If you are struggling with depression, you have likely tried several treatment options, including antidepressants. While antidepressants work well for some patients, they don’t work for everyone, and they often come with undesirable side effects. Fortunately, modern psychiatry offers newer alternatives like ketamine therapy that go beyond traditional oral antidepressants.
Ketamine was first used as an FDA-approved anesthetic in 1970, but over the last two decades, it has revolutionized psychiatric care. Today, intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy is a leading, evidence-based alternative for treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, PTSD, and even certain chronic pain conditions.
If you are in the Colorado Springs or Monument area and are considering ketamine treatment, here is a candid look at the science behind it and a preview of what you can expect from the process.
The Latest Science: Why IV Ketamine Stands Out
Ketamine works differently than standard SSRI antidepressants. Instead of primarily targeting serotonin, it blocks NMDA receptors in the brain and modulates the neurotransmitter glutamate. This unique mechanism helps promote neuroplasticity—essentially helping the brain forge new, healthier neural pathways while promoting relaxation under stress.
| Feature | IV Ketamine Therapy | Traditional Antidepressants (SSRIs) |
| Onset of Relief | Hours to days | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Primary Target | Glutamate system (NMDA receptors) | Serotonin / Norepinephrine systems |
| Administration | In-clinic IV drip (medical supervision) | Daily at-home oral pill |
| Systemic Side Effects | Temporary dissociation, transient fatigue | Potential weight gain, insomnia, emotional blunting |
Recent clinical research continues to validate ketamine’s powerful effects. A 2025 study led by researchers at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham (published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry) found that:
- Patients receiving IV ketamine often reported significant symptom improvement immediately after their first treatment.
- By the end of the full treatment course, patients receiving IV ketamine experienced an average 49.2% reduction in depression severity scores.
Studies like this highlight why ketamine is such a critical tool for patients who need rapid, effective relief. It’s a big part of why we’ve chosen to offer ketamine therapy at our Colorado Springs and Monument clinics.
What to Expect: The 4-Step Process
1. The Initial Medical Consultation
Before starting any treatment (including ketamine therapy), you must complete a comprehensive evaluation with our medical team. Your doctor will review your psychiatric and medical history to confirm that you are a safe candidate for IV ketamine. During this visit, we determine your precise dosage, schedule your infusion series, and establish a monitoring plan.
2. Your First Ketamine Infusion
Most patients schedule their first infusion just a few days after their consultation.
- The Setting: You will be placed in a comfortable, relaxing room designed to foster a positive and calming experience.
- The Process: A nurse will start a small IV, and the ketamine will slowly drip into your bloodstream over 45 to 60 minutes. As a safety measure, your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout treatment.
- The Experience: As the therapeutic effects take hold, you may experience a sense of deep relaxation, floating, or mild dissociation. Our nursing staff is always in attendance throughout your treatment to attend to your every need.
- Post-Treatment: Once the drip is complete, you will rest as the effects wear off. Once finished, you will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home or arrange for a ride through Uber or other ride service.
3. The Complete Series
Your provider will discuss with you the recommended number of treatment sessions. Based on clinical best practices, you will typically undergo a series of six infusions spread over a two-week period. Your doctor will customize the dosages as you progress. You will likely find that each subsequent session feels more familiar and relaxing. Our team is right there with you, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout.
4. Maintenance Infusions
Depression is a chronic condition, and while ketamine can rapidly lift severe symptoms, maintenance sessions may be required to sustain those positive results. After your initial treatment, your doctor may recommend maintenance infusions to maintain the anti-depressant effect. Our goal is always to reduce or taper medication as much as possible to allow you to reclaim your life.
The Broad Benefits of IV Ketamine
While primarily known for treating severe depression, ketamine infusion therapy is also used to treat other conditions including anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Ketamine therapy may be used in a clinical setting for:
- Rapid reduction of suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts.
- Management of major depressive disorder, particularly treatment-resistant cases.
- Relief for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.
- Support for substance abuse recovery (in highly controlled clinical environments).
- Alleviation of chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and symptoms associated with Lyme Disease and Crohn’s Disease.
An important note on safety: Ketamine should never be used without professional medical supervision. Individual reactions vary, which is why partnering with a trusted, highly trained local clinic is non-negotiable. Ketamine therapy is available at four Colorado Psychiatry Solutions locations in Colorado Springs and Monument.
Other Ketamine Treatment Options
Ketamine infusion therapy is not the only ketamine option available. Spravato is a nasal spray form that uses a derivative of ketamine to achieve the same depression-relieving result. Spravato is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression and shares many of the same characteristics as infusion ketamine therapy, such as fast-acting relief. You can discuss both treatment options with your provider to determine which is right for you.
Begin Your Journey with Colorado Psychiatry Solutions
If depression is holding you back, you do not have to keep fighting it alone. Colorado Psychiatry Solutions is a premier ketamine infusion therapy center serving patients throughout the Colorado Springs and Monument communities.
We provide a secure, comfortable, and medically rigorous environment to help you achieve the best possible result. By combining cutting-edge medical treatments with compassionate support, we can help you regain your quality of life.
If you would like to learn more about IV ketamine therapy, or if you are ready to schedule an appointment, contact Colorado Psychiatry Solutions today. We are here to help you determine if this is the right path forward.
