Are you experiencing treatment-resistant depression or anxiety? Ketamine infusion treatments are a cutting-edge approach to treating depression and anxiety disorders that do not respond to pharmaceutical interventions.
According to several studies conducted by Yale University and the National Institute of Mental Health, ketamine IV infusions have provided dramatic results in treating both anxiety and depression more effectively than medications, with little to no side effects.
In addition to treating anxiety and depression, Ketamine therapy has also shown to be effective in treating a variety of chronic pain conditions.
If you think Ketamine therapy could be a solution to your anxiety, depression or chronic pain, contact our office and we will schedule a consultation and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Ketamine treatment typically starts with a series of six 40-minute infusions spaced over 2-3 weeks. Most patients experience significant relief during the series and many remain symptom free for extended periods of time following the initial treatment protocol.
Ketamine therapy provides evidence-based results for the following:
Ketamine is used to treat depression, suicidal thoughts, posttraumatic stress disorder, other mood disorders, and nerve-related pain. Ketamine Therapy is usually a series of slow intravenous infusions of small doses of the drug ketamine, or intramuscular injections. About 70% of those receiving a Ketamine treatment experience symptom relief with the following 24 hours. Ketamine quickly metabolizes and is clear of the body within 24 hours of administration, but the symptom relief can last for days, weeks, or even months. Ketamine is not a permanent fix, however. For continued relief, booster treatments are needed. The length of time between these booster treatments varies depending on individual responses.
Ketamine therapy patients generally report experiencing what is described as an out-of-body response during or shortly after the administration of the drug. Ketamine wears off within 30-60 minutes. Other side effects may include changes in heart rate or blood pressure, small involuntary body movements, confusion, or nausea. Side effects usually subside before being released from the office after a Ketamine treatment.
The low doses of Ketamine used in therapy, especially administered in a medical, supervised setting, eliminate virtually all potential for addiction or abuse. Because, for a few minutes during a ketamine treatment, blood pressure and heart rate may increase, uncontrolled blood pressure, unstable heart disease, untreated thyroid disease, active substance abuse, active psychosis, or currently experiencing the manic phase of bipolar disease could make Ketamine treatments dangerous or ineffective. Patients undergoing Ketamine treatments are monitored closely to ensure safety for all involved. Very few medications interfere with Ketamine, but being upfront about all medications you are taking is important before starting Ketamine treatments.
Typical antidepressant medications take weeks or months to work, therefore, to know whether a course of Ketamine treatment is going to be effective may take long periods of time. And there are many options available, and most have undesirable side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and emotional blunting. Although not everyone responds to ketamine therapy, if it isn’t going to be effective for you, you will know almost immediately – with no lingering side effects either.
No, and it is unlikely that it will ever be. Because Ketamine is not FDA approved for treating depression, therefore, it is considered an off-label use and not covered by insurance.
If you are interested in Ketamine Therapy for you or a loved one, please contact our Philadelphia office. We would be happy to help you determine whether Ketamine Therapy is right for you.
