Ketamine Therapy
Effectively treats
depression, chronic pain, and mood disorders.
Ketamine is a well-researched, dissociative anesthetic that has been widely used since FDA approval in 1970. Ketamine has been extensively used in both adult and pediatric populations for surgery, minor procedures, and trauma.
The World Health Organization lists Ketamine as one of the most essential medications due to its proven therapeutic effects and wide margin of safety.
Over the last 10 years, much research on Ketamine has been done by Yale University & the National Institute of Health (NIH). This led to the discovery of the use of Ketamine in lower doses to effectively treat depression, chronic pain, and mood disorders. The use of Ketamine for depression is revered as “the biggest discovery in mental health treatment in decades.”
Ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist that works on a different pathway in the brain than common treatments such as SSRI’s (Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac). Researchers are still working to determine how this medication can improve mood, depression, and pain so quickly and effectively.
We know that Ketamine works on the neurotransmitter known as glutamate. Glutamate increases neural communication essentially “rewiring” the part of the brain causing distress. This has a positive effect on your thinking and emotional regulation. Research indicates that Ketamine stimulates the regrowth of synapses.
Initial Consultation
On your first visit, you will have a consultation with a qualified provider to further assess your physical & mental health history, and we will take the time to answer all of your questions. The initial dose will be based on your weight with minor adjustments for age & physical condition. Subsequent doses may be adjusted depending on your response to the initial dose.
The infusion will last about 60 minutes for patients being treated for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders. Patients receiving treatment for Neuropathic Pain will have a longer infusion process, and this will be discussed with the doctor during your initial consultation.
When you arrive for your treatment, you will be taken to a comfortable, private treatment room. Feel free to remain in your street clothes, bring music & ear buds, or whatever else makes you feel comfortable.
Procedure
When you arrive, we will insert an IV in your arm or hand. During the procedure, we will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen level with non-invasive equipment. We will also monitor your response to the medication to ensure that your rate of Ketamine infusion is properly adjusted. After about 60 minutes, we will remove the IV, and you can relax in your room until you feel ready to leave.
Each treatment room has dimmable lights, and you may want to listen to music or wear eye covering to help you relax. It is rare, but if you experience any nausea, we will give you medication through your IV during the procedure to treat this.
Experience
Your experience during Ketamine infusion will likely be far less frightening & mysterious than you may have heard. This is because the therapeutic doses for depression, anxiety, PTSD & mood disorders are quite low — far less than when the drug is used for surgery and anesthetic procedures or abused as a recreational drug.
For most people, the experience is relatively mild and for many somewhat pleasurable.
Sensation
Some of our patients report feeling a dissociative effect while relaxing during the infusion, and some describe a sort of "out of body" sensation. Most patients enjoy this experience, but some find it a bit strange.
Many patients find that some degree of dissociative effect is associated with a subsequent better response to the Ketamine infusion.
Safety
Ketamine has a long and safe track record as an anesthetic due to its minimal effect on heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing which is why it is so often used in urgent situations in the field.
In our treatments, we use 1/4 the dose needed for anesthetic effect, adding even further to its safety benefits.
Anxiety
According to ADAA, anxiety is closely related to depression & affects 40 Million in the US. Risk factors include genetics, brain chemistry, personality & life events. Anxiety is highly treatable with low-dose Ketamine.
Bipolar
Bipolar disorder or "Manic Depression" causes moods to swing between extreme highs & extreme lows. Ketamine often helps relieve symptoms of severe bipolar in patients who have already tried other treatments.
Chronic Pain
The Cleveland Clinic describes neuropathic pain as "burning, pins & needles, shooting, electric, tingling, or stabbing". There are multiple causes & when other therapies fail, Ketamine effectively helps 4 out of 5 patients.
Depression
Depression affects 18 Million people in the US. Common symptoms include loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, loss of pleasure & suicidal thoughts. Ketamine Infusions can help.
OCD
According to NIMH, 1 out of every 100 adults suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Ketamine infusions may help to alleviate symptoms when other treatment options have failed.
PTSD
According to the VA, 1 in 11 people are diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. PTSD affects Veterans and anyone who has experienced or witnessed trauma. Ketamine can help you cope with major life traumas & thoughts of harm.
