The use of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain has been receiving much attention.
What was only a means of anesthesia is currently being employed in clinics to assist individuals who have exhausted all other means with no success.
However, here is the point: there are certain things that qualify one as a good candidate.
What the Treatment Looks Like
Ketamine therapy implies visiting a clinic and receiving a controlled dose of ketamine under the supervision of a doctor.
It could be an IV, a nasal spray or any other method that has been approved. There is always somebody there to keep an eye on things.
The drug influences some of the areas in your brain. It has yielded good results among people with mental health problems who have not responded to standard medications.
Depression That Doesn’t Go Away
If you’ve been through the antidepressant cycle multiple times without any real improvement, this might be worth considering.
You try a medication. Wait six weeks, nothing happens, try another one, wait again. It’s exhausting.
Ketamine works faster. A lot of people notice something different within days, not weeks or months.
You might be someone who could benefit if:
- At least two antidepressants didn’t help you
- Your depression gets in the way of normal life
- Therapy isn’t doing enough
- You need relief
Anxiety Disorders and PTSD
Living with severe anxiety is draining. When regular treatments aren’t helping enough, ketamine gives you another shot at feeling better.
This goes for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and PTSD that haven’t improved with the standard approaches.
Chronic Pain
Ketamine isn’t just for mental health conditions. People dealing with certain types of chronic pain have found it helpful.
We’re talking about things like complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. Conditions that are very hard to treat.
Your Health Matters
Before starting ketamine therapy, your physical health gets looked at closely. Good candidates usually:
- Don’t have any serious heart problems
- Have their blood pressure managed
- Aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
- Understand and acknowledge what the treatment can involve
One thing to know: ketamine can make you feel spaced out or disconnected during the session.
It’s temporary and you’re monitored the whole time. You should go in knowing that’s part of it.
When Ketamine Isn’t the Answer
There are situations where ketamine therapy isn’t appropriate:
- If you’re dealing with substance abuse at the moment
- Certain heart conditions make it risky
- Your blood pressure is too high and not under control
- You have a history of psychosis (though sometimes doctors will consider it with extra precautions)
Next Steps
Think this might apply to you? The move is to find a provider who specializes in ketamine therapy.
They’ll dig into your:
- Medical history
- What you’re taking now
- What symptoms you’re dealing with
That consultation assists in determining whether you are a good fit or not.
One more thing. Ketamine usually works best when it’s part of a complete treatment approach.
It is not about substituting what you are already doing. It is about contributing something that could perhaps help to change something.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
At Eterne Wellness, we sit down with each person and figure out if ketamine therapy matches what they need.
Reach out to get a consultation.
FAQ
How quickly will I notice anything?
Some people feel changes within hours or a couple days after their first session. It varies person to person.
How many sessions do I need of this?
Usually 6-8 to start, spread over a few weeks. Then you may require maintenance sessions periodically.
Will my insurance cover any of this?
Depends on what insurance you have. We can help you figure out what your plan covers.
What about any side effects?
In the process of treatment, you may experience some form of disconnection, a bit of nausea or light-headedness. Those are rather temporary and disappear after a session.
