KETAMINE Q & A
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication that is used as a surgical anesthetic and for the relief of chronic pain. Because ketamine acts on the areas of the brain that are also involved in depression, it’s now widely used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
Ketamine treatments don’t have approval yet for mental health conditions, but there’s a growing body of clinical research that suggests ketamine is highly effective for a variety of mental health disorders.
Esketamine is a medication that is similar in molecular structure to ketamine. Spravato® is a nasal spray containing esketamine that is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in adults.
You have to use Spravato in combination with oral antidepressants, and it requires two hours of in-clinic monitoring following each treatment.
Which mental health conditions can ketamine address?
Ketamine can provide rapid relief for several types of mental health disorders, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Because both ketamine and Spravato act quickly to curb symptoms of depression, they can be used to address suicidal thoughts that may drive you to harm yourself. If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm, it’s essential that you seek professional help right away.
The team at North Shore TMS offers compassionate, confidential care and effective treatment solutions for patients suffering from depression and other psychiatric conditions.
What is involved in ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy may cause nausea, dizziness, or headache. These symptoms typically subside within a few hours, but you may need to have someone drive you home after your treatment.
The team at North Shore TMS gives you all the information you need to prepare for ketamine therapy before your first treatment.
If you suffer from treatment-resistant depression or you’re looking for fast relief from the symptoms of a psychiatric condition, don’t wait to schedule a consultation with Dr. Carlsen at North Shore TMS. Call the office today, or make an appointment online.