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Rediscover Joy with Ketamine for Depression

At Ketamine Haven Clinic in Los Angeles, CA, we believe in the power of hope and healing. Our innovative ketamine therapy offers a new path for those struggling with depression, providing rapid relief and a brighter outlook on life. 

With a compassionate team and a serene environment, Ketamine Haven Clinic is dedicated to helping you rediscover the joy and fulfillment you deserve with ketamine for depression. Take the first step towards a happier, healthier you with our expert care and cutting-edge ketamine for treatment-resistant depression.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine, originally developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic, has a rich history of medical use due to its safety and effectiveness. Beyond its role in anesthesia, ketamine has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for depression. 

Its unique properties allow it to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, often within hours or days, compared to traditional antidepressants that can take weeks. Today, ketamine is recognized for its ability to help individuals who have not responded to other treatments, offering a new sense of hope and possibility for those battling depression.

How Ketamine Works for Depression

Ketamine’s Mechanism of Action

1. NMDA Receptor Antagonism:

Ketamine acts primarily as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a subtype of glutamate receptor. This blockage leads to an increase in the release of glutamate and subsequent activation of the AMPA receptors, which are also involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity.

The cascade effect results in the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, promoting synaptic growth and strengthening synaptic connections, which are crucial for mood regulation.

2. Rapid and Sustained Effects:

Ketamine’s antidepressant effects can begin within hours of administration, significantly faster than traditional antidepressants which can take weeks to show effects. This rapid action is crucial for individuals with severe depressive symptoms, including those with suicidal ideation.

While the initial effects of ketamine are rapid, its antidepressant effects can be sustained for a period following treatment. In some studies, repeated infusions have been shown to extend the duration of its antidepressant effects.

Clinical Evidence

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD):

Studies have shown that a single subanesthetic dose of ketamine can produce significant antidepressant effects in patients with TRD. The initial response often occurs within hours and can last for several days.

Repeated doses of ketamine for depression have been explored to prolong the antidepressant effects. In a study where patients received six ketamine infusions over 12 days, significant reductions in depressive symptoms were observed, with some patients maintaining benefits for several weeks.

Efficacy and Safety:

The safety profile of ketamine in these settings indicates that while there can be transient side effects such as dissociative symptoms, increased blood pressure, and heart rate changes, these are generally manageable and resolve shortly after infusion.

There is also emerging evidence suggesting that higher doses, aiming to achieve a transpersonal dissociative experience, might have therapeutic benefits in specific populations, such as veterans with PTSD, possibly by facilitating cognitive and emotional processing of traumatic experiences.

How Many Ketamine Treatments for Depression?

The number of ketamine treatments required for depression can vary based on individual response and the specific treatment protocol being followed. Here is an overview based on the available literature in reference to ketamine for depression treatment:

Initial Treatment Phase

1. Single Dose:

A single subanesthetic dose of ketamine has been shown to produce rapid antidepressant effects within hours. However, these effects are usually transient, lasting up to a week.

2. Repeated Doses:

To sustain the antidepressant effects, repeated dosing is often employed. Protocols generally involve multiple infusions over a short period. For instance, one common regimen includes six infusions over two to three weeks.

In a study involving veterans with PTSD, participants underwent six 1-hour ketamine infusions over a 2-3 week period.

Maintenance Phase

  1. Booster Infusions:

    After the initial treatment phase, booster infusions may be administered to maintain the antidepressant effects. The frequency of these boosters can vary based on individual needs and response to the initial treatment. Some patients might receive booster infusions every few weeks or months.

  2. Long-Term Maintenance:

    Long-term maintenance typically involves less frequent infusions, with the exact schedule tailored to the patient’s ongoing response to treatment. The goal is to maintain symptom relief while minimizing the risk of relapse.

Who is Eligible for Ketamine Therapy?

Eligibility for ketamine therapy, particularly for depression and other mental health disorders, is determined by several factors including diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health, which will be evaluated by our treating physicians during the patient consultation. Some of the conditions we treat include but are not limited to:

Monitoring and Setting

1. Controlled Setting:

Ketamine therapy is typically administered in a controlled, clinical setting such as a hospital, specialized ketamine clinic, or mental health facility where patients can be closely monitored during and after infusion.

2. Follow-up Care:

Ongoing follow-up care to monitor response to treatment, manage any side effects, and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

Benefits of Ketamine for Depression

Take the First Step Towards Relief at Ketamine Haven Clinic in Los Angeles, CA

Why Consider Ketamine for Depression Treatment?

Ketamine has shown significant benefits for the treatment of depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Here are some key points regarding its efficacy and benefits based on the documents provided:

Rapid Antidepressant Effects:

Ketamine can produce rapid antidepressant effects within hours to a few days, unlike traditional antidepressants which may take weeks to become effective.

A single subanesthetic dose of ketamine has been shown to elicit rapid, although transient, antidepressant effects in patients with TRD.

Repeated-Dose Efficacy:

Repeated-dose intravenous ketamine treatments have been tested and shown to be effective in sustaining antidepressant effects. In one study, patients received six infusions over 12 days, resulting in significant and sustained reduction in depressive symptoms.

The antidepressant response can be maintained with repeated doses, with some patients experiencing relief for several weeks.

Reduction in Suicidal Ideation:

  • Ketamine has been effective in rapidly reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with major depressive disorder and TRD.
  • This rapid effect on suicidal ideation is particularly crucial in acute psychiatric care settings.
  • The medication is clinically proven safety when administered under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
  • Ketamine is not an addictive medication.

If you or a loved one is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, it’s time to explore a new path to healing. At Ketamine Haven Clinic in Los Angeles, CA, our expert team is dedicated to providing cutting-edge ketamine therapy for depression tailored to your unique needs. 

Experience rapid relief and rediscover hope with our compassionate care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Ketamine for depression in Los Angeles, CA

Get The Relief You Need Today

Ready to schedule you consultation? Contact Ketamine Haven Clinic today and learn more about our services and how we can help you start enjoying life to the fullest again.

Get The Facts About Ketamine Therapy

Is Ketamine Safe?

Yes, Ketamine has an extensive safety profile and is used commonly in hospitals and clinics. It preserves the patient’s vital signs and is exceptionally safe when administered by certified anesthesia providers such as anesthesiologists.

Currently, most insurances do not cover Ketamine as a treatment option for depression or chronic pain. However, if you request, we will provide you with documentation for treatment so that you may attempt to get reimbursed.

The typical treatment plan includes 5-6 infusions over three weeks. After that, further maintenance treatments on a weekly or monthly basis are as-needed. However, most patients need maintenance infusion approximately every 4-5 weeks.

Ketamine is beneficial for many people, even with serious illnesses. But like any medical procedure, some contraindications and conditions prevent the patients from having it.

These conditions would be:

  • Poorly controlled high blood pressure, severe heart failure, or unstable cardiac disease
  • A recent heart attack
  • Pregnancy
  • A recent stroke
  • History of allergic reactions to Ketamine
  • Uncontrolled seizures
  • Glaucoma
  • Hyperactive thyroid
  • Active manic or psychotic symptoms
  • No support person to take you home from the clinic or care for you at home

Dr. Borna will discuss your medications with you in the free consultation session and plan any adjustments if needed. For example, for some medications, you might need to reduce the doses before having Ketamine treatment to achieve the best result.

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mental health recover near tarzana, ca