Ketamine Therapy

Last Updated December 13, 2021

FAQS

How does ketamine function?

The exact mechanism of ketamine action is unclear. Ketamine may be able to assist patients in managing their depression after other therapies have failed because it produces an antidepressant effect via a novel mechanism.

Is ketamine an approved medication?

Ketamine is a drug that a doctor may give to treat various forms of depression. It works as an anesthetic in medical settings. Ketamine therapy must be provided to patients in a clinic by a qualified medical professional.

What is the duration of the ketamine treatment?

Every patient responds to ketamine therapy a bit differently, but in general, patients get depression improvement for a few months following treatment. After the first treatment, patients can come back for supplemental therapies as needed.

Is ketamine able to treat depression?

Ketamine therapy is a secure and reliable substitute for SSRIs and other antidepressant medications. Patients with depression who have not responded well to previous treatments are prescribed it. Esketamine nasal spray is a depressive disorder therapy that has FDA approval.

Can the drug ketamine reduce anxiety?

There is evidence that ketamine infusion can help treat problems like anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and suicide ideation, in addition to the treatment-resistant depression that is the main focus of ketamine therapy.

Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?

Insurance providers typically do not cover the actual delivery of a ketamine infusion treatment. Because esketamine nasal spray has been FDA-approved as a depression treatment, some insurance companies will pay for it.

What does ketamine therapy cost?

The average cost of ketamine therapy for depression is $400 to $800 per session. Some insurance companies will cover this expense in whole or part, depending on the type of treatment and your insurance plan.

How long-lasting is ketamine therapy?

Ketamine does not need to be taken constantly for an extended period as other antidepressants need to treat depression. Over two to three weeks, there are a few ketamine therapy sessions every week. Following the initial sessions, patients frequently experience swift or immediate effects, and symptom reduction may continue for many months after the course of treatment. Patients often return for sporadic booster injections to extend the treatment's efficacy.

Does ketamine therapy make you feel high?

Although ketamine therapy is only used in relatively small dosages, you could have some short-term side effects while receiving it. Many individuals claim to feel relaxed, have floating sensations, or experience slight hallucinations; however, these effects quickly wear off. Some patients claim to feel exhausted following sessions; thus, they might not drive themselves home. After receiving the medication, the clinic will ask you to stay for 10 to 20 minutes to ensure you don't feel lightheaded when standing up.

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Medical Advice Disclaimer

Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.