Ketamine Treatment for Depression: Cost, Side Effects, and What to Expect

4 min readJul 10, 2023

Ketamine is a drug that has been used as an anesthetic for decades. However, in recent years, it has also been shown to be effective in treating depression. Ketamine treatment for depression is a relatively new approach, but it has shown promising results in clinical trials.

In this article, we will discuss the following topics related to ketamine treatment for depression:

How does ketamine work for depression?
What are the side effects of ketamine treatment for depression?
What is the cost of ketamine treatment for depression?
What to expect after ketamine treatment for depression?
Is ketamine treatment for depression right for you?
Other considerations

How Does Ketamine Work for Depression?

The exact mechanism by which ketamine works for depression is not fully understood. However, it is thought to work by increasing the levels of glutamate and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the brain. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, and BDNF is a protein that helps to promote the growth and survival of neurons.

Ketamine is thought to increase the levels of glutamate by blocking the NMDA receptor. The NMDA receptor is a type of receptor that is involved in learning and memory. When the NMDA receptor is blocked, it allows for increased levels of glutamate to enter the neuron. This increase in glutamate can lead to changes in brain activity that are associated with improved mood.

Ketamine is also thought to increase the levels of BDNF. BDNF is a protein that helps to promote the growth and survival of neurons. When the levels of BDNF are increased, it can lead to the growth of new neurons and the repair of damaged neurons. This can lead to improvements in mood and other cognitive functions.

Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment for Depression

The most common side effects of ketamine treatment for depression are dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few hours. Other side effects that have been reported include dissociation, hallucinations, and anxiety.

Dissociation is a feeling of detachment from oneself or one’s surroundings. Hallucinations are seeing or hearing things that are not there. Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, worry, or unease.

Serious side effects of ketamine treatment for depression are rare. However, some people may experience side effects such as seizures, psychosis, or heart problems. If you experience any serious side effects, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Cost of Ketamine Treatment for Depression

The cost of ketamine treatment for depression varies depending on the location and the provider. In general, it is more expensive than traditional treatments for depression, such as medication and psychotherapy. However, the cost of ketamine treatment may be covered by insurance, depending on the policy.

Read more here in detail → Ketamine Treatment for Depression: Cost, Side Effects, and What to Expect.

What to Expect After Ketamine Treatment for Depression

The effects of ketamine treatment for depression typically last for a few days to a few weeks. However, some people may experience longer-lasting benefits. In clinical trials, some people who received ketamine treatment for depression continued to experience relief from symptoms for several months after the treatment was stopped.

Is Ketamine Treatment for Depression Right for You?

Ketamine treatment for depression is not right for everyone. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment before deciding if it is right for you.

Some factors to consider include:

Your medical history
Your current medications
Your other treatment options
Your expectations for treatment

If you are considering ketamine treatment for depression, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment. You should also make sure that you are comfortable with the setting where the treatment will be administered.

Other Considerations

If you are considering ketamine treatment for depression, there are a few other things you should keep in mind. First, ketamine is not a cure for depression. It is a treatment that can help to relieve symptoms, but it is not a permanent solution. Second, ketamine treatment is not without risks. The most common side effects are mild, but some people may experience more serious side effects. Finally, ketamine treatment can be expensive. However, the cost of treatment may be covered by insurance, depending on the policy.

Conclusion

Ketamine treatment for depression is a relatively new approach, but it has shown promising results in clinical trials. If you are struggling with depression and have not found relief with other treatments, ketamine treatment may be an option for you. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment before deciding if it is right for you.