Ketamine Infusions Versus Antidepressant Medication

Ketamine infusions are often effective in treating various mental health conditions. The fact is every patient with depression is unique. The treatment that works most effectively varies.

For many, antidepressant medication is incredibly effective. Others do not see the benefits they had hoped for from antidepressants. Ketamine infusions offer a better option. 

How ketamine infusions are unique

It is helpful to understand exactly what ketamine infusions are and how they compare to antidepressant medications when determining the best course of treatment.

The following is an overview of ketamine infusions, including what they are exactly, how they differ from antidepressants and when to consider treatment. 

What are ketamine infusions?

Ketamine infusions are a relatively new form of treatment. Mental health professionals often administer it to patients with severe depression or mood disorders. Especially for those who do not see results from other forms of antidepressant treatment.

Ketamine has been around for decades and used for pain relief and anesthesia. However, only in the past decade or two has it been applied for depression treatment. Many people are stunned by the success it has had with patients. 

How are ketamine infusions different than antidepressants?

Antidepressant medication is one of the main ways mental health professionals treat patients with depression. It is incredibly effective in many instances. Unfortunately, however, it does not relieve the symptoms of every patient. This leads many with depression and other mental health conditions to feel somewhat hopeless.

Ketamine infusions often pick up where other treatments fail. Psychiatrists often recommend ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant depression. The main difference comes in the way it works. Whereas most antidepressants target serotonin and norepinephrine, ketamine infusions target glutamate, which is a different type of neurotransmitter.   

When to consider ketamine infusions

There are several reasons why a mental health professional might recommend ketamine infusions to patients. Most commonly, it is administered to treat moderate to severe depression, particularly depression that does not improve through antidepressant medication. Ketamine infusions might also work to treat mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts and nerve-related pain.

Anyone who struggles with symptoms of a mental health condition is encouraged to visit a mental health professional for assistance. 

How the treatment process works

Since ketamine infusions are relatively new to mental health practice, it is sometimes a secondary solution. This means patients with depression, suicidal thoughts or a mood disorder might try antidepressants first. If they do not work as effectively as they need to, however, then the mental health professional might recommend ketamine infusions and help the patient through the procedure, which is painless and safe. 

Talk to a mental health professional about treatment

If you struggle with symptoms of depression or another mental health condition and are interested in learning more about ketamine infusions, then reach out to us and schedule a time to visit with our team. We can provide you with more information about your treatment options and help you come up with the most effective form of recovery, allowing you to live a more fulfilled life. 

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.

Recent Posts

Managing Mood Disorders: Effective Strategies From Psychiatrists

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…

Exploring The Intersection Of Mental Health And Wellbeing

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…

Discussing Depression Treatment Options With Your Psychiatrist

Depression treatment is one of the most common services a psychiatrist provides. Therefore, if you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. If symptoms of depression are interfering with your life and you are considering talking to a psychiatrist about it, here are some helpful things to know.Depression can refer to one of a…

How Ketamine Therapy Differs From Other Depression Treatment Options

Ketamine therapy is one of a few new depression treatments that offer help to depression patients when more traditional therapies do not produce sufficient results. If you have tried other depression treatments and are still struggling, this may be something your psychiatrist recommends. Here are some key things to know about ketamine therapy and how…

Don A. DuBose, M.D., M.S.

Share
Published by
Don A. DuBose, M.D., M.S.

Recent Posts

Managing Mood Disorders: Effective Strategies From Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists can employ various strategies to help patients manage mood disorders.

4 weeks ago

Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Good mental health is necessary for someone to cope with stress, relate to others, make…

2 months ago

Discussing Depression Treatment Options With Your Psychiatrist

If symptoms of depression are interfering with your life and you are considering talking to…

3 months ago

How Ketamine Therapy Differs From Other Depression Treatment Options

Here are some key things to know about ketamine therapy and how it differs from…

4 months ago

How a Ketamine Doctor Can Help Treat Mental Health Conditions

Wondering whether a ketamine doctor can treat your mental health condition? Read on to learn…

5 months ago

Visit a TMS Doctor for Depression Relief

According to Harvard Health, over half of people with treatment-resistant depression have experienced a clinically…

6 months ago