FAQ's

New Jersey Office - Ketamine Clinic located in Oradell. Serving Teaneck, Ridgewood, Paramus, Fairlawn and Westwood in Bergen County; and Spring Valley and New City in Rockland County

How is Ketamine treatment administered?

Ketamine treatment is administered in one of two ways:  

• Nasal spray (Spravato): As a nasal spray, which the patient inhales through the nose. This method is becoming more popular as it is easy to administer and has a rapid onset of action.
• Intravenous (IV) infusion: A healthcare provider injects a solution of ketamine into a vein in the patient's arm. The infusion usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour, and the patient is monitored throughout the process.

Is Ketamine effective for treating depression?

Yes, Ketamine has been shown to be effective in treating depression, particularly in patients who have not responded to other treatments such as antidepressants. Ketamine works by modulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in depression.

Studies have found that Ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, often within hours or days of treatment. This rapid onset of action is a significant advantage over traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or months to have an effect. Ketamine has also been found to have a sustained effect, with some patients experiencing a reduction in symptoms for several weeks or months after treatment.

While the exact mechanism of action of ketamine in treating depression is not fully understood, it is thought to involve the activation of certain receptors in the brain that lead to the release of other chemicals that promote the growth of new neural connections. This process, known as neuroplasticity, may help to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve mood.

Is Ketamine effective for treating conditions other than depression?

Yes, other indications for Ketamine treatment include the following:

• Chronic pain: Ketamine is a powerful analgesic and has been used to treat chronic pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome and neuropathic pain.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Several studies have suggested that ketamine can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, depression, and flashbacks.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Some research has shown that ketamine may be effective in reducing the symptoms of OCD, including intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
• Substance use disorders: Ketamine has been used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence, and there is evidence to suggest that it can reduce drug cravings and improve mood.
• Anxiety disorders: Ketamine has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in some people with anxiety disorders.

How many treatments do I need for it to start working?
The number of treatments needed for Ketamine to start working can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. In general, most studies have used a course of 6 I.V. Ketamine infusions given over the course of 2-3 weeks, with infusions typically given 2-3 times per week. This dosing schedule has been found to be effective for treating depression and other conditions.

However, it is important to note that the response to Ketamine treatment can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience a rapid improvement in symptoms after just one or two treatments, while others may require more treatments before seeing a significant improvement. Additionally, some individuals may experience a relapse of symptoms after the initial course of treatment and may require additional infusions to maintain the improvement.

Is I.V. Ketamine treatment covered by insurance?

Ketamine via I.V. infusion is not covered by insurance.  

Is Spravato (Ketamine Nasal Spray) effective?

Spravato is a nasal spray version of Ketamine that was FDA-approved for the treatment of depression symptoms in 2019 and works much the same as I.V. Ketamine.  Like I.V. Ketamine treatment, Spravato has been shown to improve the symptoms of depression that have been resistant to traditional medical treatments like antidepressants. 
 

Is Spravato (Ketamine Nasal Spray) covered by insurance?

In general, most insurance plans cover Spravato, but there may be restrictions and requirements, such as prior authorization. In addition, Janssen, the manufacturer of Spravato, provides significant copay patient assistance that can cover out of pocket expenses including co-pay, co-insurance and deductible costs

What should I expect on the day of treatment?

• Pre-treatment evaluation: Before the treatment, you will have a pre-treatment evaluation, which may include a physical exam, medical history review, and mental health assessment.
• Administration: The treatment will be administered by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse. Depending on the type of treatment, it may be administered as an intravenous infusion or as a nasal spray. The nasal spray is two inhalations five minutes apart.
• Monitoring: During the treatment, you will be closely monitored by the healthcare team. They will monitor your vital signs, such as your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, and observe you for any potential side effects or adverse reactions.
• Post-treatment observation: After the treatment, you will be required to stay for a period of observation to ensure that any potential side effects have subsided and that you are stable to go home. You cannot drive home and will need to arrange either for someone to drive you or you can call an Uber. 
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How do Spravato (Ketamine Nasal Spray) and I.V. administered Ketamine differ? 

While both Spravato and I.V. Ketamine are effective treatment methods, they differ in delivery, session frequency, and affordability. 

Delivery method

You use Spravato in the Keta Medical Center under the supervision of the trained medical team.  The team directs you on how to safely and effectively inhale the nasal spray. With I.V. Ketamine, you receive the medication in your veins over 40-50 minutes in the office. 

Affordability

Spravato is usually covered by insurance plans, while IV ketamine typically is not. This can make Spravato the more affordable option. 

Session Frequency

With Spravato, you typically have sessions twice a week for the first month and once a week for the second month. After that, you can expect treatments either once a week or once every two weeks.  With I.V. ketamine, you usually have multiple sessions close together (a “loading dose”) over the first couple of weeks. Then, your dose depends on your individual situation. Some people have boosters once a month or every few months.