Quick Overview: What’s Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine has been used for decades as an anaesthetic in hospitals. But over the last 20 years, researchers discovered something surprising: low doses of ketamine could quickly lift symptoms of depression, even in people who hadn’t responded to other treatments.
Ketamine therapy involves giving patients a carefully controlled dose of ketamine, either through an intravenous (IV) drip, a nasal spray, or sometimes an injection. At Eulas, we use safe, evidence-based methods to administer ketamine in a calm, supportive setting. The therapy is usually given a few times over several weeks, with each session lasting around 40 minutes.
What makes ketamine therapy stand out is how fast it works. Some people report feeling better within hours or days of treatment. That’s a major difference compared to traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to kick in.
Speed of Relief With Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
One of the biggest differences between ketamine therapy and traditional antidepressants is how quickly people feel better. For someone struggling with suicidal thoughts or extreme hopelessness, waiting weeks for medication to take effect can feel like a lifetime.
Ketamine therapy often produces results in as little as 24 hours. While not everyone experiences such rapid relief, a significant number of people notice improvements after just one or two sessions. This speed can be life-saving in a crisis and offers a glimmer of hope when other treatments have failed.
Who Can Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?
Traditional antidepressants are often the first step in treating depression. They’re widely prescribed and work well for many people, especially those with mild to moderate symptoms. But they don’t work for everyone. Studies show that up to a third of people with depression don’t respond to standard antidepressants.
This is where ketamine therapy comes in. It’s particularly helpful for those with treatment-resistant depression, meaning they’ve tried two or more antidepressants without success. Ketamine can also be effective for people with anxiety disorders, PTSD, and certain other mental health conditions.
At Eulas, we carefully assess each individual to see if ketamine therapy is a suitable option for them. It’s not about replacing one treatment with another, but rather offering more choices for better outcomes.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
Traditional antidepressants need to be taken every day to maintain their effect. If someone stops taking them, the symptoms of depression can return. Even with long-term use, some people find their antidepressants stop working as well over time.
Ketamine works differently. It doesn’t need to be taken daily. Instead, it helps the brain create new connections and pathways, which may explain why its effects can last even after the drug is out of the body. However, the benefits of ketamine therapy aren’t permanent either. Some people need maintenance sessions every few weeks or months to keep feeling well.
Side Effects and Safety Information
All medications have side effects, and antidepressants are no exception. Common issues include tiredness, sexual problems, nausea, and emotional blunting. Some people feel like they lose a part of themselves while on them.
Ketamine therapy also comes with potential side effects, but they tend to be short-lived. During a session, a person might feel light-headed, detached from their body, or experience changes in perception. These effects usually wear off within a few hours. At Eulas, we monitor each patient closely during and after treatment to ensure safety and comfort.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine is not taken at home on a daily basis. It’s given in a controlled clinic environment, reducing the risk of misuse. That said, ketamine does have the potential to be addictive if used improperly. That’s why professional supervision is so important.
Emotional Experience and Insight
Another interesting difference is how people describe their experience on ketamine. Many report gaining a new perspective on their lives, or feeling like they’ve had a psychological ‘reset.’ Some describe it as emotionally healing in ways that traditional medication doesn’t always provide.
While traditional antidepressants may simply reduce symptoms, ketamine sometimes helps people reconnect with their emotions, confront difficult memories, or see their problems in a new light. This can make it a powerful tool when combined with talking therapy.
Is It Possible to Combine Treatments?
Ketamine therapy doesn’t need to replace traditional treatments. In fact, many people continue to take their prescribed antidepressants alongside ketamine therapy. Some patients continue taking their antidepressants while undergoing ketamine therapy, and many combine it with psychotherapy or counselling.
At Eulas, we believe in a personalised approach. However, the psychotherapy aspect of ketamine therapy is an essential part of any treatment plan created by our medical team. Our team will work closely with patients to design a care plan that reflects their unique needs, preferences, and medical history.
The Cost of Treatment
One downside of ketamine therapy in the UK is that it’s not yet widely available on the NHS, although this is slowly changing.
Private clinics (like us here at Eulas) offer it as an option, but it can be more expensive than traditional prescriptions. However, for those who haven’t found relief through other methods, it can be a worthwhile investment in long-term well-being.
We also understand that cost is a concern, and we aim to keep our services as affordable and accessible as possible, without compromising on quality or safety.
What the Research Says About Ketamine Therapy
Clinical studies have shown promising results for ketamine. In trials, people with treatment-resistant depression who received ketamine reported significantly better outcomes than those who received a placebo. More importantly, the effects appeared quickly and lasted longer than expected.
Researchers believe ketamine helps the brain repair itself. Unlike traditional antidepressants that mainly focus on boosting chemicals, ketamine appears to encourage the brain to grow new connections. This could explain why some people experience such deep, fast relief.
Final Takeaways
Both ketamine therapy and traditional antidepressants have their place in the treatment of depression. They work in very different ways, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Traditional antidepressants are well-studied, widely available, and effective for many. But they don’t work for everyone, and they can take time to help.
Ketamine therapy offers a faster, often more transformative option, especially for those who haven’t responded to other treatments. It may not be for everyone, but it’s a game-changer for many. At Eulas, we’re proud to be part of this new chapter in mental health care. We believe in offering hope and healing through safe, compassionate, and science-based ketamine therapy.
Reach Out Today
If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression and looking for alternatives, get in touch with our team today. We’re here to help you explore your options with care and clarity.
