4 Things To Know About Ketamine IV Infusion Therapy
Ketamine is showing promising potential as a treatment for individuals with chronic or drug-resistant depression. When it's used to treat depression, one alternative to deliver the ketamine is to administer it intravenously via an IV. Here are a few things you should know about ketamine IV infusion therapy for depression.
1. Ketamine Works Differently Than Most Treatments for Depression
With most anti-depressant medication, you need to take your pills for a few weeks before you notice a difference in your mood. The substances in your pills have to accumulate in your body before they will have any effect.
This isn't the case with ketamine. Ketamine will influence your mood when it leaves your body. This means that it begins working more rapidly than other depression treatments. Researchers theorize that when ketamine exits the body, it encourages the brain to develop new brain cells that are responsible for mood regulation. If the brain has been damaged by long-term stress or high levels of hormones, ketamine will help repair this damage. When administered under medical supervision, ketamine IV infusion is safe and non-habit forming.
2. It's Important to Find the Correct Ketamine Dosage
The proper ketamine dosage varies with each individual. If too much ketamine is administered, you might notice that your eyesight and hearing are distorted. These are some of the most common side effects and usually associated with a dosage that's too high. Your doctor will work to find a dosage that maximizes the improvements to your mood with minimal side effects.
3. Ketamine Isn't the First Course of Treatment for Depression
Ketamine IV infusion usually isn't the first treatment option recommended by doctors for depression. Your doctor will likely prescribe conventional antidepressant medication as a first course of treatment. If your depression doesn't respond to medication, your doctor will explore alternative treatments, such as ketamine infusion therapy.
In severe cases, your doctor may use ketamine IV infusions therapy in conjunction with antidepressant medication. Your doctor will usually stop the injections once the antidepressants have a chance to accumulate in your body.
4. Ketamine IV Therapy Is Effective for Other Mental Illnesses
There's research that indicates ketamine IV infusion is helpful for treating other mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder, your doctor will wait until you're not experiencing a manic phase to begin your injections.
Reach out to a professional for more information about ketamine IV infusion therapy.
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