Ketamine therapy involves using a controlled dose of infusion, a medication originally used for anesthesia, to treat depression. It is often considered when other treatments haven’t been effective.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that often take weeks to work and may not work for everyone, ketamine can produce rapid improvements in mood, sometimes within hours of the first treatment. Ketamine treatment has proven to be more effective than traditional medications.

It's typically recommended for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, specifically those who have not responded to traditional mental health treatment.

Side effects can include dissociation (feeling detached from reality), nausea, dizziness, sedation, and in rare cases, increased blood pressure. These effects are generally temporary and monitored closely during treatment.

Many patients report feeling better within hours of the first treatment, but the full effect usually becomes more apparent after a series of treatments.

When administered under professional supervision, ketamine therapy is considered safe. The doses used for depression are much lower than those used for anesthesia, thus being safer than it's anesthesia use.

The duration of relief from depression symptoms varies. Some patients may experience benefits for weeks to months. Regular follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the effects.