In the United States alone, it is estimated that 21 million adults will have experienced major depression in 2020, which makes this major mental health disorder quite common. 

As a result of the prevalence of depression, antidepressant medications are frequently prescribed for those who suffer from this condition. 

However, antidepressants don’t work for everyone. For some people, traditional medications simply don’t relieve their symptoms — or they end up causing intolerable side effects.

As an innovative treatment option for depression, ketamine is proving to be more effective than traditional antidepressants. Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic for over 50 years, but its antidepressant properties were only discovered recently.

In this article, we will take a look at depression as a mental health crisis, and why it may be time to move on from traditional antidepressants to more effective treatment options, such as ketamine therapy.

Is It Time To Move On From Traditional Antidepressant Medication?

Depression is a mental health crisis that is often undertreated. In 2020, It is estimated that only 66% of people who suffer from depression received any kind of treatment.

There are many reasons why people don’t seek treatment for depression. The stigma associated with mental illness prevents some from seeking help. Others may not have access to quality care, or they may simply not be aware that help is available for their condition.

However, even those who do receive treatment for depression often find that traditional antidepressant medications are ineffective. In fact, it is estimated that 30% of people who take antidepressants experience only partial relief from their symptoms.

This lack of efficacy is especially concerning when we consider the wide range of potential side effects of antidepressant medications. In some cases, the side effects of these drugs are so severe that they end up causing more harm than good. 

Traditional antidepressants can cause a variety of side effects, including:

• Weight gain 
• Sexual dysfunction
• Fatigue

Given the lack of efficacy and the potential side effects of traditional antidepressant medication, it is not surprising that many people are looking for alternative treatment options. 

Ketamine therapy is one such option that is proving to be more effective than traditional antidepressants in the treatment of depression.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine was first introduced as an anesthetic in the 1950s and has been used safely in medical procedures for over 50 years. It was only recently that researchers discovered that ketamine could be used to treat depression.

Ketamine works by binding to the NMDA receptor in the brain. This action blocks the re-uptake of glutamate, which leads to an increase in the synaptic concentration of this neurotransmitter. This increase in synaptic concentration is thought to be responsible for the antidepressant effects of ketamine.

The benefits of ketamine therapy have been demonstrated in a number of clinical trials. 

One study found that 70% of patients who received ketamine therapy experienced a reduction in their symptoms within 24 hours. Furthermore, the effects were found to be long-lasting, with patients continuing to experience improvements in their symptoms for up to two weeks after treatment.

In contrast, traditional antidepressant medications can take weeks or even months to produce any relief from symptoms. This delay in efficacy is one of the main reasons many people discontinue their use of these particular drugs.

Ketamine therapy is not without side effects, but they are generally mild and well-tolerated. The most common side effects of ketamine therapy include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few hours after treatment.

Given the efficacy and tolerability of ketamine therapy, it is an attractive treatment option for those who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medication. 

If you are interested in learning more about ketamine therapy for depression, contact Soft Reboot Wellness today.

Why Is Ketamine More Effective Than Traditional Antidepressants?

There are several reasons ketamine may be more effective than traditional antidepressants. 

First, ketamine has a rapid onset of action, while traditional antidepressants can take weeks or even months to work. Second, ketamine works by restoring glutamatergic neurotransmission, while traditional antidepressants target the monoaminergic system.

The monoaminergic system includes dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are thought to be involved in the development of depression. However, recent research has shown that the glutamatergic system may be more important in treating depression.

Ketamine also has a unique ability to increase BDNF levels. BDNF is a protein that helps repair damaged neurons and promote new neuron growth. This is an essential factor in treating depression, as depressed patients often have reduced BDNF levels.

Finally, ketamine is well-tolerated and has a low risk of side effects. 

Ketamine therapy is a new, innovative treatment option for depression that is proving to be more effective than traditional antidepressants. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, ketamine therapy may be the answer.

Find Relief From Depression at Soft Reboot Wellness

If you are looking for an effective, innovative treatment for depression, contact Soft Reboot today. We offer ketamine therapy for patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medication.   

Our experienced and compassionate staff will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Don’t suffer from depression any longer — you’re not alone! 

Contact us with any questions and find out if ketamine therapy is the solution you’re looking for. Click the link below to get in touch with us today!

[Contact Soft Reboot Wellness Today]

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post How Does Ketamine Help Where Antidepressants Don’t? appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.