Ketamine: Essential Medicine
Those suffering from treatment-resistant depression may now have new hope! A new study shows that Ketamine, a club drug known as ‘special K’, may be an effective treatment for depression. Ketamine is a class III schedule drug. Hospitals and other medical settings have the approval to use as an anesthetic. Ketamine’s discover was 1962 as an anesthetic for children. It’s listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.
Until this point, many suffering from depression have had little hope. Reason being, the most common antidepressants, SSRIs, fail to help nearly a third of patients. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Also, Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain cells. SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available. SSRIs primarily affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters. In recent years, research around new forms of antidepression treatment has been stagnant. This discovery breathes new hope for patients and providers.
Thomas Insel, former head of the National Institute of Mental Health, once called Ketamine, “The most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades.”
How does it work?
Unlike antidepressants, which work by shifting the balance of brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, Ketamine is thought to change the way brain cells communicate with each other. Ketamine blocks a type of receptor in the brain, known as NMDA, thought to play a role in depression. Recent studies found that Ketamine can have long-lasting effects on depression, even though the drug only stays in the body a short time.
Ketamine can also aid in preventing or ending opioid dependence
Ketamine is proving to help bring treatment-resistant mental health disorders (OCD, depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, etc.) into remission. It can also aid in preventing or ending opioid and benzodiazepine dependence, emergency room visits and psychiatric stays. Also, recent Ketamine research states the drug works quickly. It makes dramatic improvements in mood. Also, it can work on people who received poor results with other depression treatments.
D’Amore Healthcare prides itself on its innovative and compassionate approach to its patients. And, our Ketamine treatment program combines cozy residential services and cognitive behavioral therapy to significantly reduce and decrease symptoms related to depression and anxiety. Our goal is to reduce the chronic nature and effects of depression, as Ketamine provides relief quickly and effectively.
Finally, D’Amore Healthcare suggests that the appropriate treatment(s) move at a pace that’s comfortable for the individual. Our priority is your care and freedom from any combination of mental illness and addiction.
If you or someone you know requires Ketamine treatment, contact us today;
D’Amore Healthcare
714.375.1110
info@damorehealth.wpengine.com
