Ketamine Therapy for Depression in Portsmouth, Ohio: What You Need to Know Before Starting
By Dr. Olivetta N. Uradu, MD
Depression can feel like being stuck; like no matter what you try, nothing shifts. If you’ve tried medications or therapy and still feel weighed down, you’re not alone. Many people experience what’s called treatment-resistant depression, where traditional approaches don’t bring enough relief.
At Amazing Grace Center in Portsmouth, Ohio, we offer ketamine therapy as an option for individuals who need something different; something that works faster and targets depression in a new way.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine is a medication that has been used safely in medicine for decades. More recently, it’s been used in psychiatry because of how quickly it can improve symptoms of depression.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to work, ketamine can begin to reduce symptoms within hours or days for some patients.
Why Ketamine Works for Depression
Most antidepressants focus on serotonin. Ketamine works differently, it targets glutamate, a chemical involved in brain communication and neuroplasticity.
This means ketamine may help your brain “reset” patterns that keep depression stuck. Patients often describe:
Feeling lighter or less weighed down
A quieting of negative thoughts
Improved motivation or clarity
It doesn’t erase life stress—but it can create space to respond differently.
Who Is a Good Candidate
Ketamine therapy may be helpful if:
You’ve tried two or more antidepressants without relief
Your depression feels persistent or severe
You experience suicidal thoughts
You feel emotionally numb or disconnected
At Amazing Grace Center, we take time to understand your full history before recommending treatment.
What Treatment Feels Like
Each session is done in a calm, supportive setting.
You may feel:
Relaxed or detached
Like your thoughts are slowing down
A dream-like or reflective state
You’ll be monitored the entire time, and sessions typically last about 2 hours.
After treatment, many patients notice gradual improvement over several sessions.
Safety and Side Effects
Ketamine is safe when used under medical supervision. Common side effects include:
Mild dizziness
Temporary increase in blood pressure
Nausea
Dissociation (a sense of being outside your body)
These effects usually wear off the same day.
Why Choose Amazing Grace Center
As an addiction treatment center and mental health care provider in Portsmouth, Ohio, we bring a deeper understanding of both mood disorders and substance use.
Our approach is:
Nonjudgmental
Medically supervised
Integrated with therapy and psychiatry
We don’t just treat symptoms, we support your full recovery.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, ketamine therapy may offer a new direction.
Key Takeaways
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants
It can help treatment-resistant depression
Effects may be felt quickly
Treatment is safe and monitored
Available at Amazing Grace Center in Portsmouth, Ohio
