Ketamine

We provide ketamine infusions with medical supervision for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), Treatment-Resistant Anxiety (TRA), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and intractable pain that does not respond to traditional treatments (Treatment-Resistant Pain Syndromes, Treatment-Resistant Chronic Pain).

Ketamine is an anesthetic medication originally synthesized in the 1960s. Since the 1970s, it has been FDA-approved for use as anesthesia. It is on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) official list of “Essential Medicines.”

There is robust evidence that ketamine has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties when used in sub-anesthetic doses. It is important to note that the FDA has not approved the use of ketamine for these purposes.

In a controlled, safe, and medically supervised environment, ketamine infusions can be beneficial for many people who do not respond to traditional treatments for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

After a thorough and comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatry specialist, it is determined whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for ketamine infusion treatment. Not all patients are ideal for this type of treatment. Once it is determined that the person would benefit from the treatment, a day will be scheduled to begin the infusions. The appropriate dose of ketamine will be calculated based on the patient’s weight and will be administered intravenously over approximately 40-60 minutes. During this time, the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation will be monitored. The sedative effect of the infusion is brief, so the patient will be able to leave the treatment walking and alert. However, it is recommended that the patient comes to the infusion appointment accompanied and does not drive a car until the next day. Most people begin to notice positive results from the first infusion, but to maintain a sustained effect, the patient may require between 4-6 infusions.