How Does IV Ketamine Work?

If you’re like so many others suffering from treatment-resistant depression, it can sometimes feel like there are no other options than the traditional medications you’ve already tried.

But, thanks to an emerging form of treatment that works completely differently compared to typical antidepressants, more and more people are finding relief from chronic mental health conditions like depression – and you can, too.

What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine, a medication traditionally used as an anesthetic, is increasingly being studied and found effective in treating depression. This treatment, known as ketamine infusion therapy, has shown promising results in providing rapid and often potent relief from depression symptoms.

But how does ketamine infusion therapy work? To begin, a patient is given a small dose of the medication intravenously (through a vein) in a controlled medical setting. This initial dose is designed to produce an immediate antidepressant effect. Over time, additional doses may be given to maintain this effect and potentially increase its potency.

How IV Ketamine Provides Rapid Relief

One of the key advantages of ketamine infusion therapy is its ability to provide rapid relief from depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take several weeks or even months to start working, ketamine can significantly improve mood and well-being within hours or even minutes of administration.

This rapid onset of action makes it a potentially valuable option for individuals experiencing severe and treatment-resistant depression.

How Does Ketamine Provide this Rapid Antidepressant Effect?

Traditional antidepressants alter serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, leading to more favorable mood swings and better feelings overall. For example, SSRIs help keep serotonin from being broken down, so that more remains in the brain. But not everyone responds favorably to this process, and if they do, the harmful side effects may far outweigh the benefits on mood.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine works by targeting the neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter responsible for signaling cells, playing a key role in treating depression. This makes it a unique and potentially effective option for individuals who have not responded well to traditional treatments

How Ketamine is More Potent than Standard Medication

In addition to its rapid onset, ketamine is more potent than traditional antidepressants. According to studies, a single dose of ketamine is more effective at reducing symptoms of depression than several weeks of treatment with traditional antidepressants.

What does this mean for those who haven’t found any success with traditional antidepressants? It means that IV Ketamine can offer relief when other treatments have failed.

Start Treating Your Depression Today

OLike other treatment options, ketamine infusion therapy is not without its potential side effects, such as temporary dizziness, headaches, and disassociation. However, these side effects are typically infrequent and short-lived. Overall, IV Ketamine is a safe and effective treatment for depression that doesn’t come with the intolerable side effects of medications.

Furthermore, its rapid onset and potent effects make it a valuable addition to the treatment options available for those suffering from this debilitating condition.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy has helped countless people take back their lives from the grips of severe depression. And at the NC Institute of Advanced NeuralHealth, we’re here when you’re ready to see how it could be your life-changing answer, too.

Schedule a free consultation today to determine if IV Ketamine is right for you!