Ketamine was originally approved as an anesthetic medication used to put you to sleep before and during surgery. In 2019, the drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While ketamine infusions have helped many individuals successfully manage depression, some individuals may not be candidates for this type of treatment therapy. It’s important to discuss what disqualifies you from ketamine therapy to determine whether this therapy is appropriate for you. This article discusses what ketamine infusion therapy is and includes a breakdown of factors to consider.
Understanding Ketamine Infusion Therapy
According to the National Institute on Mental Health, in 2021, approximately 21 million adults aged 18 and older experienced at least one major depressive episode. Of those individuals, only 61% received help. Doctors frequently prescribe medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which include Prozac and Lexapro, to treat these conditions. However, they don’t work for everyone, and some individuals may not see results for months. This is where ketamine infusion therapy may help. Ketamine infusion therapy is administered intravenously in a certified clinical setting and is considered a controlled substance.
Mechanism of Action
Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine infusion therapy acts on the glutamate system in the brain, which helps encourage the growth of new neural circuits that are associated with regulating your moods. As a result, ketamine infusion therapy typically helps relieve the symptoms of depression within hours or days of the first infusion.
Conditions Treated With Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Because of its ability to act quickly on the brain, ketamine infusion therapy has successfully been used to treat multiple psychiatric conditions:
- Major depressive disorder. Ketamine creates new neural pathways that help your brain’s neurons communicate better, which encourages happier moods and thoughts.
- Bipolar disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder often have major shifts in mood and energy that make it hard to perform even the most basic daily tasks. Because ketamine infusion therapy has such a strong antidepressant effect, it makes it an excellent treatment for bipolar disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a mental health condition that may occur when an individual has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Even though it’s typically labeled an anxiety disorder, PTSD often causes many of the same symptoms as major depressive disorder, which makes ketamine infusion therapy an excellent form of treatment.
- Suicide ideation. Individuals struggling with a mental health disorder may have suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Ketamine therapy can improve mood after just one treatment, which may provide relief for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Assessment and Screening for Candidates
Before starting you on ketamine infusion therapy, your physician will conduct a complete health assessment to determine whether you’re a good candidate for treatment. Knowing who isn’t a good candidate for ketamine beforehand can help you determine whether to ask for this alternative form of treatment. Your assessment will include a psychiatric evaluation to identify how severe your symptoms are and how long you’ve had them. Your health care provider will also ask questions about preexisting conditions and any medications you’re currently taking and get information on your past substance use.
If you pass the initial screens, you’ll be given detailed information on the risks and benefits of ketamine infusion therapy, which should be used to determine whether you want to proceed with treatment.
What Disqualifies You From Ketamine Therapy?
Individuals who experience psychotic symptoms or manic episodes, who take MAOIs or who have a history of substance abuse or addiction should avoid ketamine infusion therapy. It should also never be given if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Risks and Considerations
Ketamine infusion therapy is typically safe and effective for most individuals. However, like most medications, ketamine use does carry some potential risks and side effects:
- Dissociative effects. After treatment, some individuals may feel strange or hallucinate. While disturbing, these effects typically go away shortly after treatment.
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Ketamine has been shown to increase blood pressure and heart rate in some patients. It’s important to let your health care provider know if you have any prior heart health issues or cardiovascular illness.
- Potential for abuse. Ketamine does have a potential for abuse, which may make it a bad choice for those who’ve struggled with addiction in the past. Your health care provider will monitor you closely during infusion therapy and change your dosage as necessary.
Treatment Process
Individuals undergoing ketamine infusion therapy may expect the following:
- Administration of the medication. Ketamine is given intravenously in a doctor’s office or clinic by trained medical personnel. The infusion typically takes around 40 minutes, and the entire treatment lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Most patients return home immediately after.
- Effects of treatment. The initial reaction to ketamine infusion therapy may include hallucinations and vivid dreams, which tend to go away shortly after the session ends. On rare occasions, an individual may have a negative reaction to the infusions. This effect is brief and usually goes away within minutes after stopping the process. Those with anxiety and depression may experience immediate relief.
- Monitoring your condition. A nurse or physician will monitor your vital signs throughout the session to ensure no dangerous side effects take place.
- Follow-up visits. Regular follow-ups are recommended to ensure you’re receiving the correct dosage and to assess any side effects.
- Long-term effects. Some individuals experience instant results with ketamine infusion therapy, while others may need to repeat the sessions to achieve the desired outcome.
Take Control of Your Mental Health Today
It’s important to understand what disqualifies you from ketamine therapy before you even consider this form of treatment. If you or someone you love is struggling to get help for depression or anxiety, ketamine infusion therapy might be an option. Contact us at Sun Health Center to speak to one of our caring counselors and learn more about our alternative treatments.
