Ketamine is an innovative and highly-effective treatment for depression with a reputation as a party drug and a history of use as an anesthetic for surgery and a painkiller in emergency settings. Over the past decade, the buzz surrounding the success of ketamine infusions for the treatment of depression has skyrocketed—the drug has since been hailed as a “miracle treatment,” and has grown exponentially in popularity. Although there is some controversy surrounding its use and the long-term effects of ketamine for depression, there is no doubt that ketamine has turned countless lives around…for the better.
The massive amount of publicity that ketamine infusions have received has also brought along a series of skewed facts and an overenthusiastic media. We do believe that getting the word out about ketamine is helping many people who suffer from depression discover new options and find hope. However, it is important for people to remember that ketamine is not for everyone, it is not for mild cases of sadness, and it is not meant for use as a first-line depression treatment.
Here are 5 important things to know about ketamine for depression:
1. It is not a replacement. Ketamine is meant to be an alternative to first-line depression treatments that do not yield positive results for patients. Only about 1/3 of patients fall under the category of having treatment-resistant depression; those people live in tragic sadness and regularly fight with suicidal thoughts. Think of ketamine as hope for the worst-case scenario.
2. There is no quick or simple fix for depression. With ketamine, many patients have seen a decrease in their depressive symptoms in as little as two hours post-infusion, with relief lasting for months. One of the advantages—and disadvantages—of ketamine is its convenience. Patients can only receive infusions at a clinic, under medical supervision. Patients cannot walk in from the street, pay a fee, and receive ketamine infusions—credible clinics require a thorough mental health assessment and physician referral process.
3. Ketamine is not generally covered by insurance. Cost is another factor to consider, because ketamine is considered experimental and is not typically covered by insurance companies. It is not unusual for healthcare professionals to offer ketamine as an “off-label” treatment for depression, but the cost of ketamine can become quite expensive, because of the equipment and personnel needed to perform the series of injections. Some insurance providers will cover the cost of infusions—ask your ketamine clinic about their experience submitting insurance claims.
4. There are other options. Before committing to ketamine infusions, patients will most likely be prescribed other depression treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, talk therapy or electroshock therapy (also known as electroconvulsive therapy). All of these treatments are backed by a substantial amount of scientific research. When these treatments fail, ketamine becomes an option. Also, once a patient starts receiving ketamine infusions, he or she should continue with talk therapy or other holistic depression treatments. Talk therapy can enhance the results generated by ketamine for depression.
5. Long-term use. How long can a patient receive ketamine infusions? What are the long-term implications? During trials, scientists have seen patients use ketamine for many years with great results. The long-term effects of ketamine, ultimately, remain unknown, though the drug has been used since the 1960s with minimal reports of adverse events.
As one of the leading ketamine clinics in the state of California, we have personally seen ketamine for depression help countless patients. We have had a first-hand look at the hope it provides those who may have given up on themselves. The results of ketamine for depression are highly effective, rapid, and lasting. Ketamine can truly can change lives.
Contact VIP Ketamine Clinics
Please contact our Modesto, CA ketamine clinic for a free consultation, and to find out if you are a candidate for ketamine infusions. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to a better quality of life.