Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Ketamine is a FDA approved anesthetic and analgesic agent originally developed in 1962. It has been used primarily as an induction agent for general anesthesia in surgery for children, adults, and animals. Ketamine has a remarkable safety track record, hence its use in the pediatric population.  It has been safely utilized for pain relief associated with battlefield injury and traumatic accident by emergency medical personnel and Army medics. Recently, it has been discovered that ketamine can be highly effective in treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other conditions.

Ketamine infusions effectively treat depression in 60-80% of individuals. Studies done at Harvard Medical School and Yale School of Medicine reported,“Ketamine’s remarkable rapid, robust, and sustained antidepressant effects are considered to be ‘arguably the most important discovery in half a century’ for depression research” .  They are particularly effective in reducing suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts, even after the first treatment. While the effects of Ketamine typically last for several weeks, some people experience relief from depression for months.

No, any licensed mental health care professional or physician can refer you.

Ketamine’s mechanism of action is completely different from that of any other antidepressant medication. The exact mechanism of action that allows ketamine to relieve mental illness is complex and still under investigation. What we know is that it works on a neurotransmitter called Glutamate which leads to the production of an important growth factor that helps the brain repair damaged neurons affected by stress and mental illness. Thus, Ketamine can improve mood within hours/days and also cause the regeneration of nerve cells over time. Watch Yale Medicine's Video: https://youtu.be/nW21-AYY_fs

At Ketamine Health Centers, we focus on using evidence-based research to administer and treat our patients with ketamine infusion therapy. Our primary focus is to help treat mental illness and provide an option to those who have not had success with traditional medicines or psychotherapy. Promising data has demonstrated robust effects in treating severe, chronic, treatment resistant depression.

Thus, anyone diagnosed with major depression, bipolar depression, postpartum depression, or dysthymia could benefit from Ketamine infusions. Research has also shown that Ketamine can also be effective in treating bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation. In addition, ketamine shows promise in alleviating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a number of anxiety disorders.

Ketamine infusion therapy is not indicated for patients diagnosed with psychosis. If you have high blood pressure, cardiac, and/or pulmonary issues it may be necessary for your primary care physician to provide a medical clearance before beginning your ketamine infusions.

Please avoid any kind of solid foods and/or milk for 6 hours prior to your ketamine infusion. You may drink clear liquids (i.e., water, fruit juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee) up until 2 hours before your infusion. Absolutely avoid alcohol or the use of any illicit drugs. These substances are extremely dangerous in combination with ketamine.

No. The dose of ketamine you will receive does not cause any loss of consciousness.

Ketamine is administered intravenously very slowly over 45 minutes. At the start of the infusion, you may not have noticeable effects, but as the infusion progresses, you may encounter a feeling of “lightness” or “floating,” which for some feels as a “weight being lifted off their shoulders”. Most patients describe mild dissociative symptoms that are generally well tolerated. You will be monitored throughout the infusion, and we are prepared to treat any unpleasant side effects during the procedure. Within 15 minutes of completing the infusion, you will start to regain your senses and your thinking will return to normal.

Prior to your first treatment, we will ask you to fill out a few brief questionnaires that will provide a baseline. We will then follow up after each infusion to determine the response. If needed, we can adjust the treatment accordingly to maximize benefits and minimize any adverse effects. After the infusion, you may notice positive effects as soon as 30 minutes post infusion but typically improvements begin several hours post-­treatment.

The effects of a single infusion typically last up to two weeks. After a series of six infusions, some people could remain symptom free for several months. We also offer the option of booster infusions which can be given monthly or a few times per year as needed.

A total of six infusions is recommended within a 3–4-week period in order to maximize the effects of Ketamine. The repair and growth of new nerve cells over time is what can lead to long lasting improvements in symptoms. However, the total length of treatment depends on each individual’s unique circumstances.

We recommend that our patients continue working with their outpatient providers for medication management and/or psychotherapy. If you do not have a psychiatrist or therapist, We can facilitate a referral.

No, ketamine has been proven safe in humans. It has been used for years as a surgical anesthetic in children and in trauma management. Although it has been abused recreationally at much higher doses as a club drug, there is no evidence that ketamine is addictive. In addition, Ketamine will be administered under medical supervision at sub-anesthetic doses.

Ketamine treatment plans vary in cost dependent on treatment frequency. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover infusions, but we do have financing plans available. Please contact our office for pricing.

Patients should not take benzodiazepines or any prescribed narcotics on the day of their infusion.

No, there is no need to stop any of the medications you are currently taking.