IV Ketamine and SSRIs You may benefit from IV ketamine even if you are using SSRIs

Should I Use Ketamine Therapy Instead of an SSRI?

Ketamine and SSRIs are both safe methods to treat depression or anxiety under the guidance of a medical professional, however they are different in several ways.

Ketamine therapy is a great option if you are experiencing treatment-resistant anxiety or depression. Or if SSRI side effects are too disruptive or negatively impact your quality of life, it may be time to see if IV ketamine is a good fit.

At Reset Restore MD, the process begins with a telehealth screening to see if ketamine therapy is a good fit.

If you proceed to go through IV ketamine treatment, you would not stop taking your SSRIs prior to the treatment. If the treatment is beneficial and you want to discontinue use of your prescribed SSRIs, patients should do that through your medical provider to avoid withdrawal symptoms and other negative effects of sudden discontinuance of a chronic medication.

How Is Ketamine Different From SSRIs?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) typically take weeks in order to take effect, and patients take the medication daily for months, years, or even a lifetime. With IV ketamine, some people see improvement in their symptoms with their first infusion. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks, and the results can be long-lasting.

SSRIs often require dosage changes to find the right balance of maximum efficacy and minimal side effects. IV ketamine has minimal side effects, and those side effects dissipate shortly after the infusion.

IV Ketamine vs SSRIs

SSRIs include common medications like Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft). These medications provide relief to some people, but they also can have unpleasant side effects. In some studies, 38% of patients have side effects, with 26% reporting them as “very bothersome” or “extremely bothersome”*.

How Does Ketamine Work With SSRIs?

People respond to anxiety and depression medication differently. While some people respond well to SSRIs, others report having residual depression or anxiety symptoms. Other people report a positive initial response to the medication only for the impact to decrease over time.

**Consult your physician before reducing or stopping any prescription

Ketamine and SSRIs work differently in the body. Ketamine works in the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a large role in mood regulation, neuroplasty, and memory and learning. SSRIs primarily help increase serotonin availability in the brain. SSRIs do help with neuroplasty, but that is much more gradual.

SSRI Shortages or Delays

It is critical SSRIs be taken as directed by your doctor. Even just missing a few doses can cause a return or worsening of symptoms. Sudden discontinuation can cause its own set of side effects, some of them dangerous.

People taking SSRIs shouldn’t ration them and should keep a consistent schedule with taking their medication. If you have concerns about being able to consistently take your SSRIs, discuss that with your doctor.

Is Ketamine Right for You if You Aren’t on SSRIs?

If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, IV ketamine may be a good treatment option for you. Some patients have tried SSRIs before but not had success. Other people have tried other solutions but are looking for something they don’t need to take daily or without some of the side effects they have experienced in other treatment options. Before treatment, Reset Restore will conduct a telehealth screening to talk through what IV ketamine therapy could do for you.

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