Why Ketamine?

Introduction

Over half of patients taking an oral antidepressant report still feeling depressive symptoms. In some cases this is due to Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). TRD typically refers to major depressive episodes that do not respond satisfactorily after two trials of antidepressant medications. Ketamine is a new treatment option for TRD and it’s making waves for its ability to provide quick and lasting relief of symptoms.

How Ketamine Works

An oral antidepressant can take months to be effective, but Ketamine works differently. SSRIs like Prozac work on the serotonin system in the brain. Recent research shows a change in the originally accepted idea that serotonin is the “happiness molecule” since it only accounts for 20% of brain chemistry. Ketamine increases neuroplasticity by working on the other 80%, which are connective molecules called GABA and glutamate that work together to facilitate many different essential brain functions.

Esketamine can provide instant and lasting relief of depressive symptoms, and studies show that it’s most effective when used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. In one study, over 70% of patients experienced immediate relief, and reported still feeling an improvement in symptoms after one month. 

WHAT WE DO

At Metro Atlanta Psychiatry’s Ketamine Clinic, we treat patients with SPRAVATO, an FDA approved prescription esketamine nasal spray. Janssen pharmaceuticals provides several cost support options, including acceptance of most insurance providers as well as a patient assistance program where some pay as little as zero dollars per treatment. We also offer ketamine IV infusions at an affordable price. If you’re interested in learning more about ketamine therapy, give us a call at 404-456-6482. We’re excited about the relief we’re seeing in our patients with treatment-resistant depression, and we can’t wait for the future of ketamine therapy.