IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy
IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy
IV Ketamine Infusions are used to treat conditions that include chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and others. To get started with Ketamine Infusion Therapy, we first schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Ashford to discuss whether an IV ketamine infusion is right for you. At that visit, we discuss any questions you may have about the treatment. Together with you, we will decide if it’s a good fit to proceed with treatment, and we will schedule any follow-up visits at that time.
The IV Infusion Experience
- Each IV Ketamine Infusion will last about one hour. The infusion will be administered by our highly experienced anesthesia team who will monitor your vital signs throughout the infusion. Plan to spend about 90-120 minutes at our office which includes your intake, infusion, and recovery time.
- We strive to make our infusion rooms as comfortable as possible. The lights will be dimmed and relaxing music will be played. You are welcome to bring your own music if you desire to do so.
- The infusion experience is perceived differently by each patient and your experience may differ from infusion to infusion. Most patients have a positive and pleasant experience. Some patients have perceptual disturbances, which can include time appearing to speed up or slow down, colors, textures, and noises that seem especially stimulating; blurry vision. Generally, any changes in perception or dissociation are most noticeable during the first infusion and end very quickly afterward.
- You will not be able to drive for the rest of the day after your treatment. You are required to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
FAQ
What can you treat with Ketamine Therapy?
- Chronic Pain
- Other Conditions that cause Pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Other Conditions
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine was approved by the FDA as an anesthetic in the 1970s. It has since been widely used for anesthesia for surgeries. It is now recognized as an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Ketamine is delivered at subanesthetic doses. Ketamine is extremely safe and does not cause respiratory suppression allowing it to be administered without needing airway support.
Ketamine is a NMDA and glutamate receptor antagonist. The NMDA receptor has a role in the etiology of depression and pain.
How does Ketamine work?
Ketamine is a NMDA and glutamate receptor antagonist. The NMDA receptor has a role in the etiology of depression and pain. Ketamine works rapidly in controlling symptoms of depression and acute suicidal ideation. Ketamine may increase glutamate levels and lead to synaptogenesis and elevated levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. This may allow the brain to become more adaptable and able to create new pathways giving the patient the opportunity to develop more positive thoughts and behaviors. Ketamine’s effects on chronic pain and depression outlast the actual drug levels in the body and may be mediated by a secondary increase in structural synaptic connectivity that is mediated by a neuronal response to the ketamine-induced hyper glutamatergic state. Ketamine may interact with the sigma receptors. It tends to work by decreasing central sensitization, wind-up phenomenon (development of ongoing, worsening, or chronic pain), and pain memory.
How soon will I see results?
Most patients see immediate results after the infusion which include improvements in their depression, anxiety, and/or chronic pain.
Patients who experience relief from their initial infusion are likely to extend these positive effects if the treatment is repeated several times. Dr. Ashford and his team will help formulate the best treatment plan for each patient depending on the severity of their symptoms and other factors. The patient and Dr. Ashford will decide whether to continue treatment at longer intervals for maintenance.
What are the side effects?
V Ketamine may cause:
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Perceptual disturbances (time appearing to speed up or slow down; colors, textures, and noises that seem especially stimulating; blurry vision)
- Dissociation (sometimes called out-of-body experiences); rarely, a person may feel as if they are looking down on their body, for example.
Generally, any changes in perception or dissociation are most noticeable during the first infusion and end very quickly afterward.
Can I drive myself home after a treatment?
No.
You will need to have arranged for someone to take you home after a Ketamine Therapy Treatment.
