Palo Alto Mind Body
Concierge Psychiatry & Psychiatrists located in Palo Alto, CA
Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people in the United States every year. It can make everyday tasks feel impossible and drain all joy from life. For many people, treatments like therapy and antidepressant medications help them manage their symptoms. However, for some, these treatments don’t work as expected. Around one-third of people with major depression don’t find relief from traditional treatments, no matter how many medications they try or how long they wait. This condition is known as treatment-resistant depression.
At Palo Alto Mind Body, we offer a breakthrough treatment for people who haven’t had success with other options through IV Ketamine Therapy. This innovative treatment is helping many people find relief from depression, even when nothing else has worked.
IV Ketamine Infusions Q & A
What is IV Ketamine Treatment?
Ketamine has been used for decades in the medical field as an anesthetic. More recently, researchers discovered its powerful effects on treating depression, especially in cases where other treatments fail. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which often take weeks to start working, IV Ketamine can provide relief much faster. Some people report improvement in hours or days.
IV Ketamine is administered through an intravenous (IV) drip, which means it goes directly into your bloodstream. This allows the medication to work more quickly and effectively than if it were taken as a pill. During the treatment, you will be comfortably seated in a relaxing chair while the IV delivers the medication slowly over approximately 40 minutes. A trained medical professional will monitor you throughout to ensure your comfort and safety.
How Does Ketamine Help with Depression?
It is hypothesized that Ketamine works in a unique way that sets it apart from other treatments. While traditional antidepressants focus on balancing chemicals like serotonin in the brain, Ketamine is thought to work by targeting the glutamate system. Glutamate is the brain’s main chemical messenger involved in learning and memory, and it plays a role in mood regulation. By increasing the activity of this system, Ketamine can help "reset" brain circuits that are often disrupted in people with depression.
One of the key benefits of IV Ketamine is its ability to act quickly. For people with treatment-resistant depression, this therapy has provided a new sense of hope. Ketamine has been shown to improve mood, increase energy, and help people feel more connected to life. It can also help reduce feelings of anxiety, making it a valuable treatment for people with co-occurring conditions like generalized anxiety disorder or PTSD.
Understanding the Difference Between Ketamine and Spravato
Ketamine is a mixture consisting of an equal combination of two molecules, R- and S-ketamine. Initially, it was approved for use as an anesthetic. Today, when given in lower doses, it is also used to treat mental health conditions, particularly depression. This form is typically administered through an IV infusion.
S-ketamine or Esketamine, also known by the brand name Spravato, is a nasal spray that uses only the “S” molecule. It is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and in depressed patients with suicidal ideation. It must be used in a clinical setting under medical supervision.
We offer both IV Ketamine and Spravato at Palo Alto Mind Body. Our team will help guide you through your treatment options.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Palo Alto Mind Body, our goal is to ensure that you feel comfortable and cared for throughout your IV Ketamine treatment. Each session begins with a thorough consultation with our experienced team, who will take the time to understand your symptoms and medical history. We want to make sure that this treatment is the right option for you.
During treatment, you will relax in a peaceful room while the medication is administered through an IV. Many patients describe feeling a sense of calm or mild dissociation, but the experience can vary from person to person. A trained medical professional will monitor your vitals throughout, and a post-treatment assessment will ensure your readiness for discharge. Some people report feeling better within a few hours to days after the treatment, but a series of treatments is usually recommended to maximize results.
Is IV Ketamine Right for You?
If you’re struggling with depression and other treatments haven’t worked, IV Ketamine could be the solution you’ve been looking for. It can be a safe and effective treatment option that has helped many people regain their enjoyment of life. At Palo Alto Mind Body, we provide personalized care to help you discover the most effective approach to managing your mental health.
If you’d like to learn more about how IV Ketamine can help you overcome treatment-resistant depression, contact us today. Our team is here to support you on your journey to mental wellness.