Ketamine Injections For Treatment Resistant Depression

Online, July 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Depression continues to be a disease that is not completely understood. Modern neuroscience has come up with logical and cohesive models, which describe depression as, deficiency or reduced activity of the neurotransmitters Serotonin, Norepinephrine and Dopamine in the brain. All FDA-approved medications affect one of or more of the above neurotransmitters. The art of psychopharmacology is in finding the right combination of medications, which can optimize activity of all three of the above neurotransmitters for a given patient. However, current models of Depression do not explain why antidepressants do not work instantly or why antidepressants do not work for all of the depressed patients. To complicate the matters further, current research shows that Ketamine, an old anesthetic, works very quickly in relieving the symptoms of severe depression in patients who had no response to medications and/or ECT.

How does Ketamine work:
The exact mechanism of how Ketamine works for depression is not fully known. Ketamine works on a neurotransmitter system called Glutamate (NMDA receptors), which is the most widespread neurotransmitter in the brain. Many major research institutions are conducting trials and studies on this subject. The public clinical results are excellent, but the mechanism of action still remains a mystery.

Is Ketamine safe?
Ketamine has been widely used as an anesthetic for minor procedures since the 1960's. In many countries, it is used by the first aid response workers when dealing with minor trauma. The safety of Ketamine is such that it is used as outpatient anesthetic by non-physicians. The dose used to Depression is about one quarter (1/4) of anesthetic dose. At Trifecta, we administer a trial injection, followed in 15 minutes by regular injection, to minimize the chance of any negative reaction and to reassure the patient. Ketamine is very short-acting, the mind-altering effect, frequently described as a mild alcohol intoxication, only lasts less than two hours. Most of the negative effects of Ketamine use were associated with high chronic doses of Veterinary grade by recreational drug users (Special K) or medical errors. Ketamine is an FDA approved substance, but does not carry an indication for depression treatment.

What to expect from Ketamine Injection treatment for treatment resistant depression:
Expect a very pleasant experience. It is reasonable to expect improvement within 24 hours of the treatment. Normally, treatments would occur twice a week for two weeks and weekly after that, for a total of 12 to 16 treatments. The goals of Ketamine treatment for depression are rapid recovery, stabilization, maintenance of effect and, if possible, transfer to more traditional oral medications. Ketamine maintenance is possible, if absolutely necessary.

How does Trifecta use Ketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression:
Appropriate patients are selected by the medical team. EKG, vital signs and oxygen saturation are monitored. During a treatment session, patient is given two injections, ten minutes apart. Patient is awake but feels mildly intoxicated for under two hours. Usually, patients report the subjective experience of Ketamine-induced state as pleasant. Patient is expected to stay at Trifecta for a period of two hours during the procedure. Following treatment, patient is discharged fully awake, oriented and sober.

Trifecta treatment philosophy:
We individualize treatment to the particular patient. Lamictal treatment is frequently used as an adjunctive treatment, to both improve efficacy and reduce potential side effects. We charge for each session separately, since it is impossible to predict how many treatments would be necessary. At Trifecta, we try to make the patient a full partner in the treatment process.

Call today to schedule a consultation, or to further discuss Trifecta Health's use of Ketamine for treatment resistant depression.