Exploring a New Approach to Mood Stabilization

Ketamine for bipolar disorder may offer new hope for those dealing with constant mood swings. The emotional highs and deep lows can make it hard to manage daily life, work, and relationships. For many, traditional meds help. But they don’t always work, especially with treatment-resistant symptoms. That’s where ketamine comes in. Unlike most medications, ketamine works on glutamate, a brain chemical linked to mood and thinking. As a result, it may bring relief faster and help with emotional balance.

While it isn’t a cure, and it won’t replace current care, it may serve as a valuable tool in the healing process. For many, it becomes part of a broader plan to support lasting relief. At Andala Health in San Antonio, TX, we offer personalized ketamine therapy. Call 1-210-783-0582 or fill out our online form to book a free consult.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health issue that affects a person’s mood. People with this condition go through strong mood swings. As a result, these shifts can change how they feel, think, act, and how much energy they have. Sometimes, the mood changes last just a few hours. Other times, they can go on for days or even weeks. Because of this, it can be hard to keep up with daily tasks or routines.

There are different types of bipolar disorder, but all involve big changes in mood. At certain times, someone may feel full of energy, very happy, or overly excited. This is called a manic or hypomanic episode. At other times, they may feel very sad, tired, or hopeless. This is called a depressive episode.

In between mood swings, many people feel stable. This is known as euthymia, characterized by a normal and steady mood. Recently, doctors have started exploring ketamine for bipolar disorder as a possible option for people who haven’t found relief with regular treatments. For some, it may offer a new path toward feeling better. To learn more about the types, symptoms, and other treatment options, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s page on bipolar disorder.

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is a medicine that has been used in hospitals for over 50 years. Doctors first used it as an anesthetic to help people feel no pain during surgery. It works on a part of the brain called the glutamate system, which plays a role in mood, memory, and learning.

In ketamine therapy, very small doses are given, not enough to cause sleep, but enough to affect how the brain works. This process is done in a safe setting with trained medical staff. There are a few ways to get ketamine therapy:

• IV ketamine: given through a vein
• IM ketamine: given through a shot into the muscle
• Spravato®: a nasal spray version of esketamine
• KET+: a personalized plan that may include extra support
  

Providers carefully control the dose and watch how the body reacts. The goal of ketamine for bipolar disorder is not to sedate the person, but to create changes in the brain that may support healing over time.

How Ketamine May Help Treat Bipolar Disorder

Ketamine for bipolar disorder works on certain parts of the brain. It affects receptors that respond to a brain chemical called NMDA. When these receptors are blocked, the brain releases another chemical called glutamate. Glutamate is important because it helps brain cells talk to each other. It also plays a big role in how we think, learn, and grow. This process, where the brain makes new paths and changes how it works, is called neuroplasticity. It helps the brain adapt to stress, new ideas, and change over time.

In an article by Frontiers in Psychiatry in 2023, researchers suggested three ways ketamine might help people with bipolar depression:

• Biochemical: Ketamine alone may help ease symptoms by changing how the brain works.
• Talk Therapy Support: Ketamine may make it easier to open up in therapy and help the brain absorb what’s learned.
• Psychedelic Effect: In higher doses, ketamine may bring on a short, dream-like state. This can help with deep thought and self-reflection, both of which may support long-term growth.
  

Providers often recommend that people start or stay on a mood stabilizer before beginning ketamine for bipolar disorder. This helps lower the risk of a manic episode and supports a more balanced treatment process.

Ketamine vs. Traditional Bipolar Medications

Usual treatments for bipolar disorder, like lithium or antipsychotics, can help many people manage their mood. But they often come with side effects. These can include weight gain, low energy, or feeling emotionally flat. Also, most of these medications take weeks to start working, which can feel like a long time when someone is struggling.

Ketamine for bipolar disorder works differently. It acts on another part of the brain and often brings relief faster, sometimes in just hours or days. Because of this, it may be helpful for people who haven’t felt better with standard medications or who need quicker support during a depressive episode.

Still, ketamine for bipolar disorder is not meant to replace mood stabilizers. Rather, it may be added to a person’s current treatment plan to give extra support. In many cases, this combined approach may help lower symptoms while keeping mood more steady overall. Before starting treatment, doctors will look at each person’s health and history. The goal is to improve well-being while also avoiding more ups and downs.

Is Ketamine Safe for People with Bipolar Disorder?

Safety is very important, especially for people with mental health needs. In a clinic, IV ketamine and IM ketamine for bipolar disorder are given by trained medical staff. This helps keep side effects low and makes sure the dose is right. Possible side effects include:

• Upset stomach
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling confused
• A short rise in blood pressure
  

For some people with bipolar disorder, there may be a risk of mania, especially if they are not taking a mood stabilizer. Ketamine is not recommended during an active manic episode, as it may worsen symptoms. Because of this, treatment should take place in a calm, controlled setting with a provider who understands the risks and how to manage bipolar care. With the right support, ketamine for bipolar disorder may be safe and helpful. A good provider will check your health, ask about your history, and watch closely during treatment.

What to Expect During Ketamine for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Each person begins with a consult. During this visit, the provider reviews medical history, current medications, and mental health symptoms. If ketamine for bipolar disorder appears safe and appropriate, the next step is selecting the most suitable treatment type: IV ketamine, IM ketamine, or Spravato® nasal spray. Sessions take place in a calm, monitored setting. Patients may sit or lie down while the care team checks in regularly to ensure comfort and safety. Most sessions last between 40 and 60 minutes.

As the medication takes effect, some individuals report feeling relaxed, floaty, or briefly detached from usual thoughts. Others describe the experience as peaceful or dreamlike. These sensations are short-term and typically fade soon after the session ends. It’s common to feel tired afterward, and many choose to rest for the remainder of the day.

Some patients notice improvement after one or two sessions, while others may require several sessions to see meaningful change. The provider monitors progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed to support the best outcome.

Ketamine for Bipolar Disorder Cost 

Prices for ketamine for bipolar disorder vary based on the type of treatment and how you choose to pay. Most sessions fall between $125 and $350 each. We do accept most major insurance plans, but coverage can vary depending on your plan and benefits. Your copay, deductible, or coinsurance may also affect your final cost. To get an accurate estimate, check out our ketamine cost page or call us at 1-210-783-0582. Our team is here to help guide you through every step.