Have you ever heard of ketamine? You probably learned about this substance from watching the news about a club drug that enhances a person’s energy and feelings of euphoria.
But in recent times, ketamine has become one of the biggest breakthroughs when it comes to treating pain, anxiety, and depression. In fact, in 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ketamine as an antidepressant in nasal spray form, which must be strictly administered and monitored at the doctor’s clinic during treatments. Likewise, ketamine therapy is also another form of alternative pain management in Palm Beach County for patients looking for pain relief.
How Does Ketamine Work in Patients With Depression?
Scientists used to say that ketamine does not have much value because it targets dozens of systems in the brain that alter how the brain functions, much like cocaine or heroin. But ketamine can manipulate glutamate, which are neurotransmitters that help the brain communicate and send signals. We are currently on the cusp of what ketamine has the ability to do and as new studies come to light so will new treatments.
In specific high doses, ketamine blocks glutamate so it’s been deemed effective as an anesthetic during surgery. In low doses, however, ketamine can increase glutamate production that helps the brain build new connections. Imagine this effect as something akin to a new electricity grid powering up a district in the city.
Usually, patients lose some vital brain connections when they are depressed or anxious. They also feel frequent pain because their brain’s signals are basically broken. But by taking ketamine, their brains suddenly activate, light up, and function like normal all over again. Their moods and emotions improve and their pain ease since ketamine works as a sedative.
A Different Kind of Treatment for Depression
The current treatment model to treat depression is to take a pill and then to wait 6 to 8 weeks to see if the pill works. What if there was a way to take a medication once a week that offers a different approach to how we treat depression? The difference between ketamine treatment and traditional treatment for depression is that you will begin to feel something within minutes of the medication going into your bloodstream.
We understand that there is a medical and mental health component to treating depression. By using low-dose infusions along with psychotherapy we believe we can be the starting point for happy healing.
What Are The Side Effects of Ketamine?
However, despite FDA approval, further research is still needed to fully understand ketamine’s benefits. The long-term effects are still being carefully studied by experts since the effects of frequent treatments are not fully understood yet.
Learn more about ketamine-assisted therapy in Palm Beach Gardens
If you or someone you know is suffering from pain, anxiety, or depression, it would be best to see a specialist in alternative pain management, Palm Beach Gardens as soon as possible to facilitate the best treatment plan. Some symptoms might be irreversible, depending on the cause but with the right program and treatment methods, the patient can still live a pretty good life despite their condition.
Don’t hesitate to visit Allay Health and Wellness Center. If you would like more information on the pain treatments that we provide, contact us or
call us at (561) 421-6444.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.