IV Ketamine Therapy

In the past decade, researchers have found that Ketamine infusion therapy is an effective treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and other mental health disorders.

What is Ketamine? 

Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic during surgery for decades. Over the past ten years, Ketamine has emerged as a treatment for depression and other mental health disorders.

How is Ketamine treatment administered?

Ketamine treatment is administered in one of two ways:

• Nasal spray Esketamine (Spravato): As a nasal spray, which the patient inhales through the nose.
• Intravenous (IV) infusion: The ketamine treatment is delivered through the placement of an IV by a healthcare provider. The infusion usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour.

How does IV Ketamine work?

At Keta Medical Center, patients undergo comprehensive medical screening to determine if Ketamine treatment is appropriate and safe. If so, treatment will be administered by our team with both a doctor and a nurse always present.

IV Ketamine delivers medication directly into your bloodstream, where ketamine acts to repair the stress induced damage in your brain’s neural system. Potential side effects from ketamine treatment include temporary mild nausea, dizziness, feelings of dissociation, anxiety or increased blood pressure. These typically resolve shortly after the treatment session. Our medical team monitors patients closely to manage any side effects effectively.

The Keta Medical Team is committed to ensuring that your ketamine treatment experience is safe, comfortable, and stress free.

Am I a good candidate for IV Ketamine?

IV Ketamine treatment may be right for you if you have been diagnosed by a mental health professional as suffering from a major depressive disorder such as Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). IV Ketamine has shown efficacy in treatment of OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder and alcohol addiction.  Patients that are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of uncontrolled hypertension, brain mass or bleed may not be appropriate candidates for ketamine treatment.

Is Ketamine effective for treating depression?

Yes, Ketamine has been shown to effectively treat 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.

How does ketamine treat mood disorders?

While the exact mechanism of action of ketamine in treating depression is not fully understood, it is thought to involve the activation of certain glutamate 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:

• 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.
• Alcohol addiction: Ketamine has been used in the treatment of alcohol addiction, 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.

Is intravenous Ketamine treatment covered by insurance?

Ketamine via intravenous infusion is not covered by insurance.

What should I expect on the day of treatment?

Before the treatment, you will have a pre-treatment evaluation, which will include a physical exam, medical history review, and mental health assessment.  Ketamine treatment is administered by a healthcare team that includes a doctor and a nurse.

During the treatment, the healthcare team monitors your vital signs, such as your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.

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 it may take others longer to see 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. We generally recommend boosters to treat relapses and to prevent relapses.

After your Ketamine session, the team monitors you in the office as you relax. After the observation period, you can have someone drive you home.

How many treatments do I need for ketamine treatment to start working?

The number of treatments needed for Ketamine to start working can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. At Keta Medical Center, we generally recommend a course of 6 IV 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.

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 it may take others longer to see improvment. Additionally, some individuals may experience a relapse of symptoms after the initial course of treatment and may require additional infusions to maintain the improvement. We generallly reccomend boostersto treat relapses and to prevent relapses.

What happens after Ketamine sessions?

After your Ketamine session, the team monitors you in the office as you relax. After the observation period, you can have a loved one drive you home.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for IV ketamine treatment, call Keta Medical Center.