Is Ketamine Therapy the Right Choice for You?

Ketamine is a type of therapy used in cases of severe depression that have not seen success from other treatment methods. This treatment is typically administered as an infusion or nasal spray and may require several sessions. 

About 85% of patients who have received ketamine therapy say that the treatment was effective in relieving their depression symptoms or reducing suicidal thoughts. However, this treatment comes with its own complications and can affect everyone differently. While the success rate is high, not everyone who suffers from depression will necessarily benefit from ketamine. Keep reading to see if ketamine treatment is the right option for you or a close family member.

Why Someone May Need Ketamine Therapy

A person may be eligible to receive ketamine therapy and could benefit from it if…

• More than three antidepressant medications didn’t work for them
• They don’t respond to traditional depression treatment
• Depression is affecting their everyday lives
• They are having suicidal thoughts or actions
• They need a quick way to relieve depression

In most cases, treatment will be successful if a person fits the above criteria. Ketamine therapy also has the ability to help ease symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, bipolar, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and certain other mental health conditions. 

Is Ketamine Treatment Safe for Children & Teens?

There is not much research behind how ketamine affects teenagers and young adults, but more studies are being done as the treatment method increases in popularity. Children are eligible to receive ketamine treatment if they did not benefit from other depression treatments and if they experience suicidal thoughts or actions. 

It is technically safe for children and teenagers to receive ketamine therapy, but they should be monitored very closely both before and after treatment. Like all medical treatments, ketamine comes with its own set of side effects and risks that could negatively affect younger people.

Potential Side Effects & Risks of Ketamine

This treatment is also known to cause certain side effects, including:

• High blood pressure
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Drowsiness 
• Confusion

While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are typically not dangerous and can usually be managed at home. If any side effects persist for more than a few days or weeks, contact a doctor or specialist as soon as possible. 

Considering Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine can definitely help relieve symptoms of severe depression, but it is not right for everyone. A person should not receive ketamine therapy if they have schizophrenia or high blood pressure, if they are under the influence of alcohol, or if they have a history of substance use or abuse. It is not a first-time treatment option for depression and should only be used after other treatment methods do not work. Ketamine treatment is most successful when combined with talk therapy and counseling. 
At Elium Health, we offer ketamine therapy for individuals suffering with serious cases of depression in Bucks County, Philadelphia, and surrounding areas in PA. Talk to our team of specialists today to see if ketamine treatment is the right choice for you or someone you love. Give us a call at (215) 714-6027 or visit https://eliumhealth.com/ for more information.

Sources

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-ketamine-infusion-therapy-5194302

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ketamine-depression 

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/ketamine-the-new-miracle-drug