Ketamine vs. Traditional Antidepressants: Effectiveness and Speed

John M. Thurston, MD
Oct 6
3 min read

For decades, antidepressant medications have been the first line of treatment for depression and related mood disorders. While these medications help many patients, they are not always effective — and for some, they take weeks or even months to work.

At North Idaho Ketamine & TMS, we specialize in innovative treatments that offer new hope to patients who have not found relief with traditional options. Among these, ketamine infusion therapy is rapidly changing the landscape of mental health care, providing faster and more effective results for many individuals.

A healthcare professional in a lab coat holds hands with a patient receiving intravenous treatment in a sunlit room.

How Traditional Antidepressants Work

Most common antidepressants — such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclics — work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. While effective for many, these medications have limitations:

Slow onset of action: It often takes 4 to 8 weeks before patients feel noticeable improvements
Variable effectiveness: Up to one-third of patients experience little to no benefit
Side effects: Weight gain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and emotional blunting are common
Trial and error: Finding the right medication and dosage can take months

For patients living with treatment-resistant depression, these limitations can be frustrating and discouraging.

How Ketamine Therapy Works

Ketamine infusion therapy takes a different approach. Instead of focusing on serotonin levels, ketamine targets the glutamate system by acting on NMDA receptors in the brain. This unique mechanism:

Stimulates neural growth and repair
Enhances communication between brain cells
Promotes the formation of new, healthier neural pathways
Rapidly improves mood and reduces depressive symptoms

Unlike antidepressants, ketamine therapy works within hours or days, offering hope to patients who need faster relief.

Effectiveness: Ketamine vs. Antidepressants

Feature	Ketamine Therapy	Traditional Antidepressants
Time to Results	Hours to days	4 to 8 weeks
Effectiveness Rate	High for treatment-resistant depression	Lower for treatment-resistant depression
Mechanism	Targets glutamate system, rewires brain pathways	Adjusts serotonin and norepinephrine levels
Side Effects	Generally mild, such as dizziness or nausea	Can include weight gain, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction
Ideal Candidates	Patients who have not found relief with medications	Patients with mild-to-moderate depression

Why Patients Choose Ketamine Therapy

Patients across Coeur d’Alene are turning to ketamine therapy because it offers:

Faster symptom relief for those in crisis
Hope for treatment-resistant depression
Improved engagement in therapy and daily activities
Fewer systemic side effects compared to many antidepressants

Ketamine is not a replacement for traditional antidepressants but an alternative or complementary approach for patients seeking better results. Integrating Ketamine with Other Therapies

For some patients, the best outcomes come from combining ketamine with other treatments, including:

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for enhanced mood stabilization
Talk therapy to build coping strategies alongside symptom relief
Lifestyle interventions like improved sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness

Our team at North Idaho Ketamine & TMS works with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan based on their history, symptoms, and goals.

Why Choose North Idaho Ketamine & TMS

Patients choose us because we offer:

Advanced treatment options like ketamine, TMS, and CTK therapy
Evidence-based care led by John M. Thurston, MD
Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
Compassionate support every step of the way

Taking the First Step

If traditional antidepressants have not worked for you, ketamine therapy may offer the relief you’ve been looking for. At North Idaho Ketamine & TMS, we provide innovative treatment options backed by research and delivered with compassion.

Key Takeaways

Traditional antidepressants can take weeks to work and may not help everyone. Ketamine therapy offers a faster, more effective alternative for many patients struggling with depression. At North Idaho Ketamine & TMS, we specialize in helping patients find hope and healing with innovative, evidence-based treatments.