How does ketamine treatment work?
Ketamine works differently than any other traditional medications and is administered directly into the blood stream where it immediately begins to relieve the severe and treatment-resistant symptoms.
- In mood disorder patients, there are damages and atrophy of the neural pathways in regions of the brain associated with personality expression, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. Ketamine works by triggering a sequence of events that activates the re-growth of neurons and ultimately, the repairing of the neural pathways of the brain. This allows the electrical and neurotransmitters to flow more smoothly in the brain circuits, leading to improved communication and rapid relief of the debilitating symptoms, often within a few hours.
- In chronic pain patients, ketamine plays a major role in reduction of pain through anti-inflammatory effects and by decreasing transmission of pain signals to the brain and spinal cord.
An initial series of ketamine infusions is recommended to overcome the damage by repairing and restoring the neural pathways. Following the initial series of treatment, occasional maintenance (booster) infusions are usually necessary to maintain the long lasting relief and freedom from the severe condition.