8 Questions to Ask Before Starting Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Depression affects millions of people, and the good news is, most — about 70% — experience significant benefits with standard antidepressant medication. The bad news: The other 30% still struggle with their symptoms, despite medical treatment. These people have what’s known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and for them, finding relief can seem elusive and frustrating.

Fortunately, ketamine infusion therapy has proven especially effective in treating people with TRD, providing a safe, viable option to help them experience a happier, more stable life. But like any new treatment, it’s common to have questions. In this post, Sarah Wilczewski, CRNA, APNP, offers eight questions to ask before your first session at Revival Infusion Madison, so you can feel completely confident and relaxed about your care.

1. Why is ketamine used for treatment-resistant depression?

Traditional antidepressants target specific neurotransmitters — usually serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine — to regulate brain pathways associated with mood. While they can be effective, they take weeks to work, and depending on your unique brain chemistry, they may fail to provide you with the level of relief you’re looking for.

Ketamine acts on another brain chemical called glutamate, the brain's most abundant neurotransmitter. This difference is what makes it a good option for people struggling with TRD.

2. What type of ketamine treatment do you offer?

Ketamine can be administered in different ways — via injections, nasal sprays, and IV infusions, for instance. We use IV infusions for optimal dosing and truly customized care. During your initial visit, we’ll explain how this specific approach can benefit you based on your needs. 

3. What happens during my session?

Ketamine infusion is an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or less. At the start of your session, we insert an IV in your arm. The IV delivers a specific dose of ketamine tailored to your needs. 

Throughout your session, you’ll lie back and relax while we monitor your progress. Most people report feeling very relaxed or even drowsy during treatment. Because ketamine is an anesthetic, you’ll need to have someone available to drive you home afterward.

4. What side effects should I expect?

Ketamine therapy is very well tolerated, but there are some possible effects you should know about. During and shortly after treatment, you may feel “floaty,” lightheaded, or dizzy. Some people experience very mild nausea. 

Fatigue is a common side effect, which is why you need someone else to drive you home. Side effects typically wear off within a few hours, but you should avoid driving for at least 12 hours afterward.

5. How quickly might I notice results?

Some patients notice an improvement within hours or days of treatment, while others start seeing real benefits after a series of infusions. Your response time will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and your health profile. We provide patients with the Osmind mobile app, an app designed to help ketamine patients track their progress and communicate with our team.

6. Will I still need therapy or medication?

Depression is a complex condition that affects people in different ways. In most cases, people benefit from a multi-pronged approach to treatment that involves ketamine, psychotherapy, and medication management. Our team will design a plan based on your needs and your response to all the facets of your therapy.

7. How long do the effects last?

Since depression affects everyone differently, the longevity of its effects can vary, too. For some patients, symptom relief lasts weeks or even months after treatment. Many benefit from maintenance treatments to help sustain results over time. Our team will discuss recommendations to help you get the most benefits from your therapy.

8. Are there any times when ketamine is contraindicated?

Ketamine therapy has a long track record of use in medicine, and it can be a good solution for many people with TRD. That said, it’s not always an ideal choice. Prior to recommending ketamine treatment, we review your medical history and other factors to make sure it’s right for you.

Find relief for your depression

Living with treatment-resistant depression can feel exhausting, frustrating, and even hopeless, especially after multiple unsuccessful treatments. Ketamine therapy offers an alternative path to finally managing your symptoms and restoring a better quality of life.

To learn more about ketamine infusion therapy and whether it’s a good choice for you, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Revival Infusion Madison in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, today.