What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication, most known for maintaining anesthesia and pain relief during and following surgery. Ketamine was first developed in 1962. Ketamine is a medication that is commonly used in pediatric surgeries and has minimal if any side effects. For many years, this medication has been used by physicians as it is exceptionally safe and versatile. In recent years, ketamine has been used as an immensely effective treatment for psychological disorders.
Typical mental health medications can take weeks or even months to become effective. Ketamine’s benefits often begin to appear within hours, and clinical trials with ketamine have shown peak mood elevation about 24-36 hours after treatment.
Ketamine is the first clinician-prescribed psychedelic treatment prescribed by doctors to help relieve depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and other mental health-related conditions.
Are You a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy has become a popular treatment method in recent years. Psychiatrists can use ketamine therapy as part of a patient's treatment plan if they struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this type of therapy.
How to Determine if a Patient is an Ideal Candidate for Ketamine Therapy
Symptom Severity
Ketamine therapy is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments (antidepressants or therapy). However, your doctor may consider this therapy for patients experiencing severe symptoms, such as suicidal ideation or severe anxiety.
Medical History
Our medical staff will evaluate your medical history in detail before considering if you are a candidate for ketamine therapy. Some conditions that may disqualify you include, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, and untreated cardiovascular disease.
Current Medications
Our Medical staff will also evaluate a patient's current medications to determine if they are a good candidate for ketamine therapy. Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines and opioids are important to note so our medical staff can cater a specific treatment plan to ensure optimal benefit from the therapy.
Mental State
Before treatment, our medical staff must evaluate a patient's current mental state. If they are currently experiencing psychosis or have a history of schizophrenia, the doctor will likely determine that they are not an ideal candidate for ketamine therapy. In addition, patients with a history of dissociative disorders may experience more negative side effects from ketamine therapy.
The Process:
To start, we ask that you either fill out our secure online form. A trained clinician will review and see if you are a candidate. You will be called by our well-trained staff to set up either a in person appointment or Telehealth video meeting with one of our clinicians.
Ketamine infusion therapy typically lasts for about 45 to 60 minutes. To start the session, our medical staff will start a peripheral IV. The IV bag is connected to the IV pump ensuring accurate measures of ketamine into the bloodstream.
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Once the treatment begins the patient will relax in a comfortable reclining chair. During the treatment, the medical staff will monitor your vital signs.
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Ketamine infusion is usually a pleasant experience. Throughout the procedure, the patient will remain conscious. Instead, they will notice a somewhat euphoric sensation and feel relaxed. The treatment will feel like a therapy session and should end with the patient feeling refreshed and energized as the effects wear off. The patient should notice the effects of the infusion almost immediately, unlike other SSRI drugs that may take several weeks or months for effects to manifest. This is one of the advantages of ketamine infusion.
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Some patients notice an enjoyable feeling of dissociation. For many, the dissociation effect is helpful and ensures a positive response to the procedure. This aspect of treatment is normal and there will always be staff members around to supervise and monitor the patient’ s progress.
After the session, patients can rest in the office for 30 minutes to an hour. Nausea is rare, but if it occurs, the doctor can control it by including Zofran to the treatment. Some patients may feel slightly tired, while others feel okay enough to leave the office immediately. Either way, adequate rest is recommended.
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Ketamine infusion treatment is highly effective and transformative for many patients. If you want to learn more about ketamine infusion therapy and its application, call for a consultation.
What to Expect from Treatment
Once our medical staff has determined that an individual is an ideal candidate for ketamine therapy, they will work with this patient to develop a customized treatment plan. Ketamine therapy is typically administered through intravenous (IV) infusion.
During each treatment session, the patient will be closely monitored to ensure their safety and minimize side effects. Depending on their specific needs and treatment plan, patients will likely need several treatments over several weeks or months.
Patients need to remember that ketamine therapy is a tool of treatment that can help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. People who undergo ketamine therapy will need to continue with their traditional treatments, such as therapy and medication, to manage their condition and discuss this with their primary care doctor or psychiatrist.
Can I Drive After my Ketamine Treatment?
We strongly advise against driving or operating machinery, caring for others, or signing important documents on the day of your treatment. Please arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day.
Still Have Questions?
​Ketamine therapy can be an effective treatment option for those struggling with certain mental health conditions. However, it is important to work with an experienced doctor to determine if you are an ideal candidate for this treatment method. If you have questions about ketamine therapy, call our office to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team can walk you through the process and determine if you qualify for ketamine therapy.