Pros and Cons of Ketamine Therapy for Depression

For the millions of people who suffer from depression, exploring new treatment methods is always interesting. One of the latest options for a depression treatment program is ketamine therapy. By examining the pros and cons of ketamine therapy for depression, interested clients can get an accurate picture of the process and its side effects.

Ketamine is a drug that was originally developed as an alternative to PCP. Although it most often sees use as a sedative or anesthetic, ketamine can also have remarkable antidepressant effects on those who suffer from treatment-resistant depression.

In fact, according to the Journal of Psychopharmacology, approximately 70% of patients with depression experienced improvement of symptoms after receiving ketamine infusions. However, before anyone makes the decision to consider ketamine therapy for their depression, it is important to make an informed choice and understand all of the side effects of this potentially helpful treatment.

Understanding Ketamine

Ketamine was first licensed as an anesthetic drug. It rose to popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, because the war in Vietnam saw wide use of the drug. When used in smaller amounts, ketamine can work as a painkiller or a mild sedative.

Unfortunately, ketamine abuse abounds. It is known as a club drug, and it creates an intense high for many users. Using ketamine can lead to relaxation followed by hallucinations, out of body experiences, and even near-death experiences known as K-holes.

Despite the dangers of ketamine, there is still a growing movement to use the drug as a treatment for depression. The pros and cons of ketamine therapy for depression showcase that the jury is still out on this treatment option. Since it is still illegal for recreational use, any use is experimental and even risky.

How Ketamine Could Treat Depression

Ketamine therapy for depression typically involves the use of the drug once a week in a clinical setting. Under medical supervision, individuals may consume ketamine through a nasal spray or an IV.

More than 16 million adults in the United States alone suffer from depressive disorders, and many of these individuals do not receive treatment. This is a shame because ketamine can effectively treat depression. Patients who receive ketamine have consistently shown signs of improvement within two hours after their initial dose, sometimes even less time. These effects may last up to a week or longer.

Since ketamine has dangerous side effects, pharmaceutical companies are working to develop products that are similar to ketamine. However, the aim is to create products that don’t have the same worrying side effects.

The Pros and Cons of Ketamine Therapy For Depression

Both pros and cons surround the use of ketamine therapy for depression. The advantages of ketamine therapy include the fact that for up to 85% of users, depression is less noticeable after ketamine use. However, that statistic may be misleading.

Since only the worst cases of depression are treated in this way, the results might not be the same for everyone who struggles with depression. Many clients who use ketamine therapy, for example, are suicidal. So while drastic treatments might be appropriate in these cases, they won’t be right for everyone with a depression diagnosis.

The disadvantages of ketamine therapy include a lack of long-term results and the prevalence of side effects. Ketamine therapy can lead to sight and hearing problems. When people abuse ketamine, there are greater physical risks as well as the potential for addiction or overdose. A better depression treatment program may be evidence-based therapy, which has more advantages and fewer risks.

Getting Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Beaches Recovery

At Beaches Recovery, clients can seek treatment for substance abuse as well as depression. Dual diagnosis treatment can be incredibly effective, and therapies may include some or all of the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Group therapy
• Mindfulness-based treatment
• PTSD treatment program

There are both pros and cons of ketamine therapy for depression. At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, clients can seek support for both depression and substance abuse concerns. Call 866.605.0532 to learn more and to take back control over your life today.