Ketamine for Depression
Considering Ketamine for Depression??
by: Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD, FAPA.
Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. It is important to note that I am not a medical professional, and the information provided here is for general knowledge purposes. Always consult with a healthcare professional before seeking any treatment.
1. Consultation: Before receiving ketamine treatment, you must consult a mental health professional or psychiatrist to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate. This may involve discussing your medical history, current medications, and the severity of your depression.
2. Preparation: If it is decided that ketamine is suitable for you, you will likely receive instructions on preparing for the treatment session. This may include fasting for several hours before the appointment and arranging transportation, as you may not be able to drive immediately after the treatment.
3. Administration: Ketamine can be administered in various ways, including intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection, or as a nasal spray. The most common method for treating depression is intravenous infusion, which involves a slow drip of ketamine into your bloodstream over a period of approximately 40 minutes to an hour. Your healthcare provider will determine the dosage and frequency of treatments.
4. The ketamine experience: During the ketamine infusion, you may experience altered perceptions, such as changes in how you see, hear, or feel things. Some people report feeling dissociated from their bodies, experiencing a dream-like state, or having vivid imagery. These effects are generally short-lived and subside as the ketamine wears off.
5. Monitoring: Throughout the infusion, a healthcare professional will monitor your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, to ensure your safety during the procedure.
6. Recovery: After the treatment, you will be given time to recover in a quiet, comfortable space. The dissociative effects of ketamine typically wear off within an hour, but you may still feel drowsy or disoriented. Having someone accompany you home is essential, as you may be unable to drive or operate heavy machinery for several hours following treatment.
7. Follow-up: Ketamine treatments for depression often involve multiple sessions over a period of several weeks. You may have follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to assess your response to the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
8. Results: Many individuals report rapid improvements in mood and reduced depressive symptoms following ketamine treatment. However, the duration of these benefits varies, and some people may require additional treatments or maintenance therapy to sustain their improvement.
Overall, the experience of receiving ketamine for depression can be a unique and transformative one for many individuals. It is essential to approach it with an open mind, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations, and maintain open communication about your progress and any concerns you may have.