New Hope for Depression That Hasn't Responded to Treatment
For Canadians living with major depression, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar depression, or postpartum depression — ketamine therapy offers rapid relief when other treatments have fallen short.
Why Ketamine Works Differently for Depression
Traditional antidepressants work by adjusting serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine levels — a process that takes weeks to produce results, if it works at all. Ketamine takes a fundamentally different approach, targeting the brain's glutamate system through NMDA receptor blockade.
This triggers a rapid increase in BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and activates AMPA receptors, promoting neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to form new, healthier neural connections. Many patients notice a meaningful reduction in depressive symptoms within hours to days of their first infusion.
For patients who have tried multiple antidepressants without adequate relief, ketamine represents a genuinely different mechanism — not just another medication in the same class.
50–70%
Response rate in treatment-resistant depression patients
Hours
Typical onset of antidepressant effect — not weeks
2020
Year Health Canada approved esketamine (Spravato) for TRD
Types of Depression Treated with Ketamine
Ketamine therapy is used across a spectrum of depressive conditions, particularly where conventional treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
The most common form of depression — persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and cognitive changes. Ketamine is used when two or more antidepressant trials have been inadequate.
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
Defined as depression that has not responded to at least two adequate antidepressant trials. TRD is the primary indication for ketamine therapy and has the strongest evidence base.
Bipolar Depression
The depressive phase of bipolar disorder is notoriously difficult to treat — many antidepressants risk triggering mania. Ketamine is being studied as a safer option for bipolar depressive episodes.
Postpartum Depression
Severe postpartum depression that has not responded to first-line treatments may be considered for ketamine therapy under careful psychiatric supervision, particularly when rapid relief is needed.
Depression with Suicidal Ideation
One of ketamine's most clinically significant properties is its rapid reduction of suicidal ideation — often within hours of a single infusion, making it valuable in acute psychiatric settings.
Depression with Anxiety
Comorbid anxiety and depression — a very common presentation — responds particularly well to ketamine, with both mood and anxiety symptoms often improving together.
What the Evidence Shows
Ketamine has one of the most robust evidence bases of any emerging psychiatric treatment.
FDA & Health Canada Approval
Esketamine (Spravato) received FDA approval in 2019 and Health Canada approval in 2020 for treatment-resistant depression — the first new class of antidepressant approved in decades.
Rapid Antidepressant Effect
Multiple randomised controlled trials show significant antidepressant effects within 24 hours of infusion — a speed unmatched by any other approved antidepressant.
Suicidal Ideation Reduction
A 2020 study in JAMA Psychiatry found a single ketamine infusion significantly reduced suicidal ideation compared to placebo, with effects lasting up to one week.
Sustained Remission
A standard course of 4–6 infusions over 2–3 weeks produces remission lasting weeks to months in many patients. Maintenance infusions can extend these benefits.
What to Expect from Treatment
Psychiatric Assessment
A psychiatrist or physician reviews your diagnosis, medication history, and medical background to confirm you're a suitable candidate for ketamine therapy.
Initial Infusion Course
Most protocols involve 4–6 IV infusions over 2–3 weeks. Each session lasts 40–60 minutes. You'll rest in a comfortable clinical setting with vital signs monitored throughout.
Integration & Follow-Up
The 24–72 hours after each infusion are a key therapeutic window. Many clinics offer integration therapy during this period to help consolidate the neuroplastic changes.
Maintenance as Needed
Patients who respond well may receive maintenance infusions monthly or as needed to sustain remission. Your treatment team will guide the right schedule for you.
Safety & Suitability
Ketamine therapy is administered at sub-anaesthetic doses under continuous physician supervision with vital sign monitoring. At these doses, it has a well-established safety profile. Not everyone is a suitable candidate — ketamine is generally not recommended for people with active psychosis, uncontrolled hypertension, a history of certain substance use disorders, or pregnancy.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Speak with a qualified psychiatrist or physician to determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for your specific situation.
Ready to Explore Ketamine Therapy for Depression?
Browse our directory of verified Canadian ketamine clinics to find a provider near you. Most clinics offer a free initial consultation to discuss your history and whether you're a suitable candidate.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Ketamine therapy must only be administered under the supervision of a licensed medical professional in a regulated clinical setting.