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What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been used on both humans and animals for over 52 years and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States in 1970. Because ketamine does not slow patients’ breathing or circulatory systems, it rapidly gained popularity among the medical community as both a surgical anesthetic and pain killer.
It has only been in the last 15 years or so that ketamine was found to offer impressive results in treating severe chronic depression. Ketamine is classified as a Class III drug and should only be administered under a doctor’s care following strict dosing guidelines. Experts believe that ketamine may be the biggest breakthrough in decades in the treatment of severe depression and mood disorders.
Side Effects Are Limited With Ketamine
When used in controlled doses under a doctor’s supervision, side effects from ketamine are rare, affecting less than 2% of patients.
Some patients report drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, and the sensation of having an “out-of-body” experience, but these symptoms typically subside within the first hour of receiving treatment.
Over 15 years of research into the use of ketamine to treat severe depression have shown no long-term side effects.
Grogginess after treatment is extremely common, which is why patients are required to have a driver present to transport them home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering ketamine treatment to help with an existing condition?
Below are some of the most common questions asked by many who are just now discovering the promising abilities of ketamine for mood disorders and chronic pain treatment.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been used on both humans and animals for over 52 years and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States in 1970. In the last 15 years or so ketamine was found to offer impressive results in treating severe chronic depression through intravenous infusion therapy.
Are there any side effects with ketamine?
When used in controlled doses under a doctor’s supervision, side effects from ketamine are rare, affecting less than 2% of patients. Some patients report drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, and the sensation of having an “out-of-body” experience, but these symptoms typically subside within the first hour of receiving treatment. Over 15 years of research into the use of ketamine to treat severe depression have shown no long-term side effects.
Am I allowed to drive the day of the infusion?
While you are allowed to drive yourself to your appointment, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Grogginess after treatment is extremely common, which is why patients are required to have a driver present to transport them home.
Are there certain conditions that are contraindications for ketamine treatment?
Yes. All patients are required to undergo a medical screening and urinalysis to see if they are candidates for ketamine therapy. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, and a history of psychosis do not qualify for treatment. Patients who exhibit signs of current or recent (within the past year) substance abuse are also prohibited from undergoing treatment.
Will I require a booster infusion?
The duration of symptom relief varies from patient to patient. Most patients experience symptom relief for 1-2 months following the initial cycle of infusions, with some patients experiencing relief for up to 6 months. Single booster infusions are scheduled when needed to maintain symptom relief.
Is ketamine therapy guaranteed to work?
Unfortunately, ketamine therapy does not work for all patients. Research has shown an over 70% success rate in clinical trials. We can typically tell if ketamine infusions are working for patients after only three to four treatments.
Will I require a booster infusion?
The duration of symptom relief varies from patient to patient. Most patients experience symptom relief for 1-2 months following the initial cycle of infusions, with some patients experiencing relief for up to 6 months. Single booster infusions are scheduled when needed to maintain symptom relief.
Do I continue my current treatments for depression when undergoing ketamine therapy?
Yes. You should let your healthcare provider know you are doing ketamine therapy while continuing your current regimen. We will gladly talk to your healthcare provider about your ketamine treatment if you wish us to do so.
Is ketamine addictive?
Studies have shown that ketamine, when administered at low and controlled doses under a doctor’s care, is not addictive.
Do I need to be referred by a psychiatrist?
No, you do not. While we do prefer a referral from a psychiatrist or primary care physician, it is not required as long as you have a clinical diagnosis and meet the criteria for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
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Break Free from Depression with Ketamine Infusions
Ketamine is, without doubt, one of the most effective ways of managing treatment-resistant mental health disorders. Visit us today at New Life Wellness clinic in Dayton, OH, and let us help you regain your mental well-being and bring joy back into your life.
Our clinic offers high-quality and innovative ketamine based treatments to help manage mood disorders and chronic pain conditions. Our services are available to all people living within the city of Dayton and surrounding areas.
If you or someone you may know is struggling with long term depression, and other treatment methods and medications have failed to help, then you may want to consider ketamine infusion therapy as a viable option in your quest to live a happier and healthier life and spending time with those you love the most.