At BOLD Health in Encinitas, we know that depression looks different for everyone. It can be persistent, unpredictable, and exhausting. For some, standard treatments work well. But for others, especially those struggling with treatment-resistant depression, it may feel like nothing helps. That’s where newer options like ketamine treatment come in.
If you’re exploring mental health treatments, you might be wondering how ketamine compares to traditional antidepressants. Both can be effective, but they work in very different ways—and those differences matter. In this article, we’ll break it down in simple terms, so you can better understand your options and feel empowered to take your next step toward healing.
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Understanding the BasicsWhat Are Traditional Antidepressants?
Traditional antidepressants include medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)—such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro—and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like Effexor and Cymbalta. These medications work by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters (mainly serotonin and norepinephrine) in your brain. The idea is that by balancing these chemicals, your mood will gradually improve.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that has been around for decades. But in recent years, it has gained national attention for its ability to rapidly relieve symptoms of depression—especially in people who haven’t responded to other treatments. At BOLD Health, we use intramuscular ketamine as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that may also include therapy and psychiatric support.
Key Differences Between Ketamine and Traditional Antidepressants1. Speed of Relief
One of the most striking differences between ketamine and traditional antidepressants is how fast they work.
- Traditional antidepressants: These medications often take 4 to 6 weeks—sometimes even longer—to show noticeable improvement. During that time, patients may deal with side effects without yet feeling the benefits.
- Ketamine: Ketamine works within hours to days. Many patients at our clinic in San Diego report feeling a lift in mood within 24 hours after their first treatment. For people in acute distress—or those struggling with suicidal thoughts—this rapid relief can be life-changing.
2. Effectiveness in Treatment-Resistant Depression
For individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—those who have tried multiple medications without success—ketamine offers new hope.
- Traditional antidepressants: If one antidepressant doesn’t work, your provider may try another, often in a trial-and-error process that can take months or even years.
- Ketamine: Clinical studies show that over 50% of people with TRD respond to ketamine. That’s a promising success rate, especially when nothing else has worked.
At BOLD Health, we take an individualized approach, tailoring your care based on your unique history and needs. If you’ve felt stuck or hopeless after trying multiple medications, ketamine might be worth exploring.
3. Side Effects
Every medication comes with potential side effects, and understanding them can help you weigh your options.
- Traditional antidepressants: Common side effects include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, emotional numbing, fatigue, and insomnia. For some, these side effects can be significant enough to interfere with daily life or lead them to stop taking the medication altogether.
- Ketamine: Ketamine’s side effects are usually short-term and limited to the treatment window. These can include dissociation (a dream-like state), dizziness, nausea, or a temporary rise in blood pressure. However, these effects typically wear off within an hour, and most patients feel calm and relaxed afterward.
We closely monitor every ketamine treatment in our private, comfortable setting in Encinitas, ensuring that you feel supported, safe, and heard every step of the way.
4. How They’re Taken
- Traditional antidepressants: These are typically taken daily at home. Consistency is key—missing doses can reduce effectiveness or cause withdrawal symptoms.
- Ketamine: At BOLD Health, ketamine is given by intramuscular injection in a supervised outpatient setting. Treatments are usually scheduled 2–3 times per week during the initial phase and then tapered off as symptoms improve. You don’t take ketamine at home, which gives us a chance to support you during every session.
5. Integration With Therapy
Both treatments can be more effective when combined with psychotherapy. However, ketamine opens up a unique opportunity for deeper therapeutic work.
- Traditional antidepressants: While these can stabilize mood and support progress in therapy, they don’t usually affect how you process emotional experiences.
- Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): At BOLD Health, we offer KAP as an option for patients who want to combine the rapid effects of ketamine with the power of guided therapy. After a ketamine session, the brain enters a more open and flexible state—ideal for addressing deep-rooted patterns and making lasting changes. Therapy sessions can be scheduled shortly after your ketamine treatment or on non-treatment days to help process insights and integrate growth.
6. Long-Term Outcomes
It’s important to think not only about how a treatment helps today, but also how it supports your long-term mental health.
- Traditional antidepressants: These are often used long-term, with some people staying on them for years. While they can be effective, they don’t work for everyone, and long-term use may come with cumulative side effects.
- Ketamine: The long-term goal with ketamine is usually to reduce the need for ongoing treatment. After an initial course of 6–8 sessions, many patients transition to maintenance treatments every few weeks, or phase out entirely if stability is achieved. At BOLD Health, we work with you to create a comprehensive plan, which may include medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, and relapse prevention strategies to help you feel your best over time.
A Holistic and BOLD Approach
At BOLD Health, we understand that mental health is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why we take a holistic, compassionate approach to every treatment we offer. Whether you’re considering traditional medications, ketamine, or a mix of both, our team is here to support you with evidence-based care and personalized attention.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) allows for flexible, structured support while you maintain your daily responsibilities. And if ketamine feels like the right next step, we’ll walk you through it—from your first consultation to ongoing care.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression that just won’t lift, you are not alone. There is hope—and there are options.
Give us a call today at 760-503-4703 or visit us at 561 Saxony Place, Suite 101, Encinitas, CA 92024. We proudly serve San Diego County and all of California via secure telehealth options.
Let’s take the first BOLD step together.
