What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Have you heard the buzz about ketamine therapy?

Over the past several years, it has emerged as a game-changing treatment for complex mood disorders. It’s rapid, it’s robust…it’s transformative! More and more people with treatment-resistant mood disorders have responded to ketamine therapy better than other therapies and medicines available on the market.

Ketamine truly is remarkable and the buzz is true. It does more than just alleviate symptoms…it changes lives.

Even though ketamine infusion therapy is gaining popularity, we understand that you still might have some questions. So, let’s explore the world of ketamine and how it’s become a life-altering treatment for many people.

The History of Ketamine

To better understand the significance of ketamine in mental health, we need to rewind the clock. Ketamine was discovered in the 1960s by scientist Dr. Calvin Stevens. Shortly after its discovery, it was used as an anesthetic in both humans and animals quickly followed.

Around 1970, ketamine was approved by the FDA as an anesthetic. Now, decades later, it’s back in the medical spotlight because of its newfound ability to relieve the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.

Fact: There hasn’t been a new depression medication since the introduction of Fluoxetine (Prozac) in the 1980s. That is until 2019 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two new antidepressants, esketamine and brexanolone.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) changed the way we treated depression They continue to help many people, and for that, we are thankful. But the truth is, medications only bring relief to about a third of patients who suffer on the first trial.

Then on the second attempt, when a second medicine or a combination of medicines are tried, about another one-third of patients respond. And those responses aren’t always complete. Sometimes they’re partial improvement of symptoms. Now, Ketamine offers a fresh, new approach to treating depression.

Ketamine Therapy has become a breakthrough treatment in mental health care.

A New Chapter in Mental Wellness

Now, fast forward to 2024, and ketamine continues to gain popularity, for good reasons. Ketamine infusion therapy has been effective for so many people because it works differently than other medications.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that primarily focus on modulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, IV ketamine operates through the modulation of the glutamate system, paving the way for a new approach to treating depression.

The science behind how ketamine works differently is complicated, and there’s actually more to learn, but the main takeaway is that ketamine works in multiple areas (and systems) of the brain. Ketamine essentially improves the function of brain mechanisms that have been severely impacted by chronic depression, stress, and anxiety. This can lead to rapid changes in neural connectivity.

Sometimes ketamine is referred to as a "neural fertilizer”. To help give you a visual, think about the fertilizer you use in your yard to help improve the condition of the grass. Instead of grass, this “neural fertilizer” encourages the growth of new synapses and helps strengthen existing ones.

This synaptic rewiring is where the game-changing magic happens!

Ketamine Can Provide Rapid Relief

Traditional medications for depression can take weeks or months to take effect. On the other hand, patients undergoing IV ketamine treatment may notice improvements in mood and mental well-being within hours or days.

Ketamine's influence on the glutamate system triggers rapid and profound changes in neural connectivity. The ability to encourage the growth of new synapses and enhance synaptic plasticity leads to a rapid relief of symptoms.

Some patients experience relief within hours, which is essential for suicidal ideation. It's like lifting a weight off your shoulders or turning the light on after living in darkness for years.

Can Ketamine Infusion Therapy In Apex, NC Help Me?

It's possible! Ketamine therapy has helped many people break free from debilitating symptoms of depression and gain renewed clarity and hope. But, like any therapy or medication, ketamine isn't for everyone. There is a small percentage of people who don't respond to ketamine therapy, and neuroscientists are working hard to figure out why.

At the North Carolina Institute of Advanced NeuroHealth, Ketamine is effective in about 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression. 

Unlock The Promise of Ketamine Therapy Today

Do you suffer from depression, and common treatment options remain unsuccessful?

Do you want to feel the effects of treatment faster than traditional therapies?

In the journey towards mental wellness, choosing the right support can make all the difference. If you or someone you love is considering the transformative benefits of IV ketamine therapy for depression, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.

We understand the weight that mental health challenges carry and the courage it takes to seek help. With a commitment to personalized care and a focus on your well-being, our dedicated professionals are ready to be your partners in this transformative process.

Together, we can navigate the path to healing, offering not just treatment but genuine understanding and support. Reach out to us, because your journey to a brighter, more resilient future starts with the compassionate care our team is eager to provide. There is hope, and you don't have to face it alone.