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Ketamine for Depression — Relief Is Possible

Depression can significantly affect your life by getting in the way of your everyday activities and relationships. Whether your traditional depression treatment hasn’t worked for you in the past or you’re looking for a new treatment, Ketamine may be right for you.

We offer treatment for depression at Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic and Drip Lounge in Phoenix, AZ. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

What Is Depression?

Depression, also called clinical depression, is a type of mood disorder usually characterized by persistent feelings of sadness. It can significantly affect the way a person feels, thinks, acts, and reacts.

While some sadness in response to certain events and circumstances is normal, depression is more than just that. It usually doesn’t go away on its own and requires some form of medical treatment, therapy, or both. 

Several types of depression exist, including:

  • Major Depressive Disorder: MDD is likely if you feel depressed most days of the week for longer than two weeks
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder: PDD refers to depression that lasts for two years or longer
  • Bipolar Disorder: Also called manic depression, this disorder is characterized by extreme highs and lows; the lows exhibit symptoms of depression
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder: SAD is a period of major depression that occurs only during certain times of the year, usually the winter months
  • Psychotic Depression: Patients with psychotic depression suffer from regular depression symptoms mixed with psychotic symptoms like hallucinations
  • Postpartum Depression: This type of depression is experienced by many women in the weeks and months after childbirth

Depression comes in many forms, often interfering with your ability to live a normal life. 

Symptoms of Depression

While there are several types of depression, many of the symptoms are the same. Depression often comes in “episodes,” and you may exhibit some of the following signs and symptoms during an episode:

  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Trouble sleeping — insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Unexplained physical symptoms like chronic pain
  • Loss of interest in things that once interested you
  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Changes in appetite
  • Angry outbursts
  • Restlessness
  • Weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue

If you suffer from depression, it’s not uncommon to feel frustrated, as you may not be clear why you’re feeling this way. There may be no reason to feel sad or hopeless, but unfortunately, these feelings are inevitable with depression disorder.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a drug that was once used solely as an anesthetic. However, in the last 20 years, much research has been done on the drug. Along with its traditional function, Ketamine is now used to treat several mental and physical conditions, including depression.

Ketamine can be administered in several ways, including intramuscular injections, lozenges, and nasal sprays. We administer Ketamine by infusion, which involves an IV that delivers the drug directly into your bloodstream. 

How Ketamine Treats Depression

In recent years, and after numerous studies and experimentation, Ketamine has become an exceptional treatment for depression. 

Research has determined that administering Ketamine to depressed patients significantly helps alleviate many of the symptoms associated with depression disorder, including mood imbalances and thoughts of suicide. 

Ketamine works in the brain. It binds to receptors that produce glutamate, helping activate the chemical in the brain. Glutamate helps with mood regulation, and low levels of glutamate can lead to depression symptoms. 

Ketamine also helps with neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt when you experience something new. By doing so, Ketamine can assist with changing negative thought patterns associated with depression. 

A Ketamine dose for depression works in various ways to target the cause of your depression and provide relief from symptoms that interfere with your life. 

What to Expect During a Ketamine Treatment

Before beginning your Ketamine treatment, you’ll come in for a consultation. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns and review your medical records to determine whether Ketamine is right for you and how many treatments would provide maximum results.

On the day of your appointment, we’ll set you up in a comfortable environment. You’ll be able to sit back and relax while receiving your Ketamine dose for depression. We customize your treatment to administer the right dosage, depending on your needs.

After your session is complete, you’ll be able to return to normal activity. In the days following your treatment, you can expect to see a reduction in some of the most common and prominent symptoms of depression. 

Ketamine Depression Treatment — Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering Ketamine for depression, you likely have questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our patients ask us. During your consultation, we’ll be happy to address any additional concerns you have. 

How Many Ketamine Treatments Will I Need?

Every patient is different. We take the time to get to know you, your concerns, and your needs to determine how many treatments would give you the best possible results. 

Your Ketamine treatment plan may involve weekly infusion for several weeks. Some patients do better with more frequent infusions, while others only need a few. The frequency of a Ketamine dose for depression typically depends on your symptoms and how well your body responds to treatment. 

How Long Do the Effects of Ketamine Last?

Ketamine only stays in the body for one to three days, but the positive effects can last for weeks. After your treatment is complete, we may recommend follow-up sessions to help you enjoy the benefits longer. 

How Do I Know Whether Ketamine Can Treat My Depression?

We ask that you schedule a consultation. During your consultation, we’ll determine whether Ketamine is the right treatment for your depression. 

Relief is Attainable — Schedule a Consultation for Ketamine for Depression

If you’re struggling with depression, you’re not alone. Ketamine may be the right depression treatment to provide the relief you need. Schedule a consultation at Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic and Drip Lounge in Phoenix, AZ. 

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