Ketamine infusion therapy and traditional antidepressants differ significantly in their mechanisms, speed of action, and treatment approaches. Conventional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Ketamine operates through a completely different pathway by blocking NMDA receptors and promoting the growth of new neural connections (neuroplasticity), particularly affecting the brain’s glutamate system. But what is Ketamine infusion therapy used for, and how can it improve mental health?
Ketamine is generally prescribed only when other treatments have not been effective and has shown particular promise for people who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants. Many Ketamine clinics near Tustin, CA, now offer infusions for a wide array of mental health issues, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Ketamine infusion therapy involves receiving controlled intravenous doses in a medical setting. Treatment typically consists of an initial series of infusions over several weeks, followed by maintenance sessions as needed. The therapy requires medical supervision due to ketamine’s dissociative effects during treatment.
Who Should Consider Ketamine Therapy Instead of Antidepressants?
Ketamine therapy is typically considered for specific populations where traditional antidepressants may not be the best first option or have already proven insufficient:
- Treatment-Resistant Depression: People who have tried multiple traditional antidepressants without adequate response are prime candidates. This includes those who’ve experienced partial improvement but still have significant symptoms affecting their daily functioning.
- Severe Depression with Suicidal Ideation: When someone is experiencing active suicidal thoughts or has made recent attempts, the rapid action of ketamine can be life-saving. Traditional antidepressants’ 4-8 week onset period may be too slow in crises.
- Bipolar Depression Individuals with bipolar disorder often have limited antidepressant options due to the risk of triggering manic episodes. Ketamine can be effective for bipolar depression without the same risk of mood switching.
- Complex Mental Health Conditions: Those with co-occurring PTSD and depression are also good candidates. This makes using Ketamine for military PTSD a viable option for many veterans.
Candidates must undergo a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation to ensure safety, as ketamine isn’t appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain heart conditions, active substance abuse, or specific psychiatric conditions. The decision should always involve consultation with a qualified psychiatrist or mental health professional who can assess individual circumstances, previous treatment history, and overall health status to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate.
How Quickly Does Spravato Work Compared to Antidepressants?
Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) works dramatically faster than traditional antidepressants, offering a significant advantage for people with treatment-resistant depression. Spravato exhibits a relatively rapid onset, generally taking effect within 30–60 minutes after treatment. For treating military depression and other common depression issues, Spravato has proven effective at reducing depression symptoms in as little as 24 hours.
Conventional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs typically require 4–8 weeks to show meaningful therapeutic effects, as they need time to build up in your system and gradually alter brain chemistry. For people who have already tried multiple traditional antidepressants without success, Spravato’s rapid action provides hope and relief much sooner than attempting another conventional medication.
Unlike oral antidepressants taken at home, Spravato requires administration in healthcare settings with monitoring after each treatment session due to potential side effects. Some may find significant improvements within the first month, while others might require ongoing treatment to maintain their benefits, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment approaches.
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Is Spravato FDA-Approved for Depression?
Yes, Spravato is FDA-approved for depression, and the approval has recently expanded significantly. Spravato first received approval in 2019 for use in adults with major depressive disorder who did not respond to antidepressants.
Recently, Spravato was approved as a monotherapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression. This means the FDA allows the drug to be used on its own without requiring concurrent oral antidepressants. This expanded FDA approval represents a significant advancement in depression treatment, particularly for people with treatment-resistant depression who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressants. The ability to use Spravato as a standalone treatment offers more flexibility for both patients and healthcare providers.
How Long Do the Benefits of Ketamine Infusions Last Compared to Antidepressants?
The duration of benefits from ketamine infusions versus traditional antidepressants differs significantly in how they provide and maintain therapeutic effects.
Ketamine Infusion Duration
- Single Treatment Effects: Research indicates that the favorable outcomes of a single ketamine infusion can endure for up to a week. However, the effects of the treatment can last for several days or even weeks. Following a ketamine infusion session, some individuals may experience immediate effects, such as a sense of calm, increased clarity of thought, and improved mood. These effects can vary from person to person and may last for a few hours or days.
- Long-term Symptom Relief: The time period of being relieved from depressive symptoms can last anywhere from four weeks to three to four months or longer, but again, response varies widely by the patient. For pain conditions, most people get long-term pain relief of at least one month after two to three sessions.
- Maintenance Schedule: For depression and anxiety, the initial treatment protocol typically involves a series of six infusions administered over a six-week period. After the initial series, most people receive treatment once a month for maintenance.
Traditional Antidepressants Duration
- Continuous Effect Model: Traditional antidepressants work differently as they require daily dosing to maintain steady levels in your system. Their benefits last as long as you continue taking them consistently. Missing doses can lead to withdrawal symptoms and the return of depression within days to weeks.
- Long-term Stability: Once effective, traditional antidepressants can provide stable, continuous symptom control for months or years with daily use. Many people stay on them for six months to several years after achieving remission.
Ketamine therapy is highly individualized, so response varies widely by the patient, while traditional antidepressants also show individual variation but typically follow more predictable patterns once therapeutic levels are established. The choice between these approaches often depends on personal response patterns, lifestyle preferences, and the severity of symptoms.
What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Used for? Key Takeaways
- Ketamine infusions and Spravato can provide relief within hours to days, while traditional antidepressants require four to eight weeks to show meaningful effects.
- Traditional antidepressants work through neurotransmitter systems, while ketamine operates through the brain’s glutamate system.
- Traditional antidepressants require daily oral medication for continuous effect, while ketamine involves periodic infusions or nasal spray treatments in medical settings.
- Spravato received groundbreaking FDA approval in January 2025 as the first monotherapy for treatment-resistant depression.
- Ketamine-based therapies are typically reserved for treatment-resistant cases, severe depression with suicidal thoughts, or situations requiring rapid symptom relief, serving as a crucial option when conventional treatments have failed.
What is ketamine infusion therapy used for? Ketamine infusion therapy is utilized as a groundbreaking treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. If you’re interested in exploring how ketamine infusion therapy can positively impact your mental well-being, reach out to Moment of Clarity at 949-625-0564. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and support as you navigate your path towards improved mental health.
Resources
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health –What to Know About Ketamine
- ADAA –Ketamine: A Rising Star in Mental Health Treatment
- Harvard Medical School –Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe?
