Ketamine

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication that was originally introduced as a short-acting anesthetic for minor surgeries. Although effective for that purpose, ketamine has even more potential as a leading-edge treatment for depression and other mental disorders. 

In recent years, ketamine has been widely recognized as a groundbreaking alternative treatment for people who struggle to find results with traditional treatment. Ketamine works very rapidly, sometimes within just one session or a matter of hours, and offers tremendous symptom relief for many. 

How does ketamine work in the brain?

When delivered in small doses intravenously, ketamine targets the root causes of mental disorders. 

Researchers believe that it acts on many neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), like glutamate, to help balance mood, thoughts, and actions. It’s also known for repairing broken neural connections in the brain and repairing nerve cells in the brain over time. 

Ketamine may also work in other ways within the brain to provide positive effects. There is a growing body of research showing that ketamine is at least as effective as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) without the often severe side effects of memory loss and pain.

When should I consider ketamine?

Ketamine is best suited for people who have tried other treatments, including psychotherapy and psychiatric drugs, and haven’t gotten the results they need. Conditions that ketamine can treat effectively include: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Suicidal ideation

So, if you have a treatment-resistant condition and need to try a new path to symptom relief, or if you have very severe symptoms and need relief immediately, the Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio team may recommend ketamine. 

For people with treatment-resistant depression, there’s also another option: intranasal treatment using Spravato®, a derivative of ketamine. 

How successful is ketamine?

Ketamine has an excellent success rate, with most studies showing a remarkable improvement in about 75% of patients. 

Patients usually get the best results from an integrative approach that combines the therapies best suited for their unique circumstances. Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio offers psychiatric care, including medication management, along with ketamine to help every patient get the best results in a faster time frame than would otherwise be possible.  We also have the mental health training needed to collaborate with your mental health providers for the best ongoing care.

The team monitors your treatment at all times using continuous, noninvasive vital sign monitoring during treatment. We also have the ability to utilize ultrasound-guided IV placement for patients who have a difficult time with needle sticks. 

Ketamine gives hope and a pathway to recovery even when other treatments fail. If you’d like to learn more about this remarkable treatment option, call Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio or book your psychiatric consultation through online scheduling now.