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Are you depressed? Do you know anyone suffering from depression or other medical conditions that affect mental health? Due to its proven rapid antidepressant effects, Ketamine might be the solution to the problem if administered in the right dosage.
Due to its efficacy, doctors prescribe the drug for depression and other mental conditions. Actually, Ketamine is a drug that was discovered in the sixties and it was being used as an anesthetic before surgery because it not only kills pain but also has the ability to dissociate the user from his/her environment. In fact, it is best described as a dissociative drug with hallucinogenic effects.
While the drug has numerous benefits, it also has dangerous disadvantages. Its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects are the reason why it is a controlled substance. If taken too much, it could take a dangerous toll on the health of the user. Depending on the quantity being administered, Ketamine’s effects manifest in about 30 minutes to 3 hours.
This article discusses some ways by which Ketamine improves mental health when applied appropriately.
Ketamine Relieves Depression
One reason why doctors use Ketamine for depression in Massachusetts is that it takes an effect on the brain. The drug will establish new connections among brain cells. These connections help the brain work better, and the coordination ability of the brain will improve. This will make the recipient of the drug feel better mentally and physically.
Ketamine treats bipolar disorders by blocking a particular receptor in the brain named NMDA. The receptor stimulates the release of a chemical that dampens moods. This mood-regulating chemical is known as Glutamate. While Ketamine blocks this receptor, it activates another receptor called AMPA.
You probably want to know the function of AMPA. Yes, it stimulates the release of a certain protein that ensures the proper development of the brain. This way, it neutralizes the symptoms of depression in your mind. Ketamine treatment also helps to reduce inflammation in the brain and helps the brain function better. That’s another way by which it resolves the symptoms.
Ketamine Reduces Suicidal Thoughts
Here in Massachusetts, doctors recommend Ketamine for anxiety because it helps depressed people to feel better and it works in a few hours. This drug works faster than many other similar medications. You probably will agree that there’s a strong link between depression, severe anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
By manipulating certain brain cells, the drug is able to make recipients feel more hopeful and happier. However, its dosage must be prescribed by your physician. You’ll get the best result when administered moderately. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of repeated use of Ketamine.
It Minimizes Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
Unlike many other antidepressants, Ketamine gives fast relief from the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Within an hour of administration, the recipient of the drug will begin to encounter some improvement.
This drug also has the ability to reset neural pathways and disrupt unpleasant patterns of thought typical with PTSD and acute anxiety. In addition, Ketamine helps to develop healthier cognitive responses to the triggers of the crisis. It also blocks traumatic memories from setting in. In the end, the individual being treated will end up with profound calm and a relaxed mind.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy prepares the body and mind for repeated administration of Ketamine. This is necessary because the drug may not resolve the condition completely after the first few uses. You may have to take it repeatedly for several days or weeks before the total cure is achieved. One more thing – the administration of Ketamine must be supervised by a doctor in a well-controlled healthcare setting.
It Reduces Pain
The analgesic properties of Ketamine have proved effective for neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and fibromyalgia. So, it is not out of place to state categorically that Ketamine reduces chronic pain. It will help to improve the quality of life for people who are battling chronic pain.
As effective as Ketamine therapy is, you need to apply it appropriately to get better results faster. That’s why you should take the tips below seriously.
Tips for Ketamine Treatments
1.Consult a Ketamine Integration Therapist
Ketamine is an effective and powerful drug that could lead to serious problems if abused. That’s why you need to take treatment from experienced Ketamine specialists or under their supervision. The required dosage depends on your age, body composition, and the severity of your mental condition. And it can only be determined by an expert.
After the treatment, they have to monitor your progress all through the treatment period. Besides, it has to be done in a highly controlled medical setting.
2.Give Necessary Information
Give your doctor all the necessary information about your health and your expectations from the treatment. You might also need to divulge your past medical history to him. If you have certain concerns, don’t hesitate to tell him. More importantly, you have to be highly observant. If you notice any changes in your body when you begin the therapy, let your doctor know as soon as possible.
3.Don’t Skip Sessions
Ketamine infusion therapy requires a series of administration of the drug over a certain period of time. And each session is important. Skipping sessions may slow your rate of recovery. So, you should follow the sessions through and also adhere to all your doctor’s instructions and warnings.
4.Create a Conducive Atmosphere
Generally, all biological therapies for mental conditions are more effective in a calm, comfortable, and serene atmosphere. That’s why you need to get back to that kind of atmosphere after every treatment session. Let your family members or housemates know before going for the treatment.
5.Take Follow-up appointments Seriously
Even if you feel like you’re much better, don’t ditch follow-up appointments. If your doctor asks to see you after a certain period of time, make yourself available. He probably wants to assess your progress and wants to be sure of your full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ketamine treatment sessions should I expect?
Generally, it’s about three or more sessions. However, the number varies from one individual to another. It depends on the severity of your case and recovery progress.
Should I come for the treatment alone?
No. It is better to come with someone. He or she’ll be with you all through the session and accompany you home. It is not advisable to drive yourself home after the treatment.
Is Ketamine addictive?
Not when it’s taken moderately. As long as you have taken the proper dosage under the supervision of a doctor, you don’t need to worry about addiction. FDA has approved it for treatment because it’s adjudged to be a safe drug.
Conclusively, there are several points to take away from this piece, but if you prefer to go with only one, it should be this – Ketamine infusion therapy is highly effective but it must be handled by an experienced Ketamine integration therapist.