Imagine you have completed your initial intravenous ketamine treatment, and you’re feeling much better. How long will the effect last? Should you get more treatment? If so, how many infusions and when? These are some of the common questions patients with chronic or treatment-resistant depression ask.
What Determines the Number of Ketamine Treatments?
The number of ketamine treatments you need to alleviate symptoms of depression will depend on the following;
Duration and Severity of Your Depression
The severity of your depression symptoms and the period you have been suffering play a key role in determining the number of treatments you need. Individuals with severe symptoms or who have experienced depression for a long time may require more ketamine treatments to get the full benefits of this therapy.
The Doctor’s Chosen Treatment Protocol
Depending on the depression symptoms you’re experiencing, your doctor will choose a particular treatment protocol. Some patients with depression may require several ketamine treatments followed by a series of maintenance treatments for better relief.
Your Response to Ketamine Treatments
Every patient responds differently to ketamine treatments. Therefore, you must work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure you are under a treatment protocol that matches your symptoms. Your doctor will also monitor your symptoms closely and adjust your treatment as needed.
What to Expect During Ketamine Treatments
Preparing for Your Treatment
Prior to your intravenous ketamine treatment, your doctor should assess your health and medical history. During this evaluation, your healthcare provider will assess the risk of contraindications for ketamine treatments.
Work with your doctor to create a treatment plan. Be sure to make transport arrangements because you won’t be able to drive after the treatment.
During Treatment
Your doctor will administer ketamine through an IV. It takes about an hour for the drip to finish, so your doctor will ensure you’re in a comfortable position and monitor you when administering the medication. Note that you may experience a change in your perception, such as the feeling of floating, a sensation of disconnect, or seeing vivid colors.
Each patient responds differently to intravenous ketamine treatment for depression. You’ll likely feel euphoric, dizzy, or nauseated. Most of these effects fade within a short period. However, the long-term effects are transformative. Over time, you will feel an improved mood, reduced depressive symptoms, a significant change in your perspective toward life, and a better quality of life.
The ultimate goal of ketamine ongoing treatment is to maintain improvement in symptoms or the remission you achieved after the initial dose. Your physician will work closely with you to determine the number of ketamine treatments required to improve your condition. Remember, different individuals respond differently to these treatments.