While research is still ongoing, studies have shown that ketamine works to repair damaged neural pathways in the brain, thus relieving the symptoms of depression. Unlike traditional antidepressant medications that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, ketamine therapy works on the glutamate system—it’s a whole new way of treating depression, and it has proven to be fast, effective, and safe. 

Initially, we recommend a series of 4–6 infusions over the course of two weeks. After that, you will receive maintenance infusions based on your needs. Some patients visit us for monthly infusions, while others go 6-months or longer between maintenance infusions. Some patients find that ketamine therapy lifts their symptoms enough for them to maintain their symptoms with traditional therapies, like antidepressant medications, talk therapy, exercise, meditation, and other self-care practices.

Ketamine for depression is administered via IV infusion over a period of about 40–60 minutes. After your infusion, we will monitor your vitals before discharging you into the care of a friend or loved one. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the next day.

The side effects of a ketamine infusion are generally mild. Nausea is one of the more common side effect, and we are equipped to administer anti-nausea medication in tandem with your ketamine drip. Other side effects include dizziness, fuzzy vision, a sense of floating, or mild, non-threatening hallucinations. These side effects typically wear off within 1–2 hours of a ketamine infusion.

This is one of the most beautiful aspects of ketamine for depression:  unlike traditional SSRI antidepressants, which can take weeks or months to kick in, patients often feel better within 1-2 infusions. Ketamine works rapidly. 

Ketamine infusions are not appropriate for everyone. Get in touch with Satori Clinic today to determine whether you are a candidate for ketamine treatments.