Ketamine

If you haven’t found relief from antidepressants, you’re not alone. Treatment-resistant depression doesn’t respond positively to traditional medications and therapies. At HealthQuest Wellness in Orange County, California, Christopher Romig, MD, and the team understand how challenging this can be. They offer innovative ketamine therapy, a cutting-edge approach designed to provide relief and renewed hope when traditional methods fall short. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn whether ketamine therapy is right for you.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that can relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. It works by rapidly influencing brain chemistry, offering relief for those who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments. 

By targeting the brain’s N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, ketamine therapy can quickly disrupt the pathways associated with chronic depression and anxiety for long-lasting symptom relief.

How does ketamine work?

Ketamine binds to the NMDA receptors and blocks the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that helps with mood regulation. This blockage leads to the release of other molecules that help form new neural connections, essentially “rewiring” parts of the brain associated with mood and cognition. 

This process can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety within hours, offering hope if you haven’t found success with traditional antidepressants.

Who is a candidate for ketamine therapy?

You may be an ideal candidate for ketamine therapy if you’re dealing with severe depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mood disorders that haven’t improved with standard treatments like antidepressants. 

This treatment might be especially beneficial if you’ve experienced treatment-resistant depression, meaning you’ve tried multiple medications without success. Ketamine therapy could be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for to help you feel like yourself again.

What can I expect from ketamine therapy?

The process begins with an in-depth consultation where you discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. During this meeting, the team explains how ketamine works and assesses whether it's the right option for you.

If you proceed with treatment, the team administers ketamine through an intravenous (IV) infusion. The infusion typically lasts about 40 minutes to an hour. During this time, you may experience a deep sense of relaxation, some mild dissociation, or a dream-like state. The team closely monitors each session to ensure your comfort and safety.

One of the most remarkable aspects of ketamine therapy is how quickly it can start to work. Many people notice a significant reduction in symptoms within hours or days of their first session, especially when other treatments haven’t provided relief. The effects can last for days or even weeks with follow-up sessions.

You can expect a personalized treatment protocol, which might include several sessions spaced out over weeks. This allows the effects of ketamine to build over time, offering a progressive benefit that can be life-changing if you struggle with a mood disorder. 

Don’t let mood swings, sadness, loss of interest, and other depression symptoms control your life. Call HealthQuest Wellness today or schedule an appointment online to consult with an expert about ketamine therapy.