Ketamine Therapy is an emerging treatment option for various mental health conditions, with its fast-acting effects and reduction of depressive symptoms. Ketamine and Esketamine can also be used to help with postpartum depression. Here’s everything you need to know.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) can occur after giving birth. The common postpartum depressive symptoms can range from mild to severe, including frequent crying, increased sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. The symptoms can occur weeks or even months post-delivery. Having a strong support system is a vital part of the postpartum period, but having postpartum depression usually requires professional care.
Psychotherapy is a first line of treatment when it comes to postpartum depression, talk therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but medication is also a necessity depending on the severity of the symptoms. The common prescription medications for postpartum depression include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Risks of Untreated Postpartum Depression
Untreated postpartum depression can put both the mother and the infant at risk, with potential complications including:
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the infant
- Being unable to bond with the infant or take care of it
- Difficulty managing daily tasks
- Increased depressive and anxious states
How Ketamine Can Help With Postpartum Depression
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication with dissociative effects, used for treating various mental health challenges and pain conditions. While traditional treatments for depression target serotonin, ketamine targets glutamate. It works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, which causes a surge of glutamate in the brain. The therapeutic benefits include better mood regulation, memory, learning, and neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections), resulting in a ”re-wiring” of the brain.
The effects of ketamine are rapid, taking hours or days to improve the depressive state by reducing the symptoms and breaking negative thought patterns. It’s worth noting that ketamine is considered safe in breastfeeding.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is a mental health treatment known for its rapid-acting effects and reduction of symptoms. Many patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments have reported experiencing improvement due to Ketamine Therapy.
The treatment is conducted in a safe, clinical environment by licensed professionals. Ketamine is administered by intramuscular injection (IM), intravenous infusion (IV), or nasal spray (Spravato).
Ketamine Therapy services available for treating PPD include:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: A mental health treatment with extended preparation and integration phases led by a compassionate Guide of choice. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: A balanced mental health treatment of guidance and independence, led by a trusted Guide. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV).
IV Ketamine Infusions: A ketamine treatment administered intravenously (IV), with similar elements of Semi-Guided Therapy.
Couples Ketamine Therapy: For couples who want to strengthen their bond by healing from their mental health challenges. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Group Ketamine Therapy: For women who want toheal in a supportive, group setting with up to 6 people per group. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Spravato Treatment (Esketamine): An FDA-approved nasal spray, self-administered under clinical supervision. The treatment is sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, each spaced five minutes apart. Spravato is known for its rapid reduction of symptoms, suitable for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal behaviors and ideation, as well as severe postpartum depression (PPD)
If you intend to harm yourself right now, please call 988, 911, or proceed to your nearest Emergency Department for immediate treatment.
Comparing Ketamine and Traditional Treatments for Postpartum Depression
Ketamine offers antidepressant effects, but compared to traditional antidepressants, there are a few differences worth noting. Here is a comparative overview of ketamine, esketamine with SSRIs and SNRIs as the two most common treatments for postpartum depression.
| Treatment Type | Ketamine Therapy | SSRIs | SNRIs |
| Administration | Injection, infusion, nasal | Oral | Oral |
| Onset of Effects | Within hours or days | Several weeks | Several weeks |
| Duration of Treatment | Two to six weeks | It can last from a few months or more | It can last from a few months or more |
| Frequency of Treatment | Structured as a short series that lasts a few weeks | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| Potential Side Effects | Nausea, high blood pressure, lightheadedness, headaches | Nausea, fatigue, weight gain | Dizziness, nausea, headaches |
| Black Box Warning | / | Some can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 | Some can increase suicidal ideation in patients under 25 |
Find Hope Again with the Transformative Effects of Ketamine
Finding a treatment that works is not an easy task, but it’s not an impossible one. Book a free consultation with Kadelyx Health and learn more about the rapid-acting effects of Ketamine Therapy and how it can improve your quality of life with its benefits.
