Ketamine is a ‘Game Changer’ in Treating Chronic Pain and Depression

Patients struggling with depression deserve alternative medications that provide more than temporary relief. Mental disorders can be potentially life-threatening. That's why treatments should be efficient with lasting effects. The same goes for chronic pain. Chronic pain and depression are connected in more ways than one. 

Traditional treatment methods for chronic pain and depression are effective. But what if there's a better solution for treating these health conditions? This is where ketamine comes into play. Ketamine's original function is to provide relief from acute or chronic pain. Recently, doctors found another use for this drug. Using ketamine as a treatment for individuals with depression shows promising results. 

This blog post will highlight ketamine and its uses in treating chronic pain and depression. We'll discuss its primary function and how it works as an off-label medication. So, let's begin our conversation. 

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an anesthetic typically used in surgeries. Moreover, it is a therapeutic drug effective against acute and chronic pain. Nowadays, it is one of the new treatments for depression. It is an off-label drug that serves multiple purposes in treating different health conditions. 

Effects of Ketamine in Chronic Pain

As an anesthetic, ketamine induces dissociation to alleviate chronic pain sensations. It is effective in treating:

• Trauma
• Low back pain
• Fractures
• Abdominal pain
• Arm or leg pain

Ketamine treatment provides fast and efficient pain relief. Doctors recommend ketamine for uncooperative patients like children. In addition, it works better when other pain relievers yield little effect. 

Ketamine for Depression

Medical health professionals labeled ketamine as a "miracle drug" for treating depression. Reports say that individuals respond better to ketamine compared with other anti-depression drugs. What's more, it has a faster and longer effect on patients.

How it Works

Unlike other antidepressant medications, ketamine takes effect faster. It leaves the patients feeling detached and sedated. As a result, it is easier for them to deal with chronic pain and depression. Ketamine produces neuroplasticity; it enhances your brain's ability to respond to pain and depression positively. 

Ketamine is a highly potent drug that requires supervision from medical professionals. It should never be taken without assistance. 

Standard Process of Treatment

Here's how a standard treatment of ketamine works:

• Six infusions in 2 weeks
• Maintenance infusions for four weeks
• Each session typically lasts 90 minutes
• 75 to 80 percent success rate

Who Benefits from Ketamine Therapy?

Individuals with mood disorders and chronic pain sufferers benefit from ketamine therapy in many ways. Reports say that it effectively manages the symptoms of chronic pain. In addition, some patients were able to avoid surgery altogether. For mental or mood disorders, ketamine showed great potential in treating moderate to severe depression. What's more, it improved the lives of many suicidal patients. Medical experts consider it to be one of the best medicines for depression.

Additional Uses

Aside from treating chronic pain and mood disorders, ketamine also works with other health conditions. Below are a couple of examples that we've compiled for you.

Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is when a person experiences seizures longer than 5 minutes or more than once within 5 minutes. In addition, these individuals do not return to ordinary consciousness between episodes.

Refractory Status Epilepticus (RSE)

This medical condition is when a person experiences status epilepticus but does not respond to regular anti-seizure medications. It is a severe condition that causes permanent brain damage when left untreated. Some cases may lead to death.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Anxiety is the feeling of extreme dread, fear, and uneasiness. Social anxiety disorder refers to the sense of fear of social situations. 

Research suggests that ketamine works with the health conditions mentioned above. 

Increasing Demands for Ketamine

Although ketamine is a reasonably new antidepressant, it harbored many demands from patients and medical institutions. It becomes more and more popular each day. There's no doubt that its popularity stems from its efficacy. What's more, who wouldn't want a drug that effectively manages pain and mood disorders simultaneously? 

Summary

Ketamine is an effective treatment for chronic and acute pain. Its fast-acting action makes it ideal for emergency or maintenance pain management. Appropriate dosing and administration can help patients avoid surgical procedures to treat and control pain. 

When managing mood disorders, ketamine has proven to be an effective medication for depression. It helps your brain deal with life's situations better. What's more, ketamine works when other antidepressants don't. It is definitely a "game-changer." 

Say Goodbye to Pain and Depression with Ketamine Therapy

Begin your journey to a better and healthier lifestyle with the help of Youssef Pain Management Inc. We aim to provide you with safe and effective pain management services. Our ketamine therapy has helped many of our patients achieve an improved quality of living. 

Join our happy and satisfied patients today and start living your life to the fullest. Feel free to give us a call by dialing 909-392-9480 today. Our doctors are always ready to provide you with the best pain management services you deserve. 

We hope to hear from you soon!