An expectant mother is about to experience extreme lifestyle changes, on top of the immediate emotional and physical stress of childbirth. Dealing with these newfound challenges—sleep deprivation, the responsibility of nurturing a newborn, and the underlying stress of unrealistic expectations—can send a new mother into a debilitating downward spiral.
Postpartum depression is more than just a temporary case of the “baby blues,” and can take a major toll on the life of not only the mother, but also on her newborn baby. One in seven women will encounter severe postpartum depression, which typically occurs immediately after birth. There are several postpartum depression symptoms to be aware of, for example: unrealistic anxiety; extreme bouts of crying; feelings of hopelessness; and an inability to perform daily tasks.
The good news is that postpartum depression is a highly treatable condition, and antidepressants can be used as a preventative measure for those who are predisposed to severe depression or anxiety. A few examples of treatments that may help relieve depressive symptoms include antidepressant medications, counseling, participation in daily exercise, and getting involved in enjoyable hobbies.
In addition to these first-line postpartum depression treatments, the FDA has just approved the first treatment designed specifically for postpartum depression. The drug will be marketed under the name Zulresso, and is administered as an IV infusion. Zulresso begins to work in about 48 hours, which is significantly quicker than antidepressants which can take 4-6 weeks to make a positive impact. Of course, with any new medication there are possible side effects and a few drawbacks, like price in this case. It costs about $34,000 dollars for a Zulresso infusion, and requires a patient spend 60 hours in a certified medical center. Despite these factors, this new treatment provides hope for expectant mothers everywhere.
If you are searching for a less expensive, less time-consuming alternative to this new treatment, consider ketamine infusions. With decades of research supporting their efficacy, ketamine infusions are arguably just as effective for the treatment of postpartum depression as Zulresso…if not more so. Being one of the most trusted ketamine clinics in the U.S., we have seen first-hand how ketamine infusions can impact the lives of those suffering from postpartum depression and other psychiatric disorders.
Many mental health professionals recommend ketamine therapy for the treatment of postpartum depression, touting its rapid-acting and lasting results. In addition, ketamine poses little risk to the baby, and is not addictive for the mother. Ketamine infusions could allow a suffering mother to maintain a stable emotional state, enabling her to nurture and develop an emotional bond with her child. Unlike Zulresso, which requires a 6-hour continuous stay in a healthcare facility for the administration of the treatment, ketamine infusions are done on an outpatient basis and require minimal mother-child separation.
Contact Vitalitas Denver
Over the years, Vitalitas Denver has performed thousands of ketamine infusions, helping to alleviate the symptoms of postpartum depression, severe depression, suicidality, PTSD, anxiety, and more. If you or a loved one are struggling with these or any other psychiatric condition, ketamine may be the treatment you’re looking for. Contact our ketamine clinic today to learn more about how this innovative and highly-effective treatment could change your life.
