Ketamine infusions are considered very safe and have been used for decades in various medical settings. In the 1960’s, ketamine was FDA approved as an anesthetic and analgesic. Over the years, ketamine was very popular and was used for many medical procedures. After 20 years, expiration occurred and patent holders usage lessened.

Ketamine remained a generic drug and is widely used in emergency rooms and operating rooms. Recently, in the last decade, this new idea of ketamine, as an antidepressant, emerged. Ketamine in a low or sub-anesthetic dose can be used to treat depression, pain, and mood disorders. Ketamine infusions are growing in popularity because it offers new hope for depression and pain and its success has resulted in clinics opening around the country.

 Ketamine infusions are administered for depression and pain through intravenous therapy (IV). Intravenous administration allows for 100% bioavailability. Ketamine can also be administered alternative ways including intranasally, intramuscularly, orally, or sublingually. The safety and efficacy in these alternative methods have not been proven, unlike in IV form. 

Research suggests a series of 4-6 infusions in a 2 week period. From there, a single infusion booster is given every few weeks or months, depending on symptom return and management.  

Ketamine is useful when properly used and administered by medical professionals. Recent studies have shown that it’s incredibly useful as an antidepressant and chronic pain reliever. Ketamine is not physically addictive but because of the psychedelic effects that some people experience, it has been abused in the club scene. When given by a licensed provider, it is safe and effective with minimal risk of side effects. 

 Yes. All patients should continue taking all current medications. Research has shown that Ketamine is most effective when combined with a traditional antidepressant. Before patients begin treatment, medical professionals at our facility will review your current list of medications and check for any interactions. It is not uncommon that throughout the course of treatment, patients are able to wean off of some of there medications under direction of their physician.

The process of Ketamine infusions is safe and relatively painless. The entire time our patients are in good hands, alongside our experienced and friendly staff. All patients are required to fill out paperwork and forms to qualify before receiving ketamine treatment. Sometimes prior authorization from your doctor or mental healthcare provider is required.  

Patients must participate in an initial consultation with one of our clinicians. This initial consultation will take place prior to the patients first infusion. During this consultation, one of our clinicians will review the patients current medications and symptoms, discuss the treatment and potential side effects and address all of the patients concerns and questions. Afterwards, the patient will schedule their first ketamine infusion.

Ketamine infusions for depression typically last around 45 minutes. Ketamine infusions for chronic pain can last up to 4-hours, depending on the severity. After every infusion, patients are monitored for an additional 30 minutes before leaving the clinic. Patients must not operate heavy machinery or a vehicle for 24-hours. All patients must arrange transportation or a ride home after each infusion.

During all ketamine infusion appointments, our staff closely monitors our patient’s heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels. Most of the time, the experience is pleasant and patients pass time by listening to music. Some may experience nausea during infusions and we treat with anti-nausea medication. A small amount of patients also have reported experiencing non-threatening hallucinations while receiving their infusion due to the increase in epinephrine and cortisol. 

Ketamine is FDA approved as an anesthetic but given to treat mood disorders is still considered off-label usage. Most clinics don’t bill insurance but I have created a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement for your treatment. For now, several insurance companies are reimbursing and it is our hope that others will follow.  Most health savings accounts or flex spending accounts will also qualify.

No. Research studies have proved Ketamine to not be a physically addictive drug. Ketamine infusions are not addictive when administered in a safe, controlled environment like our clinic. The only way to receive a ketamine infusion is through a scheduled infusion appointment in our clinic. Patients are also prohibited to take ketamine home or out of our clinics.