Postpartum Depression Q & A

Postpartum depression involves feelings of extreme sadness, exhaustion, and anxiety that affect some women after childbirth. 

This condition is different from the baby blues, which usually resolves within a few days. If you continue to feel hopeless or empty for longer than two weeks after childbirth, you may have postpartum depression.

Many women don’t talk about their symptoms of postpartum depression due to embarrassment or shame. But depression isn’t a normal part of parenthood, and these feelings can affect your ability to take care of yourself and your baby. Fortunately, our team at the Ketamine Clinic of Spokane can help.

How does ketamine infusion therapy treat postpartum depression?

Ketamine has been safely used as an anesthetic medication for decades. Now, mental health providers use a lower dose of ketamine to quickly relieve moderate to severe symptoms of psychiatric and neurological disorders, including suicidality and chronic migraines. 

The expert providers at the Ketamine Clinic of Spokane administer the ketamine intravenously while you relax in a peaceful setting. They carefully monitor your safety and comfort throughout the 40-minute treatment. 

Ketamine’s fast action makes it an ideal treatment for mothers with postpartum depression. Though you may notice relief right away, the team at the Ketamine Clinic of Spokane recommends six infusions over a three week period for optimal relief.

INITIALIZING TREATMENT

• We will perform a brief interview and physical assessment to make sure nothing has changed with your physical condition.
• We will ask you to use the restroom and then get comfortable in our quiet, peaceful treatment area.
• An IV line will be started to infuse the medication. You will be connected to all of our monitoring equipment before we begin.
• We will be monitoring your vital signs during the entire infusion.
• The infusion time will be approximately 40 minutes. During this time we will not disturb you. However, we will be observing you to ensure your safety. You may listen to music and relax as it feels best to you.
• When the infusion ends, we will monitor you for any adverse side effects and ensure that you are adequately recovered prior to going home.

DAY OF TREATMENT

• Please wear clothes that are comfortable and also provide full access to your arms.
• Feel free to bring some music to listen to during your infusion.
• Most patients feel it helps or enhances the treatment if they don’t speak and close their eyes during the infusion.
• You will need to have someone accompany you and stay during your treatment. They will also be required to drive you home afterward.
• You may not eat anything 6 hours prior or drink anything for 2 hours prior to your infusion or we may need to reschedule your treatment.

OPTIMIZING YOUR TREATMENT

• Coordinating with your MHP is one of the best ways to optimize your treatment.
• Benzodiazepines can ‘compete’ with Ketamine. To get the best benefit, it is best to discontinue this class of drugs before treatment.
• Be prepared to be in a quiet and comfortable space for at least 1 ½ hours following your infusion.
• We recommend a series of six infusions to be given within 3 weeks. Our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment has the best chance of success.
• After the initial series of infusions, many patients only require an occasional top-up or ‘booster’ according to their individual needs – ranging from once a month to once a year depending on when and if your symptoms  for some conditions reoccur.