Safe and Proven Support For Treatment-Resistant Depression

By Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, LAc, FAAN

Avesta Ketamine and Wellness

. https://www.avestaketaminewellness.com/

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Safe and Proven Support For Treatment-Resistant Depression

You may have heard that ketamine is available for the treatment of mood disorders such as major depression, PTSD, anxiety as well as chronic pain, but beyond that you may not know much more. Many patients who are struggling with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD or anxiety find real relief and new hope with ketamine treatments, however, it is important to get the facts.

What Is Ketamine?

The World Health Organization (WHO) deems, “Ketamine [is] one of the most essential medications due to its therapeutic effects and wide margin of safety.” Developed in the 1960s and approved for use in the United States in 1970, ketamine works by inducing both hypnotic (sleep-inducing) and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. Ketamine is deemed a complete anesthetic with minimal effects on cardiovascular function, respiratory drive, and airway reflexes. It is used extensively for pediatric and adult treatment in surgery, emergency departments, trauma medicine, and war zones.” 

How Ketamine Works

Ketamine works on several brain areas involved in symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum depression (PPD), and numerous pain syndromes. In the last decade, there has been mounting evidence that up to 80% of patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression have benefited from ketamine infusions.

Are Ketamine Infusions Safe?

Ketamine IV infusion treatments for mood disorders and chronic pain are very safe when administered by clinicians like highly trained anesthesia providers with board certifications. Additionally, ketamine has a strong body of evidence-based research supporting its use. In fact, numerous certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) have conducted extensive research on stress and impacts on the brain including depression and anxiety and have found ketamine to be highly effective, therapeutic, and non-addictive, which are three of the most critical factors supporting its clinical use for mood disorders and chronic pain.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate For Ketamine Infusions?

The ideal candidate is typically a patient that has tried many other forms of treatment without success. ketamine can often be the difference in a patient resuming a normal and healthy lifestyle, which usually they had not thought possible because of a history of successive treatment failures. For many, ketamine IV infusion treatments restore hope.

The Facts About Ketamine

• Patients cannot administer IV Ketamine or Esketamine (Spravato) themselves
• Unlike opioids, Ketamine is physically non-addictive
• Patients must demonstrate a clinical need
• IV Ketamine, and Spravato Ketamine are only available at a certified doctor’s office or clinic

Where Can I Learn More About Ketamine Infusions For Mood Disorders?

If you are considering ketamine IV infusion, or Spravato for the treatment of mood disorders or chronic pain it is critical that you do your own research to better determine if ketamine IV infusion treatment is right for you. Additionally, you should schedule a free consultation with a licensed provider and come prepared with questions.