Ketamine therapy and antidepressants (SSRIs) are two types of treatment for depression, mood disorders, anxiety and other mental health conditions such as trauma or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are more common, and often prescribed as the first line of treatment for depression, although ketamine use is growing in popularity across the US.
Both have generally positive results in managing symptoms of depression, but depending on your individual medical history, severity of symptoms and insurance coverage, one may be a better option for you.
How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?
Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT) is growing in use to provide immediate relief to patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Ketamine is an anesthetic that blocks the NMDA receptor, and releases neurotransmitters in the brain and body. This psychedelic-assisted therapy can also support the growth of new neural connections and increase brain plasticity.
KAT is administered through an IV. Under medical supervision, patients are given a low dose of ketamine to induce a hypnotic-like state. During the session, vital signs are monitored by a doctor or nurse licensed to administer the ketamine treatment.
Ketamine is extremely safe when administered by the care of a licensed medical professional, but there are a few side effects that may occur. These include:
- Nausea
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Blurry vision
- Sweating or flushed skin
Side effects usually go away within minutes to hours after your KAT session.
Ketamine Therapy for Depression
Ketamine therapy is most commonly used for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Patients may have tried a number of other treatments with zero relief.
The intense KAT experience can help patients gain profound insights about their motivation, emotions and behavior. It can help patients explore underlying problems that can cause symptoms of depression. Ketamine can re-wire pathways in the brain to help stop negative thoughts, flashbacks and emotional distress.
Unlike typical antidepressants, ketamine often provides immediate relief.
How Traditional Antidepressants Work (SSRIs)?
Traditional antidepressants are often the first line of treatment for depression, mood disorders, and anxiety. They are prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist.
There are different kinds of antidepressants, but the most common are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These block the reuptake of serotonin and increase the levels in the brain and nervous system.
SSRIs for Depression
Low serotonin levels are often associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. This can cause fatigue, low mood, sleep problems and appetite changes.
SSRIs may take 4-6 weeks to begin seeing improvement of symptoms. Some side effects can occur. These include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Changes in appetite or stomach problems
- Sweating or flushing of the skin
Ketamine Therapy vs SSRI: Back to Back Comparison
Both ketamine therapy and SSRIs have shown results in treating symptoms of depression,but each with its own duration, side effects, and costs. Some of the key differences may include:
| SSRIs | Ketamine | |
| Time of relief | 4-6 weeks to see improvement of symptoms | Often provides immediate relief |
| Side effects | Can take 1-2 weeks for side effects to subside | Side effects diminish within minutes to hours after ending session |
| Administered Treatment | Taken daily often in form of pill | Intravenous session under medical supervision |
| Cost and Insurance | More affordable, covered by insurance | Can be expensive and often not covered by insurance plans |
Which Option Is Right For You?
Deciding which treatment is best requires a discussion with your mental health care provider. Usually, SSRIs will be tried first before ketamine therapy. Patients who have tried a number of treatments with no relief make good candidates for ketamine.
Patients that ketamine may not be a good treatment option for include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with a history of schizophrenia
- Current or recovering addicts (due to potential for abuse)
- Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure
In this case, SSRIs will be the best option, and may take some trial and error to find which medication and dose is the best for you.
Sources
How ketamine relieves symptoms of depression. 2019. National Institute of Health.
Overview – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 2021. National Health Service.
