Ketamine vs. Traditional Antidepressants: Which Is Right for You?

If you're struggling with depression, you’re likely familiar with traditional antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). But what if they haven’t worked for you—or taken too long to kick in? At Mosaic Infusions & Wellness, many of our patients are exploring ketamine therapy as a faster, more effective alternative—especially for treatment-resistant depression.

In this article, we break down the key differences between ketamine infusions and traditional antidepressants to help you make an informed decision about your mental health treatment.

How Do Ketamine and Antidepressants Work?

Though the actual mechanism of traditional antidepressants is debated, it is generally assumed that they work by increasing levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to regulate mood. However, they typically take 4 to 6 weeks (or more) to produce noticeable effects.

Ketamine, on the other hand, targets the brain’s glutamate system among other mechanisms, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation and neuroplasticity. By promoting the growth of new neural connections, ketamine infusions can offer rapid relief from depression symptoms—sometimes within hours.

Speed of Relief: Ketamine Works Faster

One of the most compelling reasons patients at Mosaic Infusions & Wellness choose ketamine therapy is its rapid onset of action.

While SSRIs can take weeks to work, ketamine has been shown to reduce depression symptoms within 24 to 72 hours in many patients. This fast-acting benefit makes it a potentially life-saving option for individuals in crisis or those who have tried multiple medications without success.

Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression

At our clinic in Fairfax, Virginia, Mosaic Infusions & Wellness specializes in helping patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—a condition where standard antidepressants have failed.

Comparing Side Effects

All medications have potential side effects, and both ketamine and traditional antidepressants come with their own risks.

Common antidepressant side effects:

• Weight gain

• Sexual dysfunction

• Insomnia or drowsiness

• Gastrointestinal issues

Ketamine side effects:

• Mild dissociation or dream-like states

• Temporary increase in blood pressure

• Nausea

• Rarely: hallucinations or elevated anxiety

Most patients at Mosaic Infusions & Wellness report side effects as mild and short-lived, especially with careful monitoring by our experienced clinical team.

Method of Administration

Traditional antidepressants are usually taken orally once a day.

Ketamine is administered via:

• IV infusions (most common and effective)

• Intranasal spray (FDA-approved esketamine)

• Oral or sublingual tablets (less common and less bioavailable)

At Mosaic Infusions & Wellness, we offer clinically supervised IV ketamine infusions in a comfortable, spa-like environment, ensuring your safety and optimal response to treatment.

Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between ketamine therapy and traditional antidepressants depends on your unique mental health history, how you've responded to previous treatments, and your current needs.

If you're experiencing treatment-resistant depression, have severe symptoms, or simply want faster results, ketamine therapy at Mosaic Infusions & Wellness could be the breakthrough you've been waiting for. Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss what is right for you.

Why Choose Mosaic Infusions & Wellness?

At Mosaic Infusions & Wellness, we are committed to compassionate, science-backed care. Our ketamine infusion protocols are tailored to each individual, and our team is here to guide you through every step—from consultation to follow-up care.

Ready to explore how ketamine can help you heal?

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