Although antidepressants relieve depression symptoms, they are not always effective for everyone. In such cases, you may need ketamine therapy. The Sandy Springs interventional psychiatry team at Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions offers two types of ketamine therapy, including Spravato and IV ketamine. The following are reasons to consider Ketamine therapy:
You have treatment-resistant depression
In medicine, there is always trial and error until you determine a treatment that works for you. These antidepressants often work for about 20% of depression patients, meaning that a large percentage of people have no way to relieve their disturbing symptoms. Research shows that people with treatment-resistant depression often respond well to ketamine therapy and can resume their daily activities easily. When beginning treatment, your provider may prescribe antidepressants to alleviate your symptoms. If the medications prove futile, they recommend ketamine therapy.
You desire quick relief with minimal side effects
Ketamine therapy works fast. Some patients report experiencing relief and a boost in their energy levels an hour after treatment. Although it may take one hour to complete one treatment session, its positive effect on your mood disorders is worth the time. You will likely experience decreased suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm after the first dose. Although the treatment can cause side effects such as dizziness and nausea, they resolve quickly. Ketamine therapy rarely causes any allergies, making it one of the safest and most effective depression and anxiety treatments.
You struggle with severe anxiety
Experiencing anxiety occasionally is a normal way that your body communicates in case of danger or when anticipating a job interview. However, in some cases, the anxiety can go overboard, interfering with your performance at school and work. If you have severe anxiety that won’t respond to traditional treatments, your provider may recommend ketamine therapy. This treatment lessens anxiety, enabling you to concentrate on your daily activities.
You are willing to shoulder the expense
Despite its tremendous results, ketamine therapy is not FDA-approved, meaning insurance does not cover it. This is among the reasons why your provider may recommend other treatment options before settling on ketamine therapy. Studies are underway to prove the treatment’s efficacy and get approval from the FDA, making it available to everyone.
What to expect during treatment
During your appointment, Dr. Giles will discuss the two types of ketamine, including IV ketamine and Spravato. IV ketamine involves using a catheter and needle to deliver the substance into your bloodstream through your arm for about 60 minutes. Spravato, on the other hand, involves spraying the medication into your nasal passages under your provider’s supervision. Dr. Giles uses ketamine doses lower than those used for anesthesia to ensure you are awake throughout the treatment.
You may experience mild dissociative feelings, which disappear within a short while. However, if these feelings are too uncomfortable, your provider has a solution to resolve them. You will typically receive ketamine therapy 2-3 times a week for about three weeks. If your symptoms improve within these three weeks, your doctor may reduce the frequency of these treatments to one monthly treatment session.
If you have treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, call Dr. Giles or book your spot online for ketamine therapy.
