatment sessions are usually quite comfortable, so it is important to be open-minded and willing to try something new. Music should be chosen by the patient, and it is suggested that it be calming and without lyrics.
Some like a weighted blanket or special headphones or extra pilllows. Ask your provider if they offer these amenities or if you need to bring your own. . It is important to be comfortable during the treatment session so that you can relax and get the most out of your ketamine treatment.
Bring a journal and determine an intention for each session. For example, creating an intention such as “I am strong. I will get through this” can help to focus and keep positive thoughts during the session. Keeping a journal of your treatment experience is also important in order to document any observations or track progress over time.
Benefits of Talk Therapy with Ketamine
Benefits of talk therapy with ketamine include improved insight, empathy and communication skills. This can be especially beneficial for those suffering from major depression, anxiety symptoms and chronic stress. It allows the patient receiving ketamine to process their thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Additionally, talk therapy with ketamine infusion can help individuals better understand their depression symptoms and create a plan of action to manage them more effectively. It can also provide helpful tools and strategies for coping with stress and anxiety associated with depression. Journaling during your session may be gibberish to you at times. Other times, you may write clearly and discover the root causes of your feelings of depression and anxiety.
I have had many patients tell me after their ketamine sessions that they feel a sense of peace and calm. They have the ability to see things from a different perspective. I tell my patient 's and family caregivers, change your perspective, change your life. When you treat depression with ketamine, you will find that the things that upset you , or paralyzed you in the past, feels different to them. Patients have explained that they have the ability to feel unemotional towards subjects that caused them disturbing thoughts and pain.
Ultimately, ketamine works better with the combination of treatments. Ketamine and talk therapy are an effective path towards healing.
More on How to Treat Depression
Ketamine for depression allows you to be more open to suggestions. An experienced ketamine provider can use “talk therapy” during the procedure to help you learn coping skills and gain insight into your mental health disorder. The combination of ketamine treatment with talk therapy can be an incredibly powerful tool on the journey towards recovery.
If you are not able to work with a therapist during the ketamine session, I suggest that you see your therapist within a few days of treatments. A licensed mental health professional can do a systematic review of your symptoms and help work with you to overcome your depression and anxiety symptoms.
What to Look For in a Ketamine Provider
When looking for a ketamine provider, it is important to make sure they are experienced in providing IV ketamine or providing esketamine therapy. A reputable provider will have experience working with individuals suffering from treatment resistant depression and pain. They also have an understanding of the potential side effects of ketamine infusion.
In additionally, they should be knowledgeable about the benefits of talk therapy and its combination with ketamine for effective treatment.
Lastly, look for providers who provide individualized care and create a comfortable environment for their patients. This is key to ensure that each person feels safe and supported during their journey towards healing
Ketamine Works for Other Conditions
Other conditions that would benefit from ketamine therapy in addition to Treatment Resistant Depression include:
Chronic pain conditions such as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) , or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Substance abuse
Fibromyalgia
Neuropathies such as diabetic neuropathy
Ketamine infusions are known to be effective in treating pain and neuropathies. It has been found to be particularly successful for those who have failed traditional treatment options, such as medications and physical therapy.
The mechanism of action that ketamine takes on the nervous system is multifaceted, and it’s thought to produce its analgesic effects by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord, decreasing inflammation, and reducing sensitivity to pain signals.
While more research is needed on the long-term efficacy of ketamine therapy for neuropathy treatments, early studies suggest that ketamine infusions may offer an effective option for those with chronic pain or neuropathic conditions. If you suffer from a chronic condition like this, speak with your doctor to see if ketamine therapy could be a viable option for you.
For many individuals, ketamine infusions can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns with minimal side effects. Ketamine therapy is safe, non-addictive and has the potential to bring about long-term efficacy for those who suffer from these conditions. With the help of a trained medical professional, ketamine infusions offer a unique opportunity for individuals to reclaim their lives and regain their mental health. Reach out today to find out how ketamine therapy could work for you.
Reset Your Brain
Reset your brain with ketamine. Ketamine therapy, and can provide relief from depression. It has become a popular alternative to traditional antidepressant medications. Research suggests that it helps restore the brain's normal functioning and can be an effective way to manage symptoms of depression such as low mood, insomnia, anxiety and reduced interest in activities.
Ketamine is most often administered via an intravenous infusion over a series of sessions which are tailored to each individual patient’s needs. During these visits, experienced medical professionals will monitor your response to the treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary. With the help of ketamine therapy you can reset your brain and rebuild your emotional health in order to overcome depression.
Comments ()