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How Ketamine Works Differently to Beat Depression?

If you or someone you love has been living with depression that isn't getting better, you know the drill: you try a new medication that either doesn't work or comes with a host of unpleasant side effects. So, you keep searching for something that will finally give you relief. Instead, you find yourself stuck in an endless cycle of medication after medication with no improvement. Ketamine infusions can help you find a breakthrough. Unlike traditional antidepressant medications, ketamine works quickly and effectively for many people. Still, we understand if you have questions about this innovative therapy. After all, it's easy to fear what we don't know or understand. That's why our team is here to help walk you through the process and answer your questions along the way. To start, here are a few things everyone should know about Ketamine infusions.


Ketamine Works Differently from Antidepressant Medications

For decades, the standard treatment for depression has been antidepressants, which focus on increasing levels of neurotransmitters, like serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons and play an essential role in regulating mood. However, these drugs can take weeks or even months to take effect, and they only work for some.


Ketamine Acts Rapidly

Ketamine works directly on brain receptors - proteins that receive chemical signals and affect things like pain and depression responses. Ketamine also indirectly affects neurotransmitters; rather than altering their balance, it restores it, bringing balance to one's mood. The mechanism through which ketamine works enables it to act more quickly than traditional antidepressants. That's why ketamine is known as a "rapid-acting" antidepressant. It's also why it's been used to treat pain for decades and is thought to be especially effective at treating depression.


Ketamine Is Not Addictive In A Clinical Setting

Ketamine has a wide margin of safety when administered in clinical settings. It's a myth that Ketamine for depression is unsafe. Of course, any drug that's abused or taken recreationally can have serious side effects such as addiction, psychological dependence, or overdose. When taken in a clinical setting, many patients could benefit from its unique properties. Ketamine infusions can offer patients significant relief from their symptoms. Because ketamine works on receptors rather than shifting neurotransmitter balances, it works drastically quick, almost immediately in most cases. It has particular efficacy for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.


Ketamine Infusion Therapy For Depression

Since ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants, and it works quickly, you could be hours or days away from relief! It's time to explore an innovation option for treating the depression, anxiety, and PTSD that is holding you back. Our compassionate team is here to help answer your questions about Ketamine infusions.

Citations​

Harvard Health Publishing

https://www.health.harvard.edu

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

https://www.nih.gov

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