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When people suffer from chronic, treatment-resistant depression (TRD), they may be unable to get the best results from traditional therapies. The good news is that there are several treatment options available. These include Symbyax, Ketamine, and Antidepressant therapy. If you're considering these options for your depression, read on to learn about the benefits of each. However, be aware that TRD isn't something you should try on your own.
Ketamine
A new study suggests that ketamine may have some promising
benefits for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine is a
powerful antidepressant that rapidly increases the number of synaptic
connections in the cortex and hippocampal neurons. It reverses the neuronal and
behavioral changes associated with chronic stress. It also increases
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. As a result, ketamine is an
effective treatment for depression.
A short-term ketamine infusion is safe and well-tolerated,
with the dosage of one milligram per kilogram of body weight. The duration of
the infusion is usually between forty-five minutes and the patient is monitored
for up to two hours afterward. Patients should be aware that the benefits
outweigh the risks. Ketamine is most effective when used with another
antidepressant, and the risks are minimal in those suffering from severe
depression.
Symbyax
Eli Lilly has expanded the indication of its drug Symbyax
for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This new combination of antipsychotic
Zyprexa and antidepressant Prozac is approved to treat TRD in adults. Adults
with major depressive disorder must not respond to two previous treatments with
antidepressants or therapy. This drug is the first to be approved for this
condition.
Children and adolescents with major depressive disorder
should be monitored for any abnormal changes in their behavior or emergence of
suicidal thoughts. Observation and monitoring should occur daily. Patients
should be given SYMBYAX in the lowest effective quantity consistent with their
medical condition and safety. For children younger than 10 years old, SYMBYAX
is not approved for use in pediatric patients. This drug has many side effects
and is not recommended for use in patients younger than 10 years of age.
Antidepressant therapy
Many patients with depression may need to switch medications
and try a different approach before finding the right combination to combat
their condition. The initial dose of an antidepressant may not be high enough.
This is why doctors typically start a patient on a low dose and then gradually
increase the dosage as the side effects subside. Patients who fail to respond
to a lower dose may have an underlying psychiatric disorder, and doctors may
mistake it for depression.
However, the process of switching from one antidepressant to
another is not always easy. Many people who are undergoing antidepressant
therapy for treatment resistant depression are able to find relief after a
couple of treatments. The most important thing to remember is to stick to the
treatment plan, which may involve different types of therapy, different medications,
or other approaches. Your doctor can give you more detailed information about
your treatment options and help you make the right decision.
Combination therapy
Currently, there are several different treatment options for
treating patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD). These medications
are considered adjunctive therapy and may be used to treat people who have not
responded to other treatments. Several factors are associated with TRD,
including patient characteristics and combined comorbid conditions. In addition
to severity of depression, other factors include comorbid medical conditions
such as cancer, diabetes, chronic pain, or coronary artery disease.
Antidepressant medications are a first-line treatment for
major depression. However, about 25% of patients are resistant to
antidepressant medications. Hence, it is critical to carry out a thorough
evaluation before starting treatment. Additionally, it is necessary to
determine whether the patient is suffering from treatment-resistant depression
or if the antidepressant medication he or she is taking is working properly. It
is important to remember that these patients' responses to treatment are highly
variable and individualized.
Electroconvulsive therapy
In a recent study, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was found
to be beneficial for depression among older patients with moderate treatment
resistance. The researchers studied age, gender, and comorbidities, as well as
clinical factors, including depression severity, suicidal ideation, and
attempts. The ECT group also had higher levels of NAA than the nontreatment
resistant group at baseline. A further study found that older patients
responded more quickly to the ECT treatment than younger adults, although the
study did not assess the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy for
treatment-resistant depression.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed
genetically engineered mice to study the effect of electroconvulsive therapy on
depression. The scientists were able to determine that these mice were more
responsive to the therapy, with molecular changes that increased the
communication between neurons in the brain. These changes could help develop
new forms of treatment for depression and improve the lives of people living with
depression. These findings could help physicians choose which medications are
the best for which patients.
