IV Ketamine Therapy is a Breakthrough Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
Ketamine Therapy Q&A
What is ketamine therapy?
IV ketamine therapy is a revolutionary therapeutic approach to treating depression and anxiety disorders. Ketamine therapy is significantly more effective than all other pharmaceuticals, is very safe, and has no side effects. It is usually life-changing. Ketamine is a prescription drug that physicians use as an anesthetic during surgery. However, infusions of ketamine are also highly effective at relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.
Several scientific studies, including those conducted at Yale University and the National Institute of Mental Health, have shown that low dose intravenously administered ketamine can dramatically improve symptoms associated with depression and many anxiety disorders. Often, even when other treatments have failed to provide any relief, IV ketamine is effective.
How does ketamine therapy treat depression?
Ketamine has an effect on the NMDA receptors in your brain. The medication binds to the receptors and increases the amount of glutamate, an important neurotransmitter in your brain. Glutamate activates brain receptors to improve communication between neurons and can create new pathways.
This process significantly improves symptoms of depression and does so quickly. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to fully work, you can experience the benefits of ketamine shortly after treatment.
The effects of ketamine therapy also can provide long-lasting relief of depression symptoms.
Ketamine therapy impacts both mood and anxiety disorders with positive treatment outcomes for the following diagnoses:
- Depression, Chronic Depression, and Treatment Resistant Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post Partum Depression
- All Anxiety Disorders
What can I expect during ketamine therapy?
All new patients have a series of six infusions spaced over two or three weeks. Each infusion is 40 minutes long, painless, and well tolerated. Most patients experience significant relief during the series and many remain symptom free for extended periods of time following the initial treatment protocol.
To treat depression, Dr. Sreepathi delivers a specific dosage of ketamine into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This dosage is much lower than it might be for surgery. You receive infusions in a comfortable, calming environment, and he continues to monitor your vitals during your therapy for your own health and safety.
After your ketamine treatment, you may experience side effects like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Changes in perception
Dr. Sreepathi can monitor these issues, which typically resolve soon after your infusion is complete.
You can expect to go home after your appointment. Dr. Sreepathi can determine if you need additional ketamine infusions based on your treatment results and the severity of your depression. Typically, a series of infusions provides optimal relief of depression if ketamine is working well for you.
