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How has Ketamine Changed Life for Severely Depressed People?

Severe Depression is a major mental health issue in today’s world. It is estimated that 64% of people suffer from severe impairment of major depressive disorder. The death toll due to suicidal thoughts and self-harm due to Depression has risen in recent years, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened the situation. How can one cope during this challenging time?

It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of Depression before seeking a solution.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

The following are some signs and symptoms that may indicate that you or someone you know is suffering from Depression:

1. Difficulty concentrating, often forgetting details, and difficulty making decisions
2. Fatigue
3. Feeling guilty, worthless, and helpless
4. Negative and hopeless thoughts
5. Insomnia, early-morning drowsiness, or sleeping too much
6. Irritability
7. Agitation
8. Lack of interest in activities that were once pleasurable, including sex
9. Overeating or loss of appetite
10. Persistent pains, headaches, or cramps
11. Gastrointestinal problems that are not getting better, even with treatment
12. Prolonged sadness, anxiety, or “empty” feelings
13. Suicidal thoughts or attempts and self-harm

How to Treat Severe Depression?

Depression can be severe and life-threatening if left untreated. One way to treat severe or clinical Depression is with medication like Ketamine. In 2019, the FDA approved Ketamine for emergency use in treating Depression. This medication belongs to the schedule III drug class in the USA. It blocks extra activity in the central nervous system and calms the person. It is available in injection form only.

Your doctor or healthcare provider should be the one to administer this medication. Do not attempt to inject it yourself as the dosage varies for each individual. The dosage may depend on factors such as age, size, sex, and severity of the condition. Additionally, it is also used to induce general anesthesia as a pre-anesthetic or other available anesthetic agents.

Dosage for Ketamine

The dosage of Ketamine for adults begins at 1 to 2 mg/kg at a frequency of 0.5mg/kg/min. The doctor may give the IV diazepam 2 to 5mg over 60 seconds to reduce the emergence phenomena. 15mg IV or less is usually sufficient. For initial treatment, Ketamine ranges from 6.5 to 13mg/kg. A dosage of 10mg/kg is given to generate the effects of surgical anesthesia with an onset of action in 3 to 5 minutes. For children, the dosage ranges from 9 to 13mg/kg and is used to generate surgical anesthesia within 3 to 4 minutes following injection. Additionally, low doses of 0.1 to 0.4 mg/kg may be administered.

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