Ketamine therapy

For certain forms of depressive disorders that do not respond adequately to treatment, we offer therapy with esketamine, the antidepressant component of ketamine. Esketamine is a supplement treatment to medication and psychotherapy. As an anesthetic, Ketamine (in higher doses) is in use for a long time in medicine. Its use as an antidepressant in psychiatry is relatively new. Up to date, the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. Scientific studies suggest that temporary changes in the neurotransmitter glutamate may trigger several processes in the brain that play together to form the antidepressant action of esketamine.

Procedure

Esketamine is administered as a nasal spray. This is done in a quiet setting for about 45 minutes. During this time as well as afterwards, trained staff closely monitor the patient, and take out measurements of blood pressure, which may be temporarily elevated. The treatment comprises a series of 8 single treatments over a 4-week period.

Risks and side effects

Shortly after administration of the drug, temporary psychological side effects may occur, such as the feeling of being disconnected from oneself, one's own thoughts, feelings, and surroundings (i.e. dissociative symptoms). Therefore, for example, indication is limited in patients with panic attacks in addition to depression. Physical side effects, such as dizziness (rotary vertigo), headache, nausea, vomiting, an altered sense of taste or a decreased sensation or sensitivity in the mouth area, fatigue and increased blood pressure may occur.