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.

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

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