Ketamine Therapy vs. Common Antidepressants: Which is Best for You?

Depression can feel like it’s always lurking, taking the joy out of everyday life. For millions of people, it’s more than just feeling down—it’s a constant struggle that shows up as sadness, fatigue, and a lack of interest in things you once loved. It can even affect your physical health, making it hard to get through the day. And with depression being one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, finding the right treatment is more important than ever.

When it comes to treating depression, most people start with common antidepressants like

SSRIs and SNRIs. While these can help, they often take time to work. But if you’re looking for something that offers faster relief, ketamine therapy might be worth considering. Want to know the real difference between ketamine therapy and your common antidepressants? Let’s dive into it!

Common Antidepressants

Finding the right treatment for depression isn’t always easy, and different medications work in different ways. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common antidepressants, their benefits, and potential side effects to help you better understand your options.

Medication Type	Examples	How It Works	Pros	Cons
SSRIs	Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram)	Increases serotonin by preventing its reabsorption, keeping mood-boosting vibes flowing	Well-tolerated, effective for many	Nausea, sexual issues, weight gain
SNRIs	Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor (venlafaxine)	Boosts both serotonin and norepinephrine	Great for both depression and anxiety	May cause high blood pressure, withdrawal symptoms
TCAs	Elavil (amitriptyline), Pamelor (nortriptyline)	Blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine	Effective for severe depression	Intense side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth
MAOIs	Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine)	Blocks the enzyme that breaks down brain chemicals, boosting serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine	Works well for atypical depression	Strict dietary restrictions, serious side effects

Antidepressants can work wonders, but they do come with some side effects, like nausea, fatigue, weight gain, and even issues with sleep or sex drive, as you’ll see in the chart. 

Every medication affects people differently, so it’s key to team up with your healthcare provider to find the best fit for you.

What is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy for depression works a bit differently than traditional antidepressants by focusing on the brain’s glutamate system instead of just serotonin. But how does ketamine work exactly?

Glutamate is the brain’s main "excitatory" neurotransmitter, meaning it helps brain cells communicate with each other. It’s also involved in memory, learning, and regulating our moods. While most antidepressants, like SSRIs, work by increasing serotonin levels to boost mood, ketamine treatments target glutamate to kickstart new brain connections, a process known as neuroplasticity.

Unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to kick in, ketamine often brings relief within hours. It helps heal damaged neural connections and boosts neuroplasticity, making your brain more adaptable and better able to handle stress. 

By helping the brain "re-wire" itself, especially in the areas that regulate emotions and stress, ketamine offers more than just quick relief. Ketamine therapy shows real promise for people who haven’t had success with other medications because it’s not just about feeling better quickly—it’s about making lasting changes in how the brain functions.

How is Ketamine Administered? 

There are a few different ways ketamine therapy can be administered, each with its own benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown of the options available to help you find the best fit.

• Intravenous (IV): This is the most common and controlled method, often considered the most effective. However, it’s also the most expensive and typically not well-covered by insurance.

• Intramuscular (IM): At Daydream MD, we offer IM ketamine treatments in a group setting, creating a unique community experience. These treatments are about half the cost of IV treatments and are 90% as effective for most patients.

• Intranasal: Esketamine (Spravato), an FDA-approved nasal spray version of ketamine, is covered by many insurance plans, though not all. While it’s less effective than other forms of ketamine, it is more affordable, and the cost is often reimbursed.

• Oral: Daydream MD also offers oral ketamine for patients focusing on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or for specific other cases. While it’s less effective than the other methods, it’s the most affordable and can be taken at home or in your therapist’s office.

Pros and Cons of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy offers several benefits, but it also has its drawbacks. For a more detailed look at the pros and cons, Daydream MD provides additional information, but below is an overview of the key points to consider:

Pros:

• Fast relief from symptoms.

• Particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression.

• Can help with suicidal thoughts, making it a crucial tool in crisis moments.

Cons:

• Short-term effects—meaning you’ll need periodic maintenance sessions.

• Possible side effects like dissociation, nausea, or increased blood pressure.

• Higher costs compared to traditional meds and limited availability.

Ketamine vs Antidepressants

Here’s a quick comparison of ketamine vs antidepressants. 

	Common Antidepressants	Ketamine Therapy
Mechanism of Action	Targets serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine	Targets glutamate
Speed of Relief	Takes 4-6 weeks to kick in	Relieves symptoms within hours or days
Treatment Frequency	Daily medication	Periodic sessions (typically every 1-2 weeks)
Effectiveness	Best for mild to moderate depression	Highly effective for treatment-resistant depression
Side Effects	Long-term effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction	Short-term effects like dissociation or dizziness
Cost	Generally lower cost, covered by insurance	Higher cost, limited insurance coverage

Choosing a Depression Treatment

Choosing the right depression treatment depends on your personal needs, symptoms, and treatment history. 

When Common Antidepressants May Be a Good Fit

• For mild to moderate depression

• If you’re comfortable with daily depression medication and can manage potential side effects

• If you haven’t experienced treatment resistance

When Ketamine Therapy May Be Worth Considering

• If your depression hasn’t responded to traditional depression medication

• If you need faster relief, especially in a crisis

• If you’re dealing with treatment-resistant depression or recurrent episodes

Can These Treatments Be Combined?

In some cases, combining ketamine therapy with common depression medication could help boost overall effectiveness. But, it’s really important to chat with your healthcare provider before considering this route. They can help you weigh the pros and cons, understand how the treatments might work together, and figure out the best approach based on your specific needs. 

Everyone’s journey with depression treatment is unique, so having that conversation ensures you're making the right choice for your health and well-being.

Take the Next Step

Both common antidepressants and ketamine therapy for depression can be effective, but they work in different ways. 

Antidepressants are great for mild to moderate depression, offering steady relief over time, though they can take a while to kick in and come with some side effects. Ketamine therapy is a game-changer for those dealing with treatment-resistant depression, giving faster relief and even helping the brain rewire itself for lasting changes. 

If you’re thinking about giving ketamine a try, talking with your healthcare provider is a must to figure out what works best for you. At Daydream MD, we’re here to help you explore ketamine therapy and find the right path forward. Reach out to learn more!