Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Treating depression isn’t always easy. Some respond well to traditional psychotherapy and oral medications. Others, unfortunately, may only experience temporary relief and find their symptoms come back--maybe worse than before.

It’s frustrating. It could leave one feeling hopeless and powerless. For someone battling major depression, these feelings may only make the symptoms worse.

Have you tried multiple depression medications that don’t seem to help? Have the side effects of these medications affected your quality of life?

You’re not alone...up to ⅓ of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) do not respond to 2 or more oral antidepressants. 

But there’s hope. Researchers continue to make strides in understanding depression. Options are available for those with MDD and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

In fact, newer, more non-traditional depression treatments have helped those who suffered for years with TRD and MDD. This includes ketamine.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that’s been around since the 1970s. It’s been used for human and veterinary purposes. Ketamine’s sedative and dissociative effects helped those in operating rooms and even fallen soldiers on the battlefield.

More recently, researchers discovered lower doses of ketamine may effectively treat some forms of major depression and treatment resistant depression. 

Ketamine Approaches Depression Differently

How does ketamine help with depression? Let’s start by looking at more traditional treatments. 

Typical SSRI oral medications like Zoloft or Lexapro address brain chemistry like serotonin levels. In general, it may take months to experience any kind of relief as the body adjusts to these oral medications.

Ketamine helps repair damage from excess proteins in the brain caused by years of stress. Thus, increasing the brain’s plasticity and ability to heal. It’s a complicated process involving key receptors of the brain and creating more neurotransmitters in spaces between neurons. This, ultimately, helps neurons communicate with each other along new pathways.


What does this mean for you?

Many oral depression medications take a long time (if ever) before you notice any improvements in your depressive symptoms.
For some patients, ketamine treatments produce noticeable results in serious symptoms of depression--sometimes including suicidal thoughts and acts--after a couple weeks of treatment.

And, in general, those taking ketamine for depression experience fewer side effects compared to some oral medications. 

Types of Ketamine Treatments

There are three types of Ketamine treatments: IV infusion, intramuscular, and nasal spray. The two most common forms of using ketamine to treat depression include:

IV infusion (racemic ketamine) an IV medication that uses two molecules (“R” and “S” ketamine). This original ketamine treatment was approved by the FDA decades ago as an anesthetic. Some health providers use it “off-label” to treat depression.

Nasal Spray (esketamine) uses only the “S” molecule and was approved by the FDA in 2019 to treat major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Clinical studies have shown using ketamine nasal spray with current oral depression medications can improve major depression symptoms in as little as four weeks. 


Lozenges Ketamine lozenges are a newer form of ketamine administration that is rapidly gaining popularity. Lozenges are taken orally and dissolve in the mouth. They are less bioavailable than other forms of ketamine, meaning that a smaller percentage of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. This results in a more gradual onset and longer duration of action.

Here are some of the benefits of ketamine lozenges:

  • More gradual onset and longer duration of action: This allows for more control over the dosage and experience.

  • Can be taken at home: This is convenient and can be more affordable than other forms of ketamine administration.

  • Less invasive: Lozenges do not require injections or nasal sprays.

Intramuscular Injection is a relatively quick and easy procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic.

Ketamine is injected into the muscle tissue, usually in the buttocks or thigh. The drug is absorbed into the bloodstream over time, and its effects typically begin within 15-20 minutes.

Intramuscular injection of ketamine is generally safe and well-tolerated. 

Here are some of the benefits of intramuscular injection of ketamine:

  • Quick and easy procedure

  • Can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic

  • Effects typically begin within 15-20 minutes

Ketamine lozenges and intermuscular Infusion are often used in KAP because they allow for more control over the dosage and experience. 

The Moment Health currently provides all three forms of ketamine treatment, as well as KAP.


What You Need to Know Before Using a Ketamine Nasal Spray


Ketamine is a controlled substance. It can only be administered by a specially certified treatment center. Medication administration at a certified location prevents the abuse and misuse of ketamine--especially for those with a history of addiction or substance abuse.


The Moment Health is certified to ensure all our patients receive their ketamine treatments safely. 

When taking the ketamine nasal spray, you may experience sedation and/or dissociation following treatment. You will be monitored in the clinic for two hours after each dose is administered. 

During this time, you relax comfortably while a trained professional monitors blood pressure and other other potential side effects. This can include: dizziness, vertigo, lethargy, and a partial or total loss of sensation in one part of the body.

After treatment, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery until getting a good night’s sleep.

You can continue your current medications during ketamine therapy. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any health conditions and medications you’re currently taking.

What Happens During a Ketamine Treatment?

It’s really pretty simple. We provide you with the proper nasal spray device loaded with the appropriate dosage. 

Under supervision, you inhale the proper dose with the nasal sprayer. Then, as the effects of the medication kick in, you rest comfortably listening to music or whatever helps you feel relaxed.  A technician will monitor your blood pressure and any other effects you may have from the medication. 

After two hours, you can go home. You will need a ride from a friend, family member, or ride-share service. Driving is not allowed until the following day.  


How Many Nasal Spray Treatments Do I Need?

The ketamine nasal spray therapy has three phases:

  • 2 treatments a week for 4 weeks

  • 1 treatment a week for 8 weeks

  • After 9 weeks, you may get treatments every week or every other week depending on your progress. 


Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

Considering Ketamine Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

At our clinic, we offer IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy, a proven and effective treatment for patients struggling with MDD, especially those who haven't found relief with traditional medications.

What is IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy involves administering a low dose of ketamine directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This method offers several benefits:

  • Faster Acting: IV ketamine infusion delivers results more quickly than other forms of ketamine administration, often showing improvement within hours or days.

  • Precise Dosing: Our psychiatrist carefully tailors the ketamine dosage for optimal effectiveness and minimal side effects.

  • Safe and Controlled Environment: All infusions are administered under the supervision of our licensed psychiatrist, ensuring your safety and comfort.

Who Can Benefit from IV Ketamine Therapy?

IV Ketamine Therapy can be a life-changing option for patients with:

  • Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): If you haven't responded adequately to traditional antidepressants, ketamine therapy may offer significant relief.

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Ketamine can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms of MDD, including persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

GOOD NEWS: WE ARE NOW IN-NETWORK FOR KETAMINE NASAL SPRAY TREATMENT WITH MAGELLAN, BLUE SHIELD OF CA, ANTHEM BLUE CROSS, AND CIGNA. MOST PPO INSURANCES ALSO COVER THE COSTS OF KETAMINE FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY.


Want to Learn More About Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is not for everyone. If you feel frustrated from trying multiple depression medications and approaches, it may be a good time to see if ketamine can help.

Next Steps:

If you're interested in learning more about IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy, or explore Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and whether it's right for you, contact our clinic today. We offer a confidential consultation to discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. The form below is a quick and easy way to discover if we accept your insurance and whether it covers ketamine treatments.

Is Ketamine right for you?

We’ll answer your questions and discuss if Ketamine can help with your depression. 

Give us a call at (424) 532-1552 or send us an email.