Ketamine was originally used as an anesthesia but in recent decades, it’s gained popularity as a treatment to treat depression.
It works differently in the brain compared to antidepressants – affecting chemicals that can disconnect a person from reality.
Ketamine helps people with depression who haven’t had success with other treatments.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how many ketamine treatments for depression.
How Long Does Ketamine Work for Depression?
Ketamine can help with depression and make you feel better. People can start to feel better after a few hours of getting ketamine.
That feeling has the potential to last for weeks, but it’s different for everyone.
Some people feel better for just a few days, while others feel better for several weeks.
It’s important to know that the effects of ketamine don’t last forever, so you might need more treatments to keep feeling better.
Ketamine Treatment for Depression
Ketamine has shown promise in treating depression and reducing its symptoms.
It’s a treatment that can help when other treatments haven’t worked or provided relief from depression.
During a ketamine treatment, a person visits a doctor’s office or clinic, where they are given an injection of ketamine, usually through an IV (into a vein).
The ketamine works quickly, often within hours, to lift a person’s mood and depressive symptoms.
A typical course of ketamine depression treatment involves getting 6 infusions over a few weeks.
How Does Ketamine Work for Depression?
Ketamine works for depression through its effects on the NMDA receptors in the brain.
Furthermore, ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, which may help trigger activity in the prefrontal cortex and stimulate the growth of connections between brain cells.
This “reset” of synaptic pathways is thought to help rapidly relieve depressive symptoms by increasing the synaptic availability of dopamine and serotonin.
How Many Ketamine Treatments for Depression
You might want to know about how many ketamine treatments are for depression. Let’s find out.
The exact number of shots and the frequency depends on the patient’s response and treatment protocols.
Some studies have used a course of six ketamine infusions given every 2-3 weeks.
Each shot takes around 40 minutes. The dose depends on how much someone weighs.
After this first round of shots, some patients may choose to get more ketamine shots later on, like every 3 months, to prevent the relapse of depression symptoms.
Though it’s different for each person, multiple ketamine treatments are often needed to help overcome severe depression; when it hasn’t gotten better with other treatments.
Getting several ketamine shots seems to work the best.
Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?
The goal of using ketamine for medical treatment of depression is not to induce a recreational “high” but rather achieve therapeutic benefits.
Nevertheless, most people will experience some dissociative and psychoactive effects during and shortly after a ketamine infusion.
These psychoactive effects tend to subside within an hour. Clinicians carefully monitor patients and administer lower doses than what would cause true hallucinations.
The dissociative effects are seen as essential to ketamine’s rapid antidepressant mechanism.
Conclusion
How many ketamine treatments for depression? Ketamine treatments for depression usually require 6 sessions. Although it depends on personal factors.
For more information, support and guidance. You can rely on us and visit Goodness Psychiatry.
FAQs
How many sessions are recommended?
The recommended number of ketamine sessions varies, but six initial sessions are a general recommendation.
Are there risks or side effects?
While generally well-tolerated, some patients might experience mild dissociation or nausea during sessions. It’s crucial to discuss potential side effects with healthcare providers.
Can ketamine replace traditional antidepressants?
Ketamine complements traditional antidepressants, offering rapid relief. However, it’s not a complete replacement, and decisions should be made collaboratively with healthcare professionals.
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?
Coverage varies, and it’s advisable to check with insurance providers. Some may cover ketamine therapy for specific indications.
How long do the effects of ketamine last?
Ketamine’s effects can often be felt within hours or days after treatment and may last for several weeks to several months
Can ketamine treat other mental health conditions?
Research suggests potential benefits for various mental health conditions, but consultation with healthcare providers is essential for personalized recommendations.
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