Ketamine Treatments in Cottonwood Heights
The Promise of Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine treatment has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. This innovative approach offers hope to those who have not found relief through conventional treatments.
How Ketamine Treatment Works
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that, when administered in controlled and monitored settings, has shown rapid and significant antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. Ketamine works by triggering glutamate production, which, in a cascading series of events, prompts the brain to form new neural connections. This makes the brain more adaptable and able to create new pathways, and gives patients the opportunity to develop more positive thoughts and behaviors. This is an effect that has not been seen before, even with traditional antidepressants.
The benefits of Ketamine Treatment include:
Rapid Relief
Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show results, ketamine treatment often provides relief within hours to days after treatment. People with long-term depression lose important connections in their brains (synapses) that let nerve cells communicate. Depression for example is so stressful that you actually prune or lose some of the synaptic connections in the brain. But research out of Yale shows that within 24 hours of the first dose of ketamine, those lost connections start to regrow. The more synapses they grow, the better the antidepressant effects of ketamine.
Treatment-Resistant Cases
Ketamine treatment has shown promising results for individuals who have not responded well to other treatments, offering new hope for those who have felt stuck in their mental health journey. Ketamine is an effective alternative because it works differently. SSRIs operate under the theory of adjusting a Serotonin chemical imbalance, but depression is actually linked to the build-up of proteins in the brain. The body's response to stress spills cortisol and other hormones in the brain, damaging it in the process. Ketamine repairs the damage done by long-term stress hormones, and has rapid effects on increasing brain plasticity in the process.
Reduced Suicidal Thoughts
Studies have indicated that ketamine treatment can rapidly and substantially reduce suicidal thoughts in patients with severe depression.
Longer-Lasting Effects
While the immediate effects of ketamine may wear off after a few days, many patients experience longer-lasting relief with ongoing treatment and many people require fewer treatments over time. When ketamine is paired with therapeutic support and skill building, we believe lasting change is possible.
Ketamine treatment is a medical treatment that utilizes the drug ketamine, an anesthetic and dissociative agent, to address various mental health conditions. It is commonly used off-label for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and certain chronic pain conditions.
Ketamine works on the brain’s neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate, to help restore balance and function. It promotes the growth of new synaptic connections and triggers rapid changes in mood and cognition. The exact mechanism of ketamine’s effectiveness in treating mental health conditions is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to its impact on the brain’s NMDA receptors.
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic and is commonly used in medical settings. However, it is typically used off-label for mental health conditions, meaning its use for these purposes is not specifically approved by the FDA. Ketamine treatment for depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders is often provided in specialized clinics by trained medical professionals.
Ketamine treatment has shown promising results in the treatment of major depression, treatment-resistant depression (TRD), bipolar depression, anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder), PTSD, and chronic pain conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia.
When administered under the supervision of trained medical professionals in a controlled setting, ketamine treatment is generally considered safe. However, like any medical treatment, it carries some risks and potential side effects. These can include dissociation, nausea, increased blood pressure, and temporary changes in heart rate. Medical staff will closely monitor patients during treatment to ensure safety.
Ketamine treatment is administered in a controlled and supervised medical environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of the individual throughout the individualized treatment process. Ketamine is typically delivered via intravenous (IV) infusion, or intramuscular (IM) injection, and medical professionals carefully monitor the patient’s response. Sometimes patients are prescribed sublingual (under the tongue) lozenges or intranasal spray to be taken at home. We typically start patients with ketamine injections and evaluate the patient’s therapeutic response before creating each patient’s treatment plan.
The duration of a ketamine treatment session varies depending on the individual’s condition and the specific protocol used by the clinic. Generally, an IV session may last around 40 minutes, while an IM session may last slightly longer. Patients often require a series of sessions, typically spread over several weeks, to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
One of the notable features of ketamine treatment is its rapid onset of action. Some patients report feeling improvements in mood and symptoms within hours or days after a session. However, for long-term benefits, a series of sessions are usually recommended.
During a ketamine treatment session, you will be placed in a comfortable and calm environment. A healthcare professional will administer the ketamine dose, and you will be closely monitored throughout the session. Some patients may experience dissociation or altered perceptions during the session, which is normal but should be managed by the healthcare team.
Ketamine treatment may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of psychosis, or severe liver or kidney problems. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should also avoid ketamine treatment. It’s essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation and discuss your medical history with the healthcare provider before starting ketamine treatment.
Insurance coverage for ketamine treatment can vary significantly. While some insurance companies may cover it for certain conditions, many consider it an off-label use and do not provide coverage. Patients should check with their insurance providers and the ketamine treatment clinic to understand the cost and potential reimbursement options.
Ketamine treatment can sometimes be used in conjunction with other medications prescribed for mental health conditions. However, certain medications, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), may interact with ketamine and should be discontinued before starting ketamine treatment. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before beginning ketamine treatment.
When used for medical purposes in controlled doses and settings, ketamine has a low potential for addiction. However, like any medication, it should be used under the supervision of a qualified medical professional to minimize the risk of misuse or dependence.
The duration of ketamine treatment’s effects can vary from person to person. Some individuals experience sustained relief for weeks or months after completing a series of sessions, while others may require booster sessions to maintain the benefits.
If you’re interested in ketamine treatment, start by discussing it with your primary care physician or mental health professional. They can evaluate whether you’re a suitable candidate and refer you to a reputable ketamine treatment clinic if appropriate. Always choose a clinic with experienced medical staff and a proven track record of safety and efficacy.
