Ketamine is a medication that was originally used as an anesthetic, but in more recent years has been studied as a treatment for mental disorders and pain that is resistant to other drugs and therapies. Ketamine IV infusions are now growing in popularity as people are realizing their powerful effects on depression, anxiety, pain, and more.
Ketamine affects a wide range of processes within the brain and has a significant effect on specific receptors and neurotransmitters. While the drug causes an initial dissociative experience, it’s been discovered that significant benefits extend far past the administration of Ketamine – this is why it’s so effective for mental conditions and pain. The benefits don’t stop once the infusion is over.
If your response to traditional medications or other therapies has been disappointing and ineffective, Ketamine may be a logical next step.
Since infusions provide an instant effect, you’re a good fit if you need quick relief.
Like most medical treatments, it’s never a one-and-done deal. Patients who are willing to follow a plan that includes maintenance infusions are a good fit for Ketamine therapy.
Our hope is that eventually insurance will recognize the immense benefits of Ketamine and cover it 100% for mental and physical conditions. At the moment, however, the infusions aren’t typically covered by health insurance companies and must be paid for by the patient.
Call today to schedule an assessment and your first infusion with a highly trained medical expert.
As one the most widely used medications for safe sedation across the globe, Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic for 50+ years. It’s preferred by physicians because it doesn’t suppress the respiratory system or lower blood pressure like other anesthesia drugs do. It’s continuing to gain traction as a treatment for mental and pain conditions.
While the exact mechanism of action isn’t completely clear, we do know Ketamine is an NMDA Receptor Antagonist. This essentially means that it binds to these receptors in the place of other neurotransmitters – one outcome of this is the increase in Glutamate (a neurotransmitter). This process is thought to have several distinct effects:
Many patients describe Ketamine infusions as a dissociative, almost “out of body” experience (in a pleasant way). You’ll feel calm and relaxed, and those benefits will continue even after the infusion is complete.
Absolutely. You’ll be closely monitored by trained medical personnel, and your vital signs like blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are monitored for the entirety of the session.
Because everyone is different in how their bodies react to certain medications, some people may experience side effects. The most common side effects are high blood pressure, nausea, headache, and perceptual disturbances. We’ll evaluate your tolerance to the infusion to minimize any unwanted side effects.
A medical professional will evaluate your health history and determine if you have any conditions that will prevent you from being able to try Ketamine.
Insurance companies still consider Ketamine IV infusions experimental for mental health conditions, so typically they aren’t covered. However, the FDA has approved Ketamine for specific pain conditions, so check with your insurance company on coverage.
Every patient is different, so your treatment plan will depend on your health condition and how well you respond to the infusions. You may need anywhere from 1-3 infusions per week for a set number of weeks, with occasional “booster” infusions thereafter. You can discuss a treatment plan with our medical provider for a better idea of how many treatments you’ll need.