Is it effective?

Ketamine is remarkably effective. Clinical trials have shown relief of symptoms in 70% of patients after just one infusion. Furthermore, these trials indicate 85-90% relief of symptoms in patients undergoing our recommended three-week follow-up infusion regimen. Some patients will require maintenance or “booster” infusions every one to six months afterward, depending on their unique symptoms and physiology. Ketamine does not cause side effects that oral antidepressants often cause (weight gain or sexual dysfunction).

What can I expect during the ketamine infusion?

Comfort and safety are our key concerns. Each patient will have a private room where a family member or friend is welcome to stay throughout a session. Each infusion lasts about 40 minutes. Some patients may feel drowsy or intoxicated during treatment, while others may feel a floating sensation. Euphoria, talkativeness, blurry vision, colors, changes in body, and tingling sensations around lips and fingers have also been noted to occur. These sensations can rapidly resolve or take up to 72 hours to clear. Some patients do choose to nap during treatment. You are conscious during the session and will be able to verbalize if needed.

Why won’t my insurance cover this? And why isn’t this FDA approved?

Ketamine has been used since the 1950s. It has been generic for a very long time, approved for use as an anesthetic. Because it has become generic and readily available to the medical community, there is no drug company willing to fund trials to get a new FDA approval specifically for treatment of depression. Insurance companies generally do not cover therapies that are not FDA-approved. Nonetheless, there have been many studies of ketamine as a treatment for depression, and the research shows that it is unique, effective, fast-acting, and above all, safe.

Will I get addicted or “hooked” on ketamine?

In medically supervised usage, no. Unlike typical drugs of abuse, ketamine does not trigger the dopamine reward circuitry of the brain that is associated with addiction. However, psychological and physical dependence and addiction have been reported in unsupervised, high-dosage, long-term recreational use of ketamine. We do not prescribe ketamine for home usage, and our infusions consist of infrequent, brief, low-dose administration of ketamine. This type of usage has not been associated with increased desire for ketamine, need for increasing doses, or problems with addiction or dependence.

Are there any side effects of IV ketamine therapy?

Side effects are generally mild and can include dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, and dissociation. These typically resolve shortly after the session.

How quickly will I notice results?

Some people experience relief within hours to days after the first session, while others may need multiple sessions to notice significant improvement.

Can I drive after a ketamine infusion?

It is mandatory to have someone drive you home after the infusion, as ketamine can impair motor skills and cognitive function temporarily.

What should I do to prepare for my ketamine infusion?

Eat a light meal up to 4 hours before your session and no drinking 1 hour before the session. Avoid alcohol, benzodiazepines, nicotine, stimulants, or recreational drugs at the very least the day of the session, preferably for 3-4 days before the session. You may also be advised to adjust certain medications.

What should I bring for the session?

Pillows, blankets, eye masks, and playlist will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own comfort items listed above or anything else that will make you feel at home. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Dress in layers in case you get hot or cold and bring socks.

What are the age limits for Ketamine treatment?

Ages 18 and older