Postpartum Depression Treatments: An Effective Treatment…That’s Actually Accessible

Postpartum Depression Treatments: An Effective Treatment…That’s Actually Accessible

Having a baby can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of a woman’s life, but it also can create a roller coaster of emotions. Most have heard of the “baby blues,” which last just a few days, but postpartum depression is more intense and lasts much longer. This condition usually sets in a few weeks after pregnancy. Still, some women have developed postpartum depression during their pregnancy, while others go as long as a year after giving birth before noticing the symptoms.

Some symptoms of postpartum depression that may come along with your new bundle of joy include mood swings, crying, challenges bonding with your baby, withdrawal, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, anger or irritability, hopelessness, restlessness, severe anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of harming you or your baby, or suicidal thoughts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 13.2% of mothers in the U.S. experience postpartum depression. It is believed that 50% of these women began experiencing symptoms during pregnancy, so early detection is key. If you think you or someone you know might be experiencing postpartum depression, the first and only FDA-approved drug for postpartum depression is called brexanolone.

Brexanalone works differently than other antidepressants: it replenishes a hormone called allopregnanolone, which gets depleted during pregnancy and helps to regulate the neurotransmitters that regulate mood. The drug is expensive and administered over many hours through IV infusion. It is also hard to access—especially in California—as doctors will prescribe it only after other treatment options have been exhausted. California, in particular, requires you to try at least two other drugs before qualifying for Brexanalone, meaning that months of crucial child development and mother-child connection time are foregone.

The beginning stages of child development are so crucial that the clock is ticking and mothers need something that works quickly. Most SSRIs, which are usually the first type of antidepressant prescribed to anyone experiencing depression, take weeks or months to begin working, which is precious time that new parents just don’t have.

An effective alternative to both SSRIs and brexanolone is ketamine infusions, which are fast-acting enough actually to be effective for new parents. Ketamine is effective for more than 70% of patients, alleviates symptoms within 1-2 infusions, and is safe and non-addictive. Contact our office today for a free consultation to see if ketamine infusions are the right option for you.

Contact Tahoe Ketamine

Our clinical team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you choose the chronic pain treatment that is right for you. If you or someone you love is looking for a pain management solution, contact our staff to answer any questions you may have about ketamine infusion therapy.