Are you still struggling with depression? Let's talk about NMDA treatment

Do you also have severe depression, or as we medically call it, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)? Even after using one or two medications prescribed by the doctor, you still don't feel any improvement or change? "What do I do now?" You may be thinking with great frustration. It is very normal to feel alone and helpless at a time like this. But don't be afraid. You are not alone. As science advances, new hopes also arise. Today we are talking about such new hope.

First, let's remind you a little about the common antidepressants that are prescribed.

If you've started treatment for depression, your doctor may have first prescribed you a type of medication called a 'traditional antidepressant.' There are several main types of these. These medications work by balancing the activity of chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters , which affect our mood and emotions. These include serotonin , norepinephrine , and dopamine .

But there are a few challenges with these medications. One is that they take a while to start working. You usually have to wait about four to eight weeks to see results. Another is that these medications don't work the same for everyone. Studies show that about two out of every three people who use them don't get a full recovery .

To make it easier for you to understand, let's look at some of the most commonly used medications in a table like this.

If you've tried one or more of these medications and still don't feel better, don't worry. It's not your fault. It's times like these that doctors think about new, more advanced treatments.

So what are these new NMDA treatments?

Simply put, this is a completely different way of treating depression. Unlike the previous medications, this treatment targets receptors in the brain called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) .

Think about it this way. In a person with major depression, some important parts of the brain may be a little less active, like they're 'sleeping' (underactive). What NMDA treatments do is control the action of another powerful neurotransmitter called glutamate , and strengthen the connectivity between those 'sleeping' brain cells (neurons). That means they suddenly speed up the exchange of messages between brain cells.

The biggest advantage of this is speed. While conventional medications can take weeks to work, some NMDA treatments can start to provide significant relief and a change in the patient within hours .

What are the treatments that target NMDA? Are there any risks?

Ketamine is a key drug used to treat treatment-resistant depression by targeting NMDA receptors.

This is usually given to the patient through a vein (intravenous or IV) with saline . But there is something you definitely need to remember here.

This is by no means the first treatment a doctor would recommend for depression.

These are only used for patients with severe depression who have tried all other options and have not had any success. Also, this treatment is definitely done in a hospital setting, under the close supervision of specialist doctors and trained staff. This is not a medicine that can be bought from a pharmacy and taken home.

Why do you do that? Because like all medications, there are potential side effects. During treatment, you may experience changes in blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, and sometimes a slight dissociation from reality. Medical supervision is essential to manage all of this.

How do I know if I am suitable for this treatment?

This is the most important question. The answer to this can only be determined by your treating doctor. Whether you are a good candidate for an advanced treatment like NMDA therapy will depend on several factors:

• What types of antidepressants have you used before?
• How long were they used, and at the correct dosage?
• How did your body respond to them?
• The current severity of your depressive symptoms.
• Your overall health status (other illnesses, other medications you are taking, etc.).

Therefore, the best thing you can do is to talk openly with your doctor about everything that is on your mind. Don't be afraid to ask questions like, "Doctor, I've been taking this medicine for months now, but I still haven't noticed any difference," or "Is there no other way I can get over this?" The more you talk about your feelings and experiences, the easier it will be for your doctor to choose the best treatment for you.