Success Rate of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that was originally created as an anesthetic to relieve physical pain. Today, ketamine is used as a type of therapy for treatment resistant depression (depression that doesn’t respond to two or more traditional antidepressant methods) and for suicidal thoughts in individuals with major depressive disorder. Ketamine therapy can also help with symptoms of other mental health conditions like anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, bipolar disorder, and more.

While it is typically administered intravenously via infusion, ketamine is also available in nasal spray and lozenge forms. Ketamine must be administered by a healthcare professional in a certified medical facility or mental health center. There will usually be several 30-45 minute sessions that take place about two weeks apart over the course of a few months or longer.

Ketamine Therapy’s Potential Benefits & Risks

There are many potential benefits that come with receiving ketamine therapy. Primarily, it can help individuals who have not seen success with other methods. Ketamine therapy can potentially help patients feel more fulfilled and motivated, lift depressed moods, eliminate hopeless feelings, and alleviate any suicidal ideations.

Ketamine therapy also has the power to quickly eliminate depression symptoms. In some cases, it can ease them in as little as a few hours. But this isn’t just a short-term solution – ketamine can also assist individuals with managing their depression in the long-term. It stimulates beneficial brain changes that can lead to lasting symptom relief.

Like many other medications, ketamine comes with its risks. Ketamine can cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, high blood pressure, drowsiness, confusion, double vision, muscle spasms, a dream-like state, and hallucinations for a short period of time after a session. Perhaps the biggest risk of ketamine is its potential for addiction and dependence. However, medical professionals are taking many steps to ensure that the medication is taken safely.

How Successful Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy has a relatively high success rate. Roughly 55-75% of patients who have received this therapy say that it was effective in significantly and quickly reducing symptoms of depression. Many of these individuals start to experience some relief after a single infusion. However, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks for patients to feel the full effects.

This medication is most successful when combined with therapy and oral medication. Users may als benefit from participating support groups, practicing meditation, establishing a light exercise routine, and taking other steps to prioritize self-care.

Getting Started With Ketamine Therapy

If you’re thinking about getting started with ketamine therapy, talk to your doctor first to see if they think it is the right choice for you. If they agree that ketamine would be a good route for you to take, then you can begin looking into your options when it comes to finding a provider.

At Elium Health, we offer ketamine infusions in a comfortable and friendly environment. Our mental health treatment professionals are dedicated to helping our clients manage their mental health in a positive and productive way.

To learn more about ketamine therapy and our other mental health treatment services, contact us by giving us a call at 866-552-3758 or sending an email to contact@eliumhealth.com today.