Introduction
Depression is not just about feeling low and sad. It affects most people worldwide and is a serious and disabling condition. Generally, it is treated with antidepressants and is effective. But their effectiveness is seen after a few weeks of use. These antidepressants usually work by acting on brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Waiting to see changes in your symptoms can be frustrating. But no worries! You have another option if you have been struggling with depression for a long time, and medicines are not working well for you.
That is Ketamine. It is a drug that works on NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, associated with the glutamate system. Glutamate system! Depression? How are they related? You might have questions about glutamate, but do not worry; I have answers for you. Glutamate is another brain chemical that can cause depression. In the body, glutamate helps with brain development, memory, and nerve growth. When this glutamate is off balance, it contributes to depressive symptoms. Let us explore how Ketamine acts and treats depression.
How Does Ketamine Work?
Nowadays, people are becoming aware of Ketamine’s use in depression. And they are curious to know how it works. Is Ketamine prescribed for depression? According to a few studies, Ketamine in all its forms binds to brain receptors and stimulates a chemical called glutamate. The role of glutamate in the brain is to control mood. When glutamate balance is low or not normal, it can lead to depression. Making you feel less worried. Therefore, by stimulating glutamate, Ketamine helps improve brain function and emotional balance.
Not just this, Ketamine also releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuroplasticity and enables the brain to form new connections. And here is what Ketamine does: it rewires the negative thought patterns and makes it easier to overcome depression.
A few research scientists have reported that sometimes depression may be caused by an abnormal functioning of nerve cells. This happens when the nerve cells miscommunicate. Therefore, people with chronic depression may not find relief. When Ketamine is given, it breaks loose these nerve cell connections, and a person will feel better within some time of administration.
The biggest advantage of Ketamine use is that it works speedily. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which take weeks to show results, Ketamine can provide relief in as little as an hour of administration. Ketamine can also be used for anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Types of Ketamine Treatment for Depression:
One major type of Ketamine treatment for depression is Esketamine. It comes as a nasal spray. It gives new hope for people who have not responded to at least two different types of antidepressants. Esketamine can also be used along with other antidepressants.
Esketamine is administered under medical supervision. After each Ketamine dose, patients are monitored for at least two hours to observe for any reactions or adverse effects. At first, Esketamine was allowed to be given only with antidepressants, but the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved that Esketamine will work.
Ketamine is not just an esketamine nasal spray; it is also administered intravenously, by injection, and in oral formulations. Esketamine is known to be beneficial for depression.
Oral Ketamine has shown efficacy in reducing anxiety and depression, though its bitter taste can be masked. Oral Ketamine dosage for depression is 0.5 mg/kg daily. Sublingual and subcutaneous Ketamine have also been shown to have sustained benefits. Subcutaneous provides greater convenience for clinical use but can cause mild irritation at the injection site.
How Effective Is Ketamine for Depression?
Research has shown that Ketamine can quickly relieve depression, even in people who have not responded well to other treatments. Unlike standard depression medication that takes weeks to show its efficacy, a single dose of Ketamine can start improving symptoms within hours. This relief may last for a week.
Ketamine mainly focuses on NMDA receptors in the brain. Hence, it regulates mood and brain activity. Ketamine can also improve severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm. When given intravenously, you may feel relief within two to four hours. Many people have testified that they experience symptomatic relief for almost a week after one dose of Ketamine.
It has been studied that Ketamine is safe at low doses and has no major adverse effects. While Ketamine has been shown to be effective with one dose, long-term management is yet to be known. However, due to its fast-acting nature, Ketamine is considered a treatment option for treatment-resistant depression.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy?
Risks of Ketamine Therapy: Ketamine therapy for depression may carry various risk factors during depression treatment. They are:
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Depending on Ketamine, because of its immediate effect.
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After using it for some time, people may develop a tolerance to Ketamine and may not see the effects that they had at first.
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Improper usage of Ketamine can damage the bladder.
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Esketamine nasal spray can cause cognitive impairment.
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People who have developed a Ketamine addiction may also experience apathy.
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Misuse of Ketamine.
Esketamine nasal spray comes with a “black box” warning, so one must be careful while taking it without medical supervision.
Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy: Ketamine is not known for its long-term efficacy. Hence, when Ketamine is used at higher doses for depression, it can cause some side effects like any other medication. Side effects of Ketamine therapy for depression are:
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You might feel dissociated or like floating.
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You try to compromise easily, and your ego gets dissolved.
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Dizziness.
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Feeling like you are drunk.
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Lightheadedness.
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Tired despite resting after Ketamine.
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Things may sound similar or different.
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Anxiety.
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Headache (manageable).
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A buzzing in the ear (tinnitus).
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Hallucinations.
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Excitability.
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In rare cases, liver damage can occur.
Who Should Consider Ketamine Therapy?
Want to know if Ketamine is right for you? Then the following instructions may be apt for you. Ketamine can be considered in the following cases:
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When you have tried two different types of antidepressants.
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If you have had depression for a long time (chronic).
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For people with treatment-resistant depression. Like no other treatments are showing any improvements for you.
Conclusion:
You have tried all kinds of treatments and have not found relief. Here is another option for you: Ketamine! It is known to show improvements in your symptoms immediately. It is advised to take it under medical supervision and assistance. Ketamine attacks the brain cells like NMDA and provides immediate relief. It helps even with thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Ketamine might not be as effective for everyone, but it needs careful examination and administration. Esketamine is popularly used but comes with risks like reliance, tolerance, addiction, and misuse.
Key Takeaway/ Note From iCliniq:
Ketamine provides rapid relief from depression and is used in people with treatment-resistant depression. It is available in various types and is administered in a clinic under supervision. iCliniq doctors can help you understand if ketamine is the right choice for you. If you have been struggling with depression for a long time and have no solution left, then it is time for you to change your treatment with ketamine therapy. Doctors at iCliniq are well aware of its benefits and risks and will guide you through it.
