Why Ketamine Therapy Works Even When Antidepressants Don’t
- Goodwin Health Cafe
- Jul 10, 2025
- 3 min read
For individuals struggling with depression—especially those who feel like they’ve “tried everything”—the journey toward relief can feel long, frustrating, and disheartening.
Traditional antidepressants like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are often the first line of treatment, but they don’t work for everyone. In fact, about one-third of people with depression experience what’s known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—meaning they don’t respond adequately to two or more medications.
That’s where ketamine therapy is changing the landscape of mental health care.
A New Approach to Depression Treatment
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being used as a fast-acting, evidence-based treatment for severe depression—especially for those who haven’t found relief through traditional medications.
Let’s explore why ketamine works even when SSRIs don’t—and why it could be a lifeline for individuals living with treatment-resistant depression or suicidal ideation.
SSRIs and the Slow Climb to Stability
SSRIs, like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain—a neurotransmitter associated with mood, emotion, and sleep. These medications gradually shift the brain’s chemical balance over time.
But here’s the catch:
They can take 4 to 6 weeks (or longer) to start working
Some people experience side effects like emotional blunting, weight gain, or insomnia
They primarily treat symptoms—not the deeper neurological causes of depression
For someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or intense distress, waiting weeks for relief can be unbearable. And for others, SSRIs simply don’t provide the results they need.
How Ketamine Therapy Works Differently
Unlike SSRIs, ketamine doesn’t focus on serotonin—it targets a completely different neurotransmitter: glutamate.
Glutamate plays a key role in learning, memory, and overall brain communication. In people with chronic depression, these neural pathways can become “stuck.” Ketamine helps by:
Stimulating glutamate receptors (NMDA receptors)
Promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections
Taking effect within hours, not weeks
This neurological “reset” is why many patients report relief within 24 to 72 hours after a ketamine infusion.
A Breakthrough for Suicidal Ideation
Perhaps one of the most promising aspects of ketamine therapy is its ability to rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts.
The FDA has approved Spravato® (esketamine) for adults with depression who experience suicidal ideation—marking the first treatment of its kind with that specific indication.
Why does that matter?
Because SSRIs can take weeks to reduce suicidal thinking. In contrast, ketamine offers fast relief, which can interrupt a crisis and give patients time to stabilize and seek further support.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ketamine therapy is typically recommended for individuals who:
Have tried two or more antidepressants without success
Experience severe depression or suicidal ideation
Are working with a psychiatrist or mental health provider open to interventional treatments
A thorough evaluation is essential to ensure ketamine is both safe and appropriate, especially for individuals with a history of substance use or certain medical conditions.
More Than a Medication: A Whole-Person Approach
At Goodwin Health Café, we believe healing requires more than just medication.
That’s why ketamine therapy is offered as part of a personalized treatment plan, which may also include:
Psychotherapy
Nutrition and lifestyle guidance
Supportive, compassionate care tailored to your needs
Ketamine isn’t a magic fix—it’s a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can open doors to healing that once felt closed.
Final Thoughts: Relief Is Possible
If you or someone you love has been struggling with depression that hasn’t responded to traditional medications, know this:
You are not out of options.
Ketamine therapy offers a neurologically distinct and science-backed pathway to recovery—and for many, it’s a new beginning.
Visit Us
Located in Spokane, WA, Goodwin Health Café offers compassionate, evidence-based mental health services—including ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.
📍 5625 N. Wall St. Suite 100Spokane, WA 99205
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