Ketamine vs SSRIs
Ketamine does not work the same way traditional antidepressants do, because its primary process is not to increase serotonin or other monoamines in the brain. Instead, ketamine acts on the glutamate system. Many times, the first line of defense for depression, in terms of medication, is some form of SSRI. Unfortunately, these take a minimum of four weeks to show any effect, and—in a lot of cases—it can take longer than that, or not work at all. During the trial and error process, patients continue to suffer, and patients may spend years trying to find the right medication. That is incredibly discouraging for those struggling with this disease. It can lead to other serious health issues, because patients may turn to self-harm, self-medication, or suicide to remedy the pain. Impressively, ketamine is a fast-acting, effective treatment for 70% of patients, and can rapidly reduce the symptoms of depression, sometimes in a matter of hours. When administered safely by an experienced doctor in a ketamine clinic, the results can be life-changing.
A Ketamine Brain Reset
A leading theory proposes that ketamine rewires the brain by increasing neural plasticity, which stimulates the regrowth of synapses. This allows your brain to form new, healthy connections between neurons. When this happens, people’s memory and ability to learn are affected positively. Studies have found that, just three hours after visiting a ketamine clinic, patients with moderate to severe depression have a noticeable reversal in prediction error. Prediction error happens when your brain consistently reinforces “facts” based on things you’ve experienced in the past. Using information from your past, you make predictions about the future. Therefore, prediction error is the juxtaposition between what you envision, and reality. Because ketamine increases neural plasticity, people are able to open their mind up to new possibilities, without putting emphasis on what they believe “should” happen, which avoids negative ruminations.
Although more research needs to be done about exactly how ketamine affects the brain, the evidence we do have is positive. If ketamine can cause a brain reset by increasing neuroplasticity in a safe and effective way, patients with treatment-resistant depression will have a quick and effective option that doesn’t rely on traditional medications alone.
Ketamine infusions are a lifesaver for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Contact VIP Ketamine for a free consultation if you or someone you know may be a candidate for ketamine infusions.