If you’re struggling with depression that hasn’t responded to typical treatments, you’re not alone. You may be facing what’s known as treatment-resistant depression, and it can really take a toll on your overall health.
Treatment-resistant depression means you’ve tried several antidepressants but haven’t found the relief you need. When traditional medications don’t work, it’s normal to get frustrated or feel hopeless.
Board-certified psychiatrist Michael Gentile, MD, at Wyckoff Wellness Center in Wyckoff, New Jersey, provides ketamine infusion therapy, an option that might work faster and more effectively for you.
Understanding how ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants can help you decide if this innovative treatment could be right for you.
Most antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), target brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. They boost the availability of these neurotransmitters by blocking their reabsorption into neurons. Over time, your mood may improve.
Unfortunately, these medications often take several weeks to work and may only provide partial relief. For some, they don’t work at all.
SSRIs also carry unpleasant side effects like weight gain and sexual dysfunction. If you’ve tried several antidepressants without success, you may be feeling hopeless and discouraged.
Ketamine doesn’t trigger serotonin or dopamine. Instead, it acts on glutamate, the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in your brain.
Ketamine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which means it blocks specific glutamate receptors. This triggers a surge of glutamate in other areas, leading to the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF helps create new synapses and strengthen existing ones, rewiring your brain to function more effectively.
This brain boost can result in instant symptom relief. With medically supervised ketamine infusions, you can feel much better in hours or days, rather than weeks.
In the field of psychopharmacology, ketamine stands out for promoting long-term change in your brain’s function. It’s most useful if your depression is unresponsive to other therapies.
Dr. Gentile administers ketamine through intravenous (IV) infusion. He monitors you closely throughout the process to ensure you stay safe and comfortable. You’ll likely need multiple IV infusions over a few weeks combined with talk therapy to support long-term healing.
Ketamine isn’t a first-line treatment. If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants and medications, it may be a good fit. Our team here at Wyckoff Wellness Center helps you understand your options, and Dr. Gentile conducts a thorough assessment to determine if it’s right for you.
For a ketamine evaluation, call our Bergen County office today or request an appointment online.
