If you are a long-term sufferer of depression, you may have heard of ketamine infusions as an exciting potential treatment. If not, it is likely because insurance companies do not cover it for the purpose of addressing mental health. Though long used by anesthesiologists to assist in the administration of anesthetic, only recently have its wider-ranging applications been explored; accordingly, the FDA has yet to approve it for non-surgery related use. Though slow to navigate bureaucratic channels, ketamine has proven to an extraordinarily quick and effective treatment for depression and hence, ketamine clinics that provide off-label access are exploding across the country.
Those who live with treatment-resistant depression know how agonizing it can be to weather misery, suicidal ideation, and the many other crippling effects. The discovery of a fast-acting, demonstrably effective drug provides a glimmer of hope. Nonetheless, there are considerations to keep in mind.
One, ketamine is not a first recourse. Though 8% of people in the U.S. suffer from depression, ketamine clinics target those with refractory depression that does not respond to common treatments such as talk therapy or antidepressants. It is important to consider these avenues before looking to ketamine for depression.
Second, however promising initial studies may seem—many patients report relief of symptoms within hours—it is critical to recognize that ketamine is not a simple fix. After all, it does not exist in pill form and must be administered intravenously. Those who undergo treatment are left feeling disoriented for a short time and are unable to drive home on their own. What is more, ketamine is not a solo treatment but must be administered in concert with a regimen of other psychiatric medications or treatments.
A third consideration is the fact ketamine clinics are new and not all are equal. Before venturing down this path, it is worth speaking to a mental health professional in order to determine whether a better-established treatment might be more appropriate. If visiting a ketamine clinic, ensure that an anesthesiologist or psychiatrist is on staff, such that you know the clinic is doing its due diligence.
Fourth, be aware that ketamine can cost a lot, and will likely not be covered by your insurer. An IV treatment, referred to as an infusion, comes with a price tag of between $500 and $800 and patients often require 4-6 infusions over two weeks to get started.
Lastly, though initial studies are overwhelmingly positive, research remains to be done concerning the long-term effect and utility of ketamine. In other words, we simply to do not yet know how well ketamine infusions work over extended periods of time. This said, the damage of treatment-resistant depression is often urgent and knowing that a quick-acting fix is accessible is encouraging! Nonetheless, ketamine should be approached as a potential player in a robust treatment plan and not a silver bullet solution.
Contact restoratIV Ketamine
restoratIV Ketamine is Mississippi’s leading provider of ketamine infusions for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. Request a free phone consultation today to learn if you are a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy.
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