Ketamine Treatment for Depression

How Does Ketamine Affect Brain Function?

Ketamine encourages the creation of new synaptic connections by affecting a neurotransmitter called glutamate.

Neurotransmitters are essentially messengers. Think of your nerve fibers as a continuous line broken by small gaps (synapses), with messages being communicated down the line to share specific sensory information, like pain or heat. They can also communicate between nerves and muscles to generate movement.

Neurotransmitters are released at the end of a nerve in response to a nerve impulse, and they cross the synaptic gaps between nerve fibers to help communicate down the line.

Glutamate is one of the key neurotransmitters responsible for sending signals between cells. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, meaning it encourages the creation of electrical impulses, and it also helps to trigger synaptogenesis.

One of the reasons Ketamine works quickly is because this process begins as soon as the first session for many patients (results may vary). Antidepressants take a similar treatment approach, but they act on glutamate by first increasing the amount of serotonin.

Serotonin is another neurotransmitter responsible for many functions, including helping nerves communicate and regulating mood and sense of wellbeing. Increasing serotonin levels leads to a chain reaction that eventually impacts glutamate, but it typically takes two to four weeks and sometimes longer for this process to take effect.

Another reason Ketamine typically shows immediate effects in patients is because research indicates that it blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which can lead to relief from depression symptoms.

Can I Have Ketamine IV Treatment if I’m Already on A Depression Treatment Plan?

Ketamine has an excellent safety profile and typically works well alongside other depression treatments, including talk therapy and many prescription medications. Having a multi-pronged treatment approach can help improve results and ease depression symptoms.

Prior to receiving your Ketamine IV therapy, your Defy Medical provider will review any medications you are taking to see if they will interfere with your Ketamine treatment.

Long-term benzodiazepine use, for example, can lessen the effects of Ketamine Therapy. It may be necessary to come off certain medications first prior to your Ketamine treatment (always consult with a medical provider prior to changing your medication regimen).

Once you begin Ketamine Treatment for depression, it’s often best to incorporate other methods of depression management into your overall care plan. These include:

• Calming activities like meditation and mindfulness exercises.
• Exercise, which can act as a natural mood enhancer.
• Healthy eating with an abundance of nutrients, since diet and poor nutrition can worsen depression symptoms. You may want to look into nutrition supplementation to make sure you’re getting all of the nutrients you need.
• Getting enough sleep, which is a cornerstone of good mental and physical health.

It’s also a good idea to screen for conditions that can cause depression symptoms, like hormone imbalance (in men and women), thyroid disease, and diabetes.

If the root cause of your depression stems from a hormone deficiency, you can begin hormone replacement therapy to replenish your levels, which may lessen or completely alleviate your depression symptoms. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy can help replenish your T3 and T4 levels, while successfully managing diabetes can help reduce the effects of this disease on your mood and overall wellbeing.

Defy Medical is a concierge practice that offers Ketamine Therapy, hormone replacement therapy, thyroid care, weight and diabetes management, and more to create a holistic care plan individualized to your needs.

Is There Any Reason I Shouldn’t Get Ketamine Treatment for Depression?

Because of its use as an anesthetic, Ketamine has a long history of efficacy and safety for most people. There are certain health conditions to look out for, however. These include:

• Cardiovascular conditions and some chronic diseases, like liver failure.
• A history of addiction, including to Ketamine or benzodiazepines.
• Some psychotic disorders.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• High blood pressure, though it’s possible you can still receive Ketamine treatment depending on your unique circumstances

Prior to your Ketamine IV treatment, your Defy Medical provider will discuss any risks, potential side effects, and contraindications (reasons not to take the medication) with you.