HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

How Safe Is Ketamine When Used To Treat Depression?

Posted on Thu, 21 Apr 2022

Question: How safe is Ketamine when used to treat depression?
Im not suicidal, so will I see any benefit from it? (Im severely treatment-resistant)

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ketamine is safe when used in depression

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Ketamine is safe when used in treatment resistant depression. One will not see any serious side effects if given by a good psychiatrist.

Multiple infusions are needed and the results are good during treatment. But once the therapy is discontinued the relapse of symptoms is seen.

So we can say its safe to be used in depression, but the response is not very promising as initially thought.

Thanks. Please let me know if you have more doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (59 minutes later)

I%E2%80%99m going to receive maintenance %E2%80%98booster%E2%80%99 infusion after the initial 5-6 sessions. Will that stave off my depression returning?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this will prevent the relapse of symptoms.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Yes, if they are planning maintenance infusions then this will prevent the relapse of symptoms. No need to get worried.

Once you are better then the drugs will also help in maintaining the remission.

Thanks.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy