Ketamine is an anesthetic medication used for over 50 years. It was discovered in 1965 and approved for use in humans in 1970 for use as an anesthetic in surgery. Ketamine is also used off-label for the treatment of depression and chronic pain. Ketamine has a very long and safe track record.
Treatment Resistant Depression, PTSD, Bipolar Depression, Anxiety, Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Migraines, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), Fibromyalgia, Peripheral Neuropathies
The mechanism of how Ketamine treats these conditions is not well understood. Ketamine has many receptors and targets, resulting in its anesthetic and antidepressant effects.
Ketamine for use in these conditions is given intravenously over 1 to 2 hours. The dose of ketamine is based on the person’s weight.
Ketamine is extremely safe when provided by trained professionals and when used in these low doses. Ketamine has been used in humans for decades without serious short term or long term side effects. Continuous ketamine use can lead to cognitive deficits
Side effects are minor and are transient. They may include nausea, dizziness, increase in blood pressure, increase in heart rate. The anticipated and desired side effect is a dissociative state. Some describe this as a dream state. Some may have hallucinations. All these symptoms quickly resolve after the infusion is stopped.
Our clinic provides a relaxing environment for Ketamine treatments. An IV will be placed by one of our experienced nurses. Ketamine is given through the IV. The infusions last approximately an hour with a 15 minute recovery period. During this time you will be on a cardiac monitor. You will need to have someone drive you home after your treatment.
The ketamine infusions for different pain syndromes last as long as 2 hours with a 15 to 30 minute recovery period.
Highly likely. Studies with ketamine infusions for treatment of
Yes you should continue taking all your medications. Ketamine is not considered a replacement for your antidepressants.
No you do not need a referral from your physician. But we will want to review your medical records and history. We will also work closely with your primary care doctor, psychiatrist and other health care providers as needed.
Insurance companies may or may not reimburse for ketamine infusion therapy. This is partly due to the fact that Ketamine for treatment of depression and pain is off-label use. We will work with you and assist you in providing needed documentation to submit to the insurance company for reimbursement. We recommend you contact your insurance company before treatments to determine what would be needed to reimburse your costs.
