In recent years, ketamine infusions have gained popularity as a way to address otherwise treatment-resistant mental health concerns. Bipolar disorder, in particular, can take a serious toll on your quality of life while also being resistant to treatment. While ketamine first gained popularity for treating anxiety and depression, mental health professionals have been using it––with success––to treat an array of conditions, including bipolar disorder. If you struggle to relieve bipolar symptoms with traditional medication, consider low-dose ketamine infusions for bipolar treatment.

Does ketamine treatment work for all bipolar diagnoses?

There are two bipolar diagnoses: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Individuals with Bipolar I have longer manic phases that last at least a week. Bipolar II creates hypomanic swings that last less than a week on average. Both types generate cycles of mania and depression and lifelong risks from suicide.

Any treatment aims to disrupt the cycle, stabilize moods, and relieve symptoms associated with suicidal thoughts. While there’s no cure for bipolar disorder, effective treatment can provide stability and minimize the impact of symptoms on an individual’s life.

What are traditional treatments for bipolar disorder?

There are various traditional treatments that psychiatrists will prescribe for their patients. Pharmaceuticals address each of the symptoms of bipolar disorder separately:

• Mood stabilizers
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants
• Antianxiety

Patients must work with their doctor to find a combination of medications that work well for them, often while dealing with various side effects. As an alternative, low-dose ketamine drips provide relief from most bipolar symptoms, including suicidal ideation, without creating a new host of side effects with which patients must cope.

Finding the drug combination that works for you and the right brands and dosage takes time. While ketamine isn’t a cure, as a bipolar treatment, it can relieve many symptoms resistant to traditional medication.

How does ketamine treatment work as a bipolar treatment?

Researchers are still investigating the exact mechanism of ketamine as a bipolar treatment, but the results are well documented. Initial studies of ketamine as a treatment for mental health disorders were for individuals with depression––including one patient with bipolar disorder.

Subsequent studies specific to bipolar disorder showed that regular––weekly or every two to three days––ketamine treatment showed symptom improvement in as much as 70 percent of patients.

• Improved mood with better stability
• Improved sleep
• Better cognition
• Rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects.

Side effects were either mild or non-existent for the individuals participating in the studies.

What happens during a ketamine treatment?

When you get a ketamine treatment, health professionals will administer a low-dose IV treatment. At a treatment center, you receive prompt, personal care without the long wait of a doctor’s office.

You relax in a treatment room while receiving the infusion. Some patients report feeling light euphoria or a dream-like state during the treatment. Clients should plan to spend about 45 minutes at the center, but you can leave as soon as the treatment is completed. It’s important not to drive or operate heavy machinery the day of your appointment, as reaction time may be significantly diminished.

At Long Island Ketamine Infusions, all patients, regardless of diagnosis, receive an initial six infusions over two to three weeks to give the bipolar treatment the best chance of success. During and after the treatment series, you’ll work with an experienced psychiatrist to develop an ongoing treatment plan that works for you.

For safe, effective bipolar treatment, contact Long Island Ketamine Infusions.

Dr. Michelle Cuomo is a psychiatrist with years of experience treating depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. At Long Island Ketamine Infusions, we’re committed to providing revolutionary therapeutic treatment for a wide variety of mental health concerns, including bipolar disorder. Ketamine treatments are just one part of treatment, which is why it’s crucial to work with a trained psychiatrist to ensure you’re getting the treatment you need to feel your best.

We work with our patients to provide supportive, compassionate care for treatment-resistant mental health issues. Contact our team to learn more about our ketamine infusions for bipolar treatment.