The Basics of Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy is a relatively new medical treatment that has been found to help those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. It is an infusion therapy that uses a low-dose of the anesthetic drug ketamine to quickly alter the brain’s chemistry. While ketamine has long been used for anesthesia during medical procedures, it was only recently that doctors discovered its potential for treating mental health disorders.
Ketamine therapy typically involves a series of infusions over the course of several weeks. During each infusion, the patient receives a small amount of ketamine through an intravenous (IV) line. The most common ketamine infusion therapy takes between 45 and 90 minutes and occurs in an outpatient setting.
How Ketamine Therapy Works
Researchers aren’t entirely certain why ketamine works to treat depression and other mood disorders, but studies have shown that it affects several different neurotransmitters in the brain, including glutamate and serotonin. These two neurotransmitters are believed to play a role in regulating mood and emotions, which is why ketamine therapy has been shown to be more effective in treating these disorders than traditional antidepressants.
Ketamine therapy may also stimulate the growth of new neurons and unique neural pathways in the brain, which may also help improve mood and decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Who Ketamine Therapy is For
Ketamine therapy has been effective in treating depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also used to provide relief from chronic pain, migraines, and other neurological disorders.
Many patients who undergo ketamine therapy have tried multiple other treatments, such as traditional antidepressants or psychotherapy, without success. Others may not have responded to other treatments at all. Ketamine therapy may be a viable option for those who feel that they have exhausted all other treatment options.
What to Expect During Ketamine Therapy
During ketamine therapy, patients may experience dissociation, which is a feeling of detachment from their body and surroundings. They may also experience mild hallucinations and a sense of euphoria. These side effects are typically mild and pass quickly.
Patients may also experience other side effects in the hours and days following the infusion, such as nausea, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. These side effects are usually temporary, and many patients report feeling noticeably better within several hours after the infusion.
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
Ketamine therapy is generally considered to be safe, particularly when administered in a medical setting under the supervision of a licensed physician. However, as with any medical treatment, there is always a risk of side effects or complications, such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and breathing difficulties. These risks are typically minimized when ketamine therapy is administered in a controlled setting with appropriate monitoring.
In some cases, long-term regular use of ketamine can cause bladder problems, including inflammation and scarring. This is why it’s important to work closely with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and monitoring for your individual needs.
Conclusion
Ketamine therapy has shown great promise in treating a variety of mood disorders and chronic pain conditions. While the treatment is relatively new, it has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people learn about its benefits. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, it may be worth discussing ketamine therapy with your doctor to determine if it’s the right treatment for you. Eager to know more about the topic? Explore the suggested external site, where you’ll find extra details and complementary information. Investigate this useful research, expand your knowledge of the topic!
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