Patients with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder may be treated with ketamine nasal spray, sometimes called intranasal esketamine. There has not been a comprehensive explanation of ketamine’s antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects. It is known, however, that this treatment works by stimulating the brain’s NMDA receptors, which play an important role in memory, learning, and movement.
A variety of studies have demonstrated that ketamine is both antidepressant and anti-suicidal over the past two decades. Ketamine therapy is generally associated with minor risks for patients who qualify. To check for side effects, patients are monitored immediately after spray administration.

Although nasal ketamine is only FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder currently it can be used to safely and effectively treat anxiety and PTSD in cases of dual diagnosis.

Upon inhalation of the last dose, the patient will be monitored and assessed periodically for depression, hallucinations, suicidality, dissociation, and physical symptoms. Additionally, the doctor will monitor the patient’s blood pressure. If the doctor deems it safe, the patient may go home with the assistance of a driver after two hours. Treatment typically consists of between 8 and 12 sessions in total – twice weekly for the first four weeks, then once weekly for the next four weeks. Once 8 weeks have passed, patients can receive treatment as often as once per week or as infrequently as once a month.

Fast-acting properties are one advantage of ketamine nasal spray. Symptoms may begin to improve within just a few hours, and they may last for a few days. On the other hand, most oral antidepressants do not begin to work for weeks.
 
This is because it works differently than other depression medications. As opposed to most other antidepressants, ketamine has major effects on glutamate, which is a different neurotransmitter that is much more prevalent in the brain than serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine.
 
The nasal spray version of ketamine is available at Psychiatry Unplugged. It is advantageous for a number of reasons, such as the fact it is the most extensively researched form of ketamine treatment administration, as well as the most effective treatment for depression. Sprays are delivered nasally as mists, which are inhaled by patients. It can induce results within minutes (and other factors) depending on individual metabolisms.
 
With the help of Ketamine nasal spray, Dr. Soroya Bacchus, M.D., at Psychiatry Unplugged treats people with dual diagnoses who are dealing with depression and other mental health issues. We are conveniently located at 6801 Park Terrace, Suite 530B Los Angeles CA 90045. For more information, call us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Beverly Hills CA, Santa Monica CA, Encino CA, Pacific Palisades CA, and surrounding areas.