Ketamine Nasal Spray: Treating Major Depression, Differently

Depression can be a difficult and debilitating condition. Many people find relief from traditional treatments such as psychotherapy and oral medications, but others do not. If you have tried multiple depression medications without success, you may be interested in ketamine nasal spray.

Ketamine nasal spray is a new, effective treatment for depression, especially for people who have not responded to other treatments. It is a quick and easy way to administer ketamine, and the effects typically begin within 15-20 minutes.

Ketamine nasal spray is generally safe and well-tolerated, and it has fewer side effects than many other depression medications.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a drug that has been used as an anesthetic for decades. In recent years, researchers have discovered that lower doses of ketamine can be effective in treating some forms of major depression and treatment-resistant depression.

Ketamine works by increasing levels of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is essential for communication between neurons. Ketamine also helps to repair damage to the brain caused by years of stress.

Ketamine has a number of advantages over other depression treatments. It is fast-acting, and many people experience relief from their symptoms within a few days of starting treatment. Ketamine also has fewer side effects than many other depression medications.

Ketamine is not without its risks. It can cause hallucinations, dissociation, and other side effects. Ketamine should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Ketamine: A Novel Approach to Depression Treatment

Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants that target serotonin levels in the brain, and SSRI antidepressants can take months to take effect as the body adjusts to them.

Instead, ketamine helps to repair damage caused by years of stress-induced protein buildup in the brain. This increases the brain's plasticity, or ability to heal. Ketamine also works by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the spaces between neurons, which allows them to communicate more effectively along new pathways.

What does this mean for you? Many oral depression medications take a long time to work, and some people never experience any relief from their symptoms. Ketamine, on the other hand, can produce noticeable results in serious symptoms of depression, including suicidal thoughts and acts, within a few weeks of treatment. Additionally, ketamine has fewer side effects than many oral antidepressants.

Another unique way to describe ketamine's mechanism of action is to compare it to a pruning process. Traditional antidepressants work like fertilizer, feeding the brain's existing connections. Ketamine, on the other hand, acts like shears, trimming away damaged connections and allowing new ones to form. This process can be painful and uncomfortable, but it can also lead to significant improvements in mood and functioning.

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. 

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.

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

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.