Ketamine Infusions

Ketamine is a glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist that has been a US Food and Drug (FDA) approved sedative anesthetic since the 1970s. More recently, emerging scientific research has shown that sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine by infusion can produce profound and sustained improvement in both psychiatric and pain-related conditions.

Conditions treated by Ketamine Infusion

• Neuropathic pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Cancer Pain)
• Non-Neuropathic pain (Low Back and Neck Pain, Headache)
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Persistent Daily Headaches & Treatment Resistant Migraine
• Depression
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder (Manic with Refractory Depression)

Ketamine Infusion to treat pain  

Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and 4 of the top 10 causes include low-back pain, neck pain, migraine, and musculoskeletal disorders. In the United States, the impact of chronic pain is even more pronounced, where 3 of the top 4 causes constitute chronic pain conditions (low-back and neck pain and musculoskeletal disorders). 

Regarding using ketamine to treat chronic pain, a recent review found strong evidence for IV ketamine to treat neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Evidence also shows the benefits of ketamine infusions for non-neuropathic pain conditions such as refractory headaches and back pain.

Ketamine Infusion to treat Psychiatric Disorders

Depression is a common and severe psychiatric mental condition that negatively affects the way a person feels, thinks, and functions. Depression can cause sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities. it also decreases a person’s ability to function professionally and personally. Treatment of this condition generally includes the use of antidepressant medications; however current options fail to benefit 30% of patients. In the past several years, there have been more and more studies showing the safety and effectiveness of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). 

Thomas Insel, MD, the former director of the National Institute of Mental Health stated that “Ketamine might be the most crucial breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades.”

NOTE:
It should be noted that ketamine’s use for treating depression or other psychiatric conditions is off-label and has not been approved by the FDA.

Risks associated with Ketamine Infusion treatments

If you have a history of a recent heart attack, uncontrolled hypertension, stroke, psychosis (hallucinations, delusions), seizures, increased intracranial pressure, or bladder inflammation (cystitis), you might not be a candidate for ketamine treatment or require clearance from your physician.

What to expect during Ketamine Infusion treatment?

Your first appointment will begin with a comprehensive evaluation focusing on either chronic pain or your psychiatric history. We will review your medical and psychiatric history, discuss trialed and current medications, and review previous and current physical and behavioral therapies. We will use this information to formalize a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Our clinic provides each patient with a quiet, safe, and private environment for their treatment. For each treatment, a small IV is placed in either the hand or arm for the medication to infuse. Over the 40-180 minutes of average infusion time, patients can begin to experience the initial effects of ketamine, including; feelings of relaxation, warmth, empathy, euphoria, and being in a dream-like state. 

The majority of the subjective effects of the medication last 40-60 minutes, though the beneficial effects persist from 1 week to several months. Since the greatest and longest-lasting benefit of ketamine, especially as it pertains to depression, comes with six treatments over a 2–3-week period, we recommend patients commit to at least two but preferably six administrations and then plan to return for periodic booster sessions every few weeks or months to prevent symptoms from returning. Driving after a treatment is not allowed until the next day since ketamine temporarily impairs coordination and balance. After your treatments, please get a ride home from family, a friend, or a ride-sharing company.

Side Effects from Ketamine Infusion treatment

The main side effects within 24 hours of ketamine treatment include feelings of calm, mild balance or coordination issues (hence the recommendation not to drive until the next day), and loosened inhibitions. Patients can also experience nausea, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and increased anxiety during the infusion, which can be adequately addressed with appropriate medication management. Side effects lasting longer than 24 hours after treatment are very uncommon. Still, bladder inflammation (cystitis) has been reported with long-term use of ketamine (more common in those using ketamine recreationally at high doses than patients receiving it for legitimate medical reasons).  

Stop suffering! Get lasting pain relief TODAY!

Being diagnosed with any pain disorder is life-altering. Seeking our professional help to overcome these health issues is the best first step. We’ll work with you and your other healthcare providers to ensure a proper diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan for you.

Book an appointment and begin reclaiming your life with less pain.