Over the years, research has shown that ketamine can be used to successfully treat severe cases of depression. Despite the success doctors had using it to treat depression, the drug was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration because of the risks associated with its use.
In March, the FDA finally approved the use of a ketamine derivative to treat severe cases of depression. The drug that the organization approved is a nasal spray known as esketamine, which is said to be helpful in treating patients who have become resistant to the standard depression treatments.
Before the approval of esketamine, the FDA had not approved the use of ketamine to treat severe cases of depression because there were some concerns about how the drug works and possible side effects, which include hallucination.
Despite the drug not being approved by the FDA, some mental health professionals have been administering it to their patients in nasal form, which they have found effectively treats depression in many cases.
Although it is known that ketamine infusions are effective when it comes to treating severe depression, researchers still do not fully understand how ketamine works as a treatment. According to research, there is evidence that ketamine infusions cause biochemical changes in the brain that help alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Even though no one has come up with a definitive conclusion as to how exactly the drug works, there is no denying its effects, especially when compared to traditional antidepressants. Ketamine infusions have an advantage over traditional depression medication because the medication commonly used to treat depression takes a few weeks before it starts to work. This is because the medication has to build up in the system before it becomes effective. Ketamine infusions work very quickly, with most patients feeling better the same day they took the medication.
According to some studies, an average of 70% of the people who received ketamine infusion treatment responded positively to it. In other studies, up to 85% of the patients that were given ketamine infusions got better.
As previously mentioned, ketamine used to be a party drug, so patients will experience some side effects if the drug is taken in high doses, and might need immediate medical attention. Some of the side effects associated with ketamine infusions include:
Psychiatrists advise patients who experience any of these side effects to get immediate medical attention.
Since there is still a lot of research being done on ketamine and ketamine infusions, some of its effects and medicinal value are still unknown. But, since a lot of psychiatrists have had success treating their patients dealing with depression, you should talk to your doctor about using it to treat your depression, especially if you have become immune to the antidepressants that you currently take.
Request an appointment here: https://futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Solutions at (803) 335-5232 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a complicated disorder, and ADHD treatment requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Successful treatment often involves a multi-faceted treatment plan tailored to the individual. Though there is no cure for ADHD, a psychiatrist can help manage it with the right combination of therapies and strategies.ADHD is a chronic…
Child psychiatry is an integral part of helping children through mental conditions, such as anxiety disorders. If you have noticed the symptoms in your child, there is no need to panic. A child psychiatrist can help young patients manage their anxiety disorders to minimize the impact on the child's daily life and overall development.It is…
Mental health conditions that negatively impact an individual’s emotional state are known as mood disorder. Through various strategies, a psychiatrist can minimize this impact. While prescription medication is a common one, it is not the only one. In most cases, a psychiatrist will recommend a strategy that combines medication and psychotherapy.There is more than one…
A person’s mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it encompasses their emotional, psychological, and social wellness. Good mental health is necessary for someone to cope with stress, relate to others, make healthy choices, and live happy and productive lives. Here is how one’s mental state can impact every area of…
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or mindful breathing exercises, can be especially helpful for ADHD…
Medication, such as beta-blockers and antidepressants, are not a cure for anxiety disorders.
Psychiatrists can employ various strategies to help patients manage mood disorders.
Good mental health is necessary for someone to cope with stress, relate to others, make…
If symptoms of depression are interfering with your life and you are considering talking to…
Here are some key things to know about ketamine therapy and how it differs from…