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Excited to announce the launch of SPRAVATO®..... Click Here to Learn More →
Depression doesn’t have to define your life. Over the last several years, ketamine for depression treatment has changed the landscape of mental health care—offering rapid relief in hours, rather than waiting weeks for traditional antidepressants to take effect.
In the guide below, we’ll explain how ketamine works in the brain, the clinical research behind it, what patients can expect during treatment, and the safety measures we follow here at Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center in Franklin, TN.
Initially developed as a surgical anesthetic, ketamine—when administered at much lower, sub-anesthetic doses—functions very differently. It interacts with a specific brain receptor called NMDA, found on inhibitory neurons.
By selectively blocking these NMDA receptors, ketamine causes a rapid release of glutamate in mood-related regions of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex. That glutamate surge then activates AMPA receptors, triggering the mTOR pathway, which supports the development of new neural connections.
Put simply, ketamine helps the brain rebuild critical pathways that are often weakened or damaged in depression—often creating noticeable changes in just a few hours.
For individuals who haven’t found relief from conventional antidepressants, ketamine can be transformative. Controlled clinical trials have consistently shown that a single infusion (usually 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, administered over 40 minutes) can dramatically reduce depressive symptoms within 2 to 4 hours.
This is particularly crucial for patients struggling with suicidal thoughts, where fast action isn’t just beneficial—it may be lifesaving. While not everyone responds to the first dose, around 50–66% of those with treatment-resistant depression see measurable improvement after just one session.
Relief typically peaks within several days, which is why we recommend a structured series of twice-weekly infusions for several weeks, followed by less frequent maintenance treatments to preserve results.
At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center, all treatments are conducted in a calm, medically supervised environment.
Your journey begins with a full consultation, where we review your depression history, current medications, and physical health. We’ll also talk through your expectations and answer any questions.
On infusion day, you’ll relax in a comfortable recliner while a slow, steady IV drip delivers ketamine over 40 minutes.
Throughout the session—and for about an hour afterward—we’ll monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and level of dissociation to ensure your safety and well-being.
In addition to IV therapy, we can discuss alternative methods such as intramuscular injections, oral lozenges, or FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray (Spravato®), depending on your needs and preferences.
Ketamine is typically offered to adults whose depression has persisted despite trying two or more antidepressant medications.
It’s also a critical option for individuals in crisis, particularly those facing suicidal ideation or debilitating fatigue and hopelessness.
That said, ketamine does have physiological effects, such as temporary increases in blood pressure or mild dissociative sensations. For this reason, we conduct detailed screenings to rule out underlying cardiovascular conditions or recent substance misuse.
When used appropriately and under close supervision, the benefits often outweigh the risks—especially for those who’ve exhausted other treatment avenues.
Your first appointment includes a thorough review of medical history, lab work, and discussion of potential risks and side effects.
During the infusion, you might feel light-headed, detached, or mildly euphoric—some patients describe it as dream-like, though you’re fully awake and can talk to staff throughout.
After the infusion, many people feel tired or mentally “foggy” for a few hours. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and you should plan for a restful remainder of the day.
Over the next few days, patients often report a shift in perspective: mood improves, daily activities feel manageable again, and negative thought patterns lose their grip.
Common side effects include brief spikes in blood pressure, nausea, or a floating sensation during or after the session. These are generally short-lived and managed on-site.
Because frequent or high-dose recreational ketamine use can harm the bladder and cognitive function, we adhere to strict clinical protocols that prioritize safety and appropriate dosing.
For those seeking deeper, longer-lasting results, we also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with licensed therapists. This integrative approach combines ketamine’s neuroplastic benefits with the emotional insights gained through guided therapy sessions.
If depression has kept you stuck—despite medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes—ketamine for depression treatment may offer the rapid, science-supported breakthrough you need.
At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center in Franklin, TN, we provide expert care, rigorous monitoring, and compassionate support throughout your healing journey.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and find out whether ketamine could help you reclaim clarity, motivation, and emotional balance. Relief may be closer—and faster—than you think.
Conditions Treated
1909 Mallory Lane, Suite 300, Franklin, TN 37067