Ketamine infusion therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are both innovative treatments used to help individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. Both treatments have been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms, but they differ in the way they are administered and the mechanisms through which they work.

In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between ketamine infusion therapy and TMS treatment, and compare the two to help you better understand which treatment may be best for you

What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic and pain reliever, directly into the bloodstream. This type of treatment is used to help individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and other conditions. The ketamine is delivered intravenously (IV) and typically takes 40 minutes to administer.

During the treatment, patients often experience a range of effects, including a sense of detachment or dissociation from their physical body and surroundings, and a dream-like state. These effects usually subside within a few hours after the infusion is completed, and patients can often return to their normal activities soon after the treatment.

The rapid and long-lasting effects seen with ketamine infusion therapy have made it a promising alternative to traditional treatments for individuals who have not found relief from traditional treatments such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy.

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This treatment is used to help individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. During TMS treatment, a magnetic coil is placed against the scalp, and magnetic fields are used to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

TMS treatment typically takes 19 minutes per session and is given five days a week for six weeks. Unlike traditional treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS treatment is minimally invasive and has a low risk of side effects. The most common side effects of TMS treatment are mild and temporary, such as headache and scalp discomfort.

The stimulation provided by TMS treatment can help to improve the communication between nerve cells in the brain, which can lead to improvements in mood and other symptoms. TMS treatment is often covered by insurance, making it an accessible and affordable option for individuals who are seeking an alternative to traditional treatments for depression, anxiety, and other conditions.

Similarities

Ketamine infusion therapy and TMS are medical treatments that are used to help individuals suffering from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Both treatments have a low risk of side effects, with the most common side effects being mild and temporary. Both treatments are also minimally invasive, which makes them a good alternative for individuals who are seeking a non-invasive option for their treatment.

Differences

The main difference between ketamine infusion therapy and TMS is the way the treatments are administered. Ketamine infusion therapy involves the administration of ketamine directly into the bloodstream through an IV, while TMS involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

Another difference is the length of treatment, with ketamine infusion therapy typically taking 40 minutes to administer, while TMS treatment typically takes 19 minutes per session and is given five days a week for six weeks. Additionally, ketamine infusion therapy is often delivered in a hospital or clinic setting, while TMS can be performed in an outpatient setting.

Finally, ketamine infusion therapy may result in a sense of detachment or dissociation during treatment, while TMS does not have these effects.

The Takeaway

In conclusion, both ketamine infusion therapy and TMS treatment are innovative options that have been shown to help individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. However, the differences in the way they are administered, the mechanisms through which they work, and the timing and length of the treatment make each treatment better suited to different individuals and conditions.

At Dr. Handoo’s medical clinic, we understand the importance of finding the right treatment for each individual, which is why we offer both ketamine infusion therapy and TMS treatment. If you are considering either of these treatments, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our medical professionals. During your consultation, we will discuss your options and help you determine which treatment may be best for you.

With our expertise and personalized approach, we are committed to helping you achieve your mental health goals.

Ketamine infusion therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years as a treatment for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. This innovative treatment involves administering low doses of the anesthetic drug ketamine into the bloodstream, which can produce rapid and long-lasting effects for those who suffer from these conditions.

However, one of the most frequently asked questions regarding ketamine infusion therapy is, “How long do these treatments last?” We will discuss what ketamine infusion is, how long it lasts, and what to expect during a treatment.

What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic drug that has been used for decades in medical procedures and surgeries. Ketamine infusion therapy involves administering low doses of ketamine into the bloodstream intravenously.

Ketamine infusion therapy is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It has been shown to produce rapid and long-lasting effects for those who suffer from these conditions, often providing relief within hours of the infusion.

During the treatment, patients may experience a range of effects, including a sense of detachment from their physical body and surroundings, and a dream-like state. Some patients report feeling a sense of calm and relaxation, while others describe a feeling of floating or being in a trance-like state.

These effects usually subside within a few hours after the infusion is completed, and patients can often return to their normal activities soon after the treatment. It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with ketamine infusion therapy will be different, and the specific effects and feelings a patient may have will depend on their individual response to the drug.

How Long Do Ketamine Infusion Therapy Treatments Last?

The duration of ketamine infusion therapy treatments can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, the individual’s response to the drug, and the dosing protocol used. On average, a single ketamine infusion treatment lasts 40 minutes. However, the effects of the treatment can last for several days or even weeks.

For depression and anxiety, the initial treatment protocol typically involves a series of six infusions administered over a six-week period. After the initial series, patients may receive maintenance infusions every four to six weeks to maintain the therapeutic effects. The number of maintenance infusions required will vary for each individual, and some patients may only require occasional booster infusions to maintain their results.

For chronic pain, the duration of ketamine infusion therapy can vary depending on the severity of the pain and the individual’s response to the treatment. Some patients may require a series of six infusions over a two-week period, while others may only need a single infusion. The frequency of maintenance infusions will also vary, with some patients requiring frequent infusions to maintain their pain-free state, and others only requiring occasional booster infusions.

It’s important to note that ketamine infusion therapy is not a cure for depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. Rather, it is a treatment that can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosing protocol and frequency of infusions for their individual needs.

What Can You Expect During A Ketamine Infusion Treatment?

During a ketamine infusion treatment, you will be seated in a comfortable chair or reclined on a bed. An IV will be inserted into a vein in your arm, and the ketamine will be administered over a period of 40 minutes. The exact duration of the infusion will depend on the dosing protocol used by your healthcare provider.

You may experience a range of effects during the infusion, including a sense of detachment from your physical body and surroundings, and a dream-like state. These effects typically subside within a few hours after the infusion is completed. In some cases, patients may experience mild side effects, such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, which usually resolve within a few hours.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, ketamine infusion therapy can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. At Dr. Handoo’s clinic, we are committed to providing our patients with the best care and support during their journey toward recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or another condition, please contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how ketamine infusion therapy can help. Our team of experienced medical professionals is here to support you every step of the way.

It’s a scenario that some of us can relate to – a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder, and no matter what they try, they can’t seem to find relief from the constant highs and lows of their mood. They’ve tried everything from therapy to medication, but nothing seems to work. That’s where ketamine infusion therapy comes in.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic. In recent years, it has gained attention for its ability to rapidly treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

And according to multiple studies, ketamine infusion therapy has also shown great promise as an alternative treatment for treatment-resistant bipolar depression. So how does ketamine infusion therapy work for bipolar disorder? To understand that, it’s important to first understand how bipolar disorder affects the brain.

Bipolar Disorder at a Glance

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, from manic or hypomanic episodes (characterized by high energy and elevated mood) to depressive episodes (characterized by low energy and depressed mood).

These mood swings can be severe and disruptive to daily life, and traditional treatments like therapy, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants can take weeks or even months to take effect. Unfortunately, bipolar depression is potentially one of the most life-threatening psychiatric conditions and has been associated with high rates of mortality, morbidity, and suicidality.

And like most other psychiatric disorders, it is not always easy to treat bipolar depression – between 20 to 60 percent of people with psychiatric disorders don’t respond to traditional treatments. Fortunately, ketamine has been found to have an amazingly rapid antidepressant effect in people with treatment-resistant depression – including bipolar depression.

Multiple clinical trials have shown that ketamine has the ability to produce rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects for people with bipolar depression, both as an adjunct to mood stabilizers and as a stand-alone treatment.

Its rapid antidepressant effects mean that most people will experience relief within hours or days of receiving their first infusion, as opposed to the weeks or months it typically takes for traditional treatments to take effect. This rapid-onset of action could be a lifesaver for those dealing with severe suicidal ideations.

How Does Ketamine Infusion Therapy Work?

Ketamine is thought to work differently than traditional treatments, which generally alter levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Research has it that ketamine for bipolar disorder works by targeting specific receptors in the brain called NMDA receptors, which regulate glutamatergic neurotransmission and are responsible for mood and emotional regulation.

By activating this receptor, ketamine triggers a process called synaptogenesis, which is the formation of new synaptic connections in the brain, allowing for better communication between neurons. This allows the brain to better regulate mood and emotions – leading to an improved mental state.

Ketamine is also thought to promote neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change and adapt over time. This means that with repeated use, ketamine can help create more lasting changes in the brain; this could explain its ability to produce sustained relief from symptoms in most patients.

It’s crucial to note that while ketamine infusion therapy may be effective in improving mood and reducing the severity of manic and depressive symptoms, it is not a cure for bipolar disorder.

Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Safe?

Ketamine infusion therapy is generally considered safe and well tolerated when administered by a trained medical professional in a controlled medical setting. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some potential side effects associated with ketamine infusion therapy.

For ketamine, these side effects may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mild hallucinations/dissociation, and increased blood pressure. Luckily, they are generally mild and short-lived, and most patients report no long-term issues.

The Takeaway

As is evident, ketamine infusion therapy is a safe and highly effective alternative treatment for bipolar depression, with the potential to produce rapid and sustained relief from symptoms.

If you or a loved one has bipolar disorder and can’t seem to find relief from traditional treatments, it may be worth considering ketamine infusion therapy. It could be just what you need to get back on track and live the life you deserve.