KETAMINE INFUSIONS AT ATLANTIS WELLNESS CENTER
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, has found a new lease of life as a promising treatment for various mental health conditions, particularly depression. This powerful medication works differently from traditional antidepressants, targeting the glutamate system in the brain, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation.
Ketamine’s unique mechanism of action allows it to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, often within hours of administration. This is a significant advantage over conventional antidepressants, which can take weeks to months to exert their effects. However, it’s important to note that ketamine therapy must be administered under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional due to potential side effects and the risk of misuse.
Ketamine therapy has been a game-changer in the field of mental health, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. As of 2023, ketamine is the only legal psychedelic that can target the glutamate system, resulting in a large such in synaptogenesis and neuroplasticity. By targeting the glutamate system, ketamine can rapidly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts, providing relief when other treatments have failed.
Moreover, ketamine has shown promise in treating other mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Its ability to “reset” dysfunctional neural pathways has led some researchers to liken it to a “software upgrade” for the brain.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ketamine in treating depression. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ketamine was significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing depressive symptoms.
Ketamine treatment typically involves a series of 6 infusions administered over 3 weeks. During each session, ketamine is slowly infused into the bloodstream under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients wear a blindfold so as not to be disturbed by the light, and wear headphones listening to a specially curated playlist. Once the ketamine begins to saturate their receptors, patients may see sequences of dreamlike images throughout their journey.
Patients may experience a range of sensations during the infusion, including a feeling of disconnection from their body or surroundings. Patients may experience psychedelic effects such as time dilation, a temporary loss of ego, the feeling that their environment is breathing, and difficulty focusing on one thought for long periods of time. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within minutes after the infusion.
Following the treatment, patients may notice an improvement in their mood, energy levels, and ability to enjoy life. These effects can last for several days to weeks, and ongoing treatment may be necessary to maintain the benefits. After the 6 infusions, many patients return for maintenance treatment when they feel their mood begin to dip. A common maintenance schedule involves returning for a booster session every couple of months, but there is significant individual variation, and not everyone requires booster sessions.
There are several ways to administer ketamine, each with its own advantages and considerations. The two most common methods are ketamine infusion therapy and Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray.
Ketamine infusion therapy involves administering the drug intravenously over about an hour. This method allows for precise control over the dosage and rapid onset of effects. It’s typically performed in a clinic setting under the supervision of Dr. Saheli.
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray that contains esketamine, a form of ketamine. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment-resistant depression, Spravato must be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, and patients must be monitored for at least two hours after each dose at the office.
IV Ketamine therapy offers several potential benefits. It can provide rapid relief from symptoms, often within hours or days, compared to weeks or months for traditional antidepressants. It can also be effective for those who have not responded to other treatments, offering hope for those with treatment-resistant depression. Additionally, Ketamine therapy can improve overall quality of life, enhancing mood, energy levels, and the ability to enjoy daily activities.
Ketamine therapy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions. Its rapid onset of action and efficacy in treatment-resistant cases have made it a valuable tool in mental health care. If you’re considering ketamine therapy and are located in or near Indian Harbour Beach, FL, you’re in a prime position to access top-notch care. Among the several clinics offering ketamine treatments in the area, Atlantis Wellness Center stands out for its exceptional service. Staffed by experienced professionals who are well-versed in administering both ketamine infusion therapy and Spravato Esketamine Nasal Spray, Atlantis Integrative Medicine & Psychiatry Wellness Center provides integrative care tailored to your unique needs.
Ketamine therapy can treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD.
Many patients report improvements in their depressive symptoms within 24 hours of receiving ketamine therapy. However, it’s important to note that everyone’s experience with ketamine treatment is unique, and the timing and extent of improvements can vary. It is highly recommended that patients do at least 6 ketamine infusions over the full 3 weeks.
When administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional, ketamine therapy is generally safe. Our psychiatric providers check medical history, assess current health conditions, monitor patients during treatment, and provide individualized care, leading to enhanced mental health outcomes.
Yes, it can cause side effects, including nausea, increased blood pressure, and disorientation during the infusion.
The effects of a single ketamine treatment can last for several weeks to years. Ongoing treatment may be necessary to maintain the benefits, depending on how each person metabolizes ketamine.
Ketamine therapy works differently from traditional antidepressants. It targets the glutamate system in the brain, promoting the growth of new neural connections. This can lead to rapid improvements in mood and cognition, often within hours of receiving treatment.
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