What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine is an FDA approved treatment that works to restore areas of the brain that may be affected by mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, OCD, and numerous pain syndromes.
Ketamine stimulates the production of healthy neurotransmitters and helps to re-establish nerve connections. If you’ve tried prescription medication and other forms of treatment and have not had the results you desire, ketamine infusion may be the right option for you.
It is a safe, effective, and non-addictive treatment option.
Though a nasal spray has recently been approved for administering ketamine into the body, at Eclipse Pain and Recovery our office continues to use intravenous or IV infusions of ketamine only.
What conditions can it treat?
Ketamine infusion is a safe, quick, and effective treatment option for multiple mental health conditions, even if they seem treatment-resistant. IV ketamine infusion therapy has proven results in treating the following conditions:
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
- PPD (Postpartum Disorder)
- Social anxiety
- Severe or chronic depression
- Those who struggle with suicidal thoughts
Who is a good candidate?
Generally, anyone who struggles with mental health disorders is a good candidate for ketamine infusion therapy. We do require that patients have a confirmed diagnosis of a mental health condition and are currently under the care of a provider for treatment.
To determine if you are a good candidate for treatment, schedule a consultation with our office. Following your consultation and thorough examination, we will work with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Do I need to stop my medication to receive ketamine infusion therapy?
Do not change or stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor first. If you have any questions regarding your treatment and medication, please call our office with any questions.
Some medication does interfere with ketamine infusions, we will work with your doctor or doctors to ensure optimal care.
How many treatments will I need?
The average course of ketamine infusion therapy consists of six treatment sessions over the course of 3 weeks. However, depending on your condition and symptoms, you may need additional treatments.
All treatment plans are customized to the patient from the infusion schedule to dosage to ensure optimal results.
Results
Many patients report an improvement in mood and general well being after the first few treatments. It is not uncommon for patients to feel relief within several hours of their first infusion.
The length of your results will vary for each individual and can last for several months. Following your initial series of treatments, we can work with you to begin a maintenance program if necessary.
What to expect
Prior to your treatment, it is important that you do not consume any food at least 4 hours before your appointment and that you arrange for transportation on the day of your appointment. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing that allows us to easily access your arms for treatment.
Ketamine is administered intravenously over a period of 40 minutes. You will remain awake during treatment but in a state of extreme relaxation. Your vital signs will be monitored during treatment for your safety and comfort. Patients sometimes report an ‘out of body’ experience of a sensation of ‘dreaminess.’ These feelings fade 20 minutes after treatment.
Some side effects of treatment include dizziness, blurred vision, and sometimes nausea.
For more information on how ketamine infusion therapy can help you, contact our office at (469) 290-7246.