Ketamine infusion therapy for depression is a great option for people living with treatment-resistant depression who haven’t had much success with the results from traditional depression treatments like antidepressant prescription medications. However, before considering ketamine infusion for depression as a treatment, it’s important to ask questions about this treatment. This way, you can determine if this is a treatment you want to consider and if you may be a good candidate.
Some frequently asked questions about ketamine infusion for depression include:
Ketamine is a medication that is approved by the FDA for use in treating depression and a number of other diagnoses. At first, it was used as an anesthetic for surgical procedures. But, recently, it has been discovered that it has a place in the mental health field as it can help to reduce symptoms of issues like Fibromyalgia, PTSD, and of course, treatment-resistant depression.
It can be helpful for people looking to get help for depression to know whether or not ketamine infusion therapy works. All in all, ketamine infusions are very successful in helping to reduce the severity and frequency of depressive symptoms. In fact, it is recorded that up to 80% of patients who choose to utilize ketamine infusion therapy report a reduction in the severity and frequency of depressive symptoms.
Many people may wonder if they need to ask their primary care physician for a referral to use ketamine therapy as a method to treating depression symptoms. However, people who are living with depression can simply just go to a mental health provider that offers this type of treatment to determine whether or not they can receive this type of treatment. So, no, you don’t have to get a medical referral first.
Ketamine infusion therapy is a simple procedure that involves getting an IV typically administered in your arm or hand. Once the IV is placed, the medication will be introduced into your bloodstream. This takes about 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, you’ll sit down and relax. Some people find the treatment sessions very calming and relaxing and you may even want to take a brief nap! After the medication is administered, the IV will be removed. It’s suggested that you wait a few minutes before getting up and moving around as some people may feel lightheaded directly after infusions. And, it’s also suggested that someone take you to the appointment as you will not be able to operate heavy machinery after treatment sessions. Overall, ketamin infusions are non-invasive and simple.
Want to know if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you and your depression? Delray Beach Psychiatrist offers outpatient ketamine treatment for depression. Find out more about this service, our practice, and how to become a patient from our website today.
