Ketamine therapy is an advanced treatment option for people living with severe depression, certain mood disorders, and chronic pain that have not responded to traditional therapies. It is administered in carefully controlled medical settings and works on different brain pathways than standard antidepressants, often providing relief more quickly than conventional medications.
How Ketamine Therapy Works
Ketamine affects the brain’s glutamate system, which is involved in mood regulation, pain perception, and how brain cells communicate. By adjusting activity in these pathways, ketamine may help:
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Reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression
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Lessen suicidal thoughts in some patients
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Decrease chronic pain intensity in select conditions
Because ketamine acts differently than typical antidepressants, some people who have not improved with other treatments may benefit from this approach.
Conditions Ketamine Therapy May Help
Clinicians may consider ketamine therapy as part of a treatment plan for carefully selected patients with:
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Treatment-resistant depression
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Major depressive disorder
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Bipolar depression (in appropriate candidates)
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Certain anxiety disorders
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in specific cases
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Chronic neuropathic or centralized pain conditions, when other options are limited
Eligibility, dosing, and treatment frequency are always determined by a qualified medical professional after a thorough evaluation.
Types of Ketamine Treatments
A clinic may offer one or more of the following:
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Intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions: Administered through a vein over a set period under continuous monitoring
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Intranasal esketamine (FDA-approved product): Typically given in combination with an oral antidepressant in a certified clinic
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Other routes of administration may be used depending on the clinician’s judgment and applicable regulations
All treatments should be delivered in a medical environment with appropriate monitoring of vital signs and mental status.
What to Expect During Treatment
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A comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment is performed before starting therapy.
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During a session, patients are monitored by trained staff for safety, comfort, and response.
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Some people experience temporary changes in perception, dizziness, or nausea during or shortly after treatment.
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A series of treatments is often recommended, followed by maintenance sessions if appropriate.
Patients are usually advised not to drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day after treatment.
Safety, Side Effects, and Risks
Ketamine therapy is not right for everyone. Potential side effects can include:
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Short-term increases in blood pressure or heart rate
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Nausea, dizziness, or headache
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Temporary changes in perception, mood, or thinking during the session
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Worsening of certain psychiatric symptoms in rare cases
People with specific medical or psychiatric conditions, or those who are pregnant, may not be candidates for ketamine therapy. All decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified clinician who can review medical history, current medications, and overall risk.
Role in a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
Ketamine therapy is typically used as one part of a broader treatment plan, which may include:
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Ongoing psychotherapy
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Traditional antidepressant or mood-stabilizing medications
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Lifestyle interventions and support services
Close follow-up is important so the care team can track response, adjust the plan, and address any side effects.
