Ketamine therapy is usually for people who haven’t found relief with other treatments. For example, if you have major depressive disorder, you may have tried several medicines or types of therapy without much improvement. This is sometimes called treatment-resistant depression — when symptoms don’t get better even after trying different options.

Ketamine works by blocking certain glutamate signals in your brain. This helps protect brain cells and allows them to form new, healthy connections. It’s a process called synaptogenesis. These new connections may improve your mood and reduce symptoms.

Your provider may recommend this therapy when other treatments haven’t worked. You may receive it through an IV (infusion) or as a nasal spray. During treatment sessions, your healthcare provider will watch you closely to make sure you’re safe and comfortable.

If you’re interested in ketamine therapy, talk with your healthcare provider. They’ll review your medical history and help you decide if this treatment is safe and could work well for you..