Nowadays, ketamine therapy has become probably the most popular alternative way to treat depression. Commonly, physicians use ketamine therapy for pain. As ketamine was initially created to treat pain during surgeries, such use of this medication is off-labeled. It shows amazing positive outcomes for the treatment of depression and such-like mental deviations. It has been approved by the FDA and many clinics throughout the USA successfully use this medication to help people who suffer from depression.
Thus, it makes sense to figure out how does ketamine therapy works. It can be administrated it two ways, which are either intravenous injection or nasal mist. Both methods successfully overcome the negative consequences of depression. They renew the chemical balance in our brain blocking glutamate receptors, which sometimes build up abnormal levels of the protein that leads to depression and similar psychological problems.
One of the most important properties of ketamine therapy for depression is the speed of the effects. They get manifested in several hours while antidepressants begin to work after several days. It quickly rebalances neurotransmitters and receptors that are responsible for our mood and emotions. It’s remarkable that the substance begins to work when it withdraws from the system.
In most cases, physicians prescribe ketamine infusion therapy. Its effects are more effective and lasting. If a nasal mist is applied, you should know that its main substance is ketamine. It has replaced ketamine due to legal issues. Ketamine is patented to be used only as an infusion. Esketamine has the necessary patent to be applied in the form of a nasal spray.
What Other Diseases Does It Treat?
It’s well-known that the administration of ketamine is associated with the treatment of different kinds of pain. Thus, you may see indications such as ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain and ketamine infusion therapy neuropathic pain. It likewise treats other psychological diseases. For example, ketamine therapy for PTSD is applied. Amongst such-like diseases are:
- Bipolar disorder;
- Anxiety disorder;
- Panic disorder;
- Certain phobias.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Ketamine is a very powerful medication and sometimes it may induce definite unwanted reactions. The possible ketamine infusion therapy side effects are:
- Increased blood pressure;
- Violated heartbeat;
- The lightness of the head;
- Euphoria-like effects.
Their severity is mild and transient. They quickly disappear and don’t cause severe health problems. Nonetheless, there are no reports on a prolonged course of treatment. Most experts recommend taking a short-term course with ketamine to avoid serious health problems. Most patients excellently tolerate this therapy.
Ketamine therapy runs in a simple way. Three infusions are administrated during the first week, two during the second week, and after that, it’s administrated once per week during the next three weeks. After this period passes, patients go to the maintenance phase. Patients should pass the procedure once per month. Before you begin the therapy, consult a specialist. It may be contradicted to be used if you have some severe heart ailments. Besides, it’s contradicted with several kinds of medications.