Pros and Cons of Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Due to a wide variety of reasons, a lot of people have to deal daily with anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. This can severely impact the person’s life and even prevent him from doing regular activities.
Nowadays, there are several treatment options available that can help with these conditions, such as medication, therapy, and exercise. However, these traditional treatment options are not always efficient or fail to provide enough relief.
Fortunately, in cases where the patient is resistant to traditional treatments, ketamine infusion therapy has been proven successful. This innovative alternative helps ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety in a short time. Moreover, it became one of the most important breakthroughs in mental health problems treatment.
In this article, we’ll talk about ketamine, its pros and cons, and some general information you should know if you plan on taking the treatment.
What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a treatment option designed to improve the condition of patients with mental disorders who are not responding well to regular treatments and therapy. Check out our trusted Los Angeles Ketamine Infusion Therapy treatment center.
It consists in providing the patient with ketamine through an IV injection. Katami slowly drips and flows directly into the bloodstream. Therefore, providing a quick and effective solution.
The drug is administered slowly. Therefore, each session can take around 40 – 60 minutes. While the patient is being administered ketamine, it is normal to feel mellow, relaxed, and light, similar to experiencing slight drowsiness. However, no psychological alterations occur, and your mind remains completely active.
After the session, patients experience a quick improvement in their symptoms. This usually happens after just an hour from the treatment. Nonetheless, this can take a few days for some people before they can experience a mood improvement.
It is essential to know that ketamine is a drug approved by the FDA to be used as anesthesia. Moreover, it has been used for over 50 years in medical procedures. However, the effect it produces on the brain cells caused physicians to use it off-label to treat the symptoms of several mental disorders.
Furthermore, it is also used to treat chronic pain.
Does it Really Help with Mood/Depression and Pain Disorders?
Ketamine has a powerful effect on the brain’s synapses. This helps improve the symptoms caused by mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, since it interacts directly with glutamate, it can even improve the condition of patients suffering from TRD (Treatment-Resistant Depression).
Although its interaction with the brain’s chemistry and the mechanism responsible for its powerful effect is still not fully understood, research has proven the effectiveness of its therapeutic effect.
When ketamine enters the body, it causes a calming effect on the area of the brain responsible for controlling the person’s mood and behavior. This happens as it blocks NMDA receptors in the brain.
NMDA are specialized receptors that interact with glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood regulation. It allows neurons, also called brain cells, to send information between them. As a result, this information travels without stopping so the brain can function appropriately.
As these receptors are blocked, glutamate activity increases. This leads to the formation of new neuron connections. Moreover, these new connections have a positive effect on the person’s mood and help reduce the symptoms of mental disorders. Therefore, assisting the patient in achieving a more stable condition.
The blockage of the NMDA receptors also happens in the area of the brain responsible for managing pain. This causes a sedative effect that eases the pain.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy Pros and Cons
As with many treatments, this alternative has several considerable pros and cons. Nonetheless, some of the pros include:
● High success rate:
Studies have proven that ketamine has a high success rate, even in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. This is caused by its effect on glutamate.
● Quick effect:
The therapeutic effect of ketamine tends to occur within an hour after the treatment session. Therefore, it is an outstanding solution for patients with acute conditions that require immediate attention.
● Lasting results:
Since ketamine effects are produced by creating changes in the brain cells, the results of a single session can last several days and weeks. This prevents the need for daily medication. Nonetheless, the patient must consult with the doctor if they can stop taking their traditional drug medication.
● Medical supervision:
The treatment is performed in a clinical setup under medical supervision. This reduces the risk of complications.
Although ketamine infusion therapy offers excellent benefits, there are a few downsides to the treatment, such as:
❖ Mild dissociative side effects:
Ketamine can make the person feel mellow. It can also cause mild hallucinations, blurry vision, floating sensation, and dizziness. Nonetheless, these side effects disappear within 30 – 60 minutes after the session finishes.
❖ Risk of addiction:
Although the risk is low, patients might develop an addiction to ketamine. Therefore, patients with a drug abuse or addiction history must consult first with a doctor.
❖ Multiple visits to receive treatment:
Although the results can last for a long time, the patient needs to undergo multiple sessions. Usually, patients need to undergo 6 sessions over 2 – 3 weeks. Afterward, periodic maintenance sessions might be necessary. Nonetheless, every patient’s treatment plan is unique.
❖ Inability to drive after the treatment:
Due to the immediate side effects of the treatment, patients can drive or operate heavy machinery after a session. They must have an entire night of recovery before resuming their regular daily activities.
How Much is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy’s cost depends on the provider and dose. Furthermore, these therapies for pain disorders are usually more expensive than mental disorders since they involve higher ketamine doses.
Nonetheless, the average cost per session tends to be as follows:
- Depression and mental disorders: $400 – $800
- Pain disorders: $700 – $2,000
Where to Get Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is offered by several providers across the USA. However, the best places to get the treatment are at Younique in Santa Monica and Oxnard.
Younique has a professional team of doctors and personnel trained to evaluate your condition and needs. Furthermore, they can design a specialized treatment plan just for you. They provide a comfortable environment where you can relax and improve your problem with this highly effective treatment alternative.
Click here to schedule a consultation.
