Ketamine vs Oral Antidepressants Comparison Chart

Treatment Effectiveness Comparison

Ketamine Infusions at The Anderson Clinic:
- Treatment-resistant depression: 70-80% remission rate
- PTSD: 80% remission rate 
- Rapid onset: Often within hours to days
- Proven track record: 9 years of experience, first in Ohio

Traditional Oral Antidepressants:
- Treatment-resistant depression: 30-50% response rate
- PTSD: 40-60% response rate
- Delayed onset: 4-8 weeks for full effect
- Multiple medication trials often needed

 Side Effect and Safety Profiles

Ketamine Infusions:
- Temporary dissociation during treatment (monitored environment)
- Mild nausea (primary reason for discontinuation)
- No long-term dependency with proper protocol and under medical supervision
- Requires driver due to temporary effects
- MD on-site

Traditional Antidepressants:
- Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, emotional blunting
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- Potential for increased suicidal thoughts initially
- Daily medication compliance required
- Long-term side effects with extended use

 Treatment Timeline and Commitment

Ketamine Protocol:
- Initial series: 6 infusions over 2 weeks
- Session duration: 1-2 hours including monitoring
- Maintenance: 1-2 booster visits every 2-3 months
- Self-monitoring with neurocognitive exams
- Flexible scheduling around work/life

Antidepressant Timeline:
- Daily medication for months to years
- Regular dose adjustments and monitoring
- Frequent provider visits during titration
- Potential medication switches if ineffective
- Long-term commitment with gradual discontinuation

Financial Considerations

Ketamine Investment:
- $2,100 for complete 6-infusion series
- Transparent, upfront pricing
- No insurance coverage but predictable cost
- Maintenance boosters: Individual session pricing
- No hidden fees or ongoing prescription costs

Antidepressant Costs:
- Monthly prescription costs (varies by insurance)
- Ongoing provider visits and monitoring including labs
- Potential for multiple medication trials
- Insurance coverage varies by medication
- Long-term financial commitment

Best Candidates for Ketamine:
- Failed 2+ antidepressant trials
- Seeking rapid symptom relief
- Able to commit to initial 2-week protocol
- Have reliable transportation/support
- Comfortable with monitored clinical setting

Consider Antidepressants First If:
- New to depression treatment, or if pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, have seizure disorder, uncontrolled hypertension, or increased intracranial pressure
- Prefer daily self-administered treatment
- Limited transportation or scheduling flexibility
- Concerned about treatment stigma
- Insurance coverage is primary factor

 So, if you found this information helpful, please like, subscribe, and follow us!  Tell your friends.  We’re @AndersonClinicCincy on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And you can find our Psych Waves podcast on Apple and Spotify.  And if you happen to be in the Cincinnati area and are looking for assistance with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, concussions, or PTSD, give us a call at (513) 321-1753.  Start feeling better faster.