Depression is an increasing issue in the United States. It is an illness characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities that we normally enjoy. People suffering from depression can experience one or more of the following symptoms: Change in appetite, restlessness, change in sleep habits, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, decreased self worth and suicidal thoughts. However, not all the depression patients respond to traditional therapies. Here at First Coast Wellness Infusions and Ketamine Clinic, LLC, we provide Ketamine infusions to treat major depressive disorders such as major depression, Bipolar depression and post traumatic stress syndrome. We are familiar with the administration of ketamine and have experience in dealing with persons who are suffering from these disorders.
First Coast Wellness Infusions and Ketamine Clinic was founded by anesthesia professionals who have been using ketamine in the operating theatre for more than 20 years. One of our founding practitioners also has 4 years experience as a psychiatric nurse. We understand the frustrations of persons dealing with major depressive disorders and are not responding to traditional treatments. We also understand the frustration of the practitioners trying to help those persons when traditional treatments are not as effective as they had hoped.
Ketamine was developed in the 1960’s as and anesthetic agent. It has been used as an anesthetic agent on the battle-field since the Viet Nam War and is still used today in combat situations to anesthetize wounded soldiers. In the 1990’s researchers started studying its anti-depressive properties here in the United States. Even in the modern operating room setting we still use ketamine. Multiple studies have shown, if a small dose of ketamine is given at the start of anesthesia that patients tend to need less opioid drugs to control their pain when the are in the recovery room. Opioid drug would be morphine and oxycodone like drugs.
Since the 1990’s when researchers started studying ketamine for its anti-depressive effects, a large collection of scientific studies has amassed indicating that ketamine has a rapid and robust anti-depressant effect and rapidly reverses suicidal ideation. Ketamine is also very helpful in managing neuropathic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy. Ketamine is a potent pain medication but is not an opioid like oxycodone.
It makes sense that such an effective anti-depressant also helps pain. Many pain management practitioners prescribe traditional anti-depressant medications to their patients suffering from chronic pain. Unfortunately the response is not as rapid and robust as is the response to ketamine. Some patients don’t respond to these medications at all. There is a link between depression and chronic pain. Persons who suffer from depression often times have chronic pain also.
Thanks for reading. Check back with us frequently for more informations about ketamine and the other services we offer here at First Coast Wellness Infusions and Ketamine Clinic.
Francis McClarnon CRNA, NP
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