Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Infusion Clinic Plano McKinney Allen Frisco Dallas Tx.
What is Ketamine Infusion under Anesthesia
Ketamine is a medication that has been used for over fifty years as an anesthetic. More recently, it has been found to have rapid-acting antidepressant effects and can also be effective in treating other psychiatric conditions like PTSD and certain forms of chronic pain.
When administered at lower doses, ketamine can have a profound impact on mood and anxiety, often within hours to days of the first infusion. The mechanism by which it works is not completely understood but is believed to involve a surge in the growth of connections between nerve cells in areas of the brain responsible for mood and emotion.
Ketamine infusion under anesthesia typically involves the intravenous administration of ketamine in a controlled, clinical setting, under the close supervision of a healthcare provider. The patient is typically sedated (hence ‘under anesthesia’) but not to the extent of general anesthesia where they are completely unconscious. The level of sedation used should allow the patient to remain comfortable throughout the infusion.
There’s a range of protocols for ketamine treatment, and the dose, frequency, and number of treatments can vary greatly between individuals and clinics. Some people may respond to a single infusion while others might need a series of infusions for the most beneficial effect.
As with any medical treatment, ketamine infusions do carry some risks, including potential side effects such as nausea, increased blood pressure, and disorientation or hallucinations during the infusion. In rare cases, prolonged use can lead to cognitive issues or bladder problems. Therefore, it’s important that this treatment is only carried out under the guidance of a healthcare provider who can monitor the patient’s response and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
What is Ketamine Infusion under Anesthesia
Ketamine infusions under anesthesia have shown promising results in treating several psychiatric and pain disorders. The potential benefits of this treatment include:
Rapid Symptom Relief
Ketamine has been found to provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety, often within hours to a couple of days after the initial infusion. This makes it a potentially lifesaving treatment option for individuals in crisis or with severe, treatment-resistant depression.
Effectiveness in Treatment-Resistant Cases
Ketamine infusions can be beneficial for individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressants or therapies. The treatment has shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain chronic pain disorders.
Temporary Improvement of Suicidal Thoughts
Some studies have shown that ketamine can provide rapid reduction in suicidal thoughts. However, it’s important to note that this is a temporary effect and must be part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan.
Potential for Long-Term Improvement with Continued Treatment
Although the effect of each ketamine infusion tends to be temporary (lasting from days to a couple of weeks), repeated treatments can potentially lead to longer-lasting improvements.
Anesthesia Minimizes Discomfort
Given under anesthesia or mild sedation, ketamine infusion therapy can be conducted with minimal discomfort to the patient. Patients are typically awake but in a relaxed state, minimizing potential anxiety or distress associated with the infusion.
As promising as these benefits are, it’s important to keep in mind that ketamine infusion therapy is not a first-line treatment and is typically used when other treatment options have not been effective. Like any medical procedure, it also has risks and potential side effects, so it’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider to understand if it’s the right treatment option for you.
Ketamine Therapy FAQ's
Yes, ketamine therapy is generally safe when provided by trained professionals in a controlled medical setting. It has been used for decades as an anesthetic and is carefully monitored during treatment.
Yes, ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. A specific nasal spray version, Spravato (esketamine), is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. However, using IV ketamine for mood disorders is considered “off-label,” which is still legal and widely practiced.
Ketamine can help treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and bipolar disorder. It’s also used for treatment-resistant conditions that don’t respond well to other therapies.
Ketamine has a high success rate, but results can vary. Your response depends on your condition and personal biology. Most people see improvement after a few treatments.
Yes, ketamine infusions can help with chronic pain, especially for conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, or CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). It works by resetting pain pathways in your brain.
Yes, ketamine has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder by helping regulate brain activity and restoring balance to brain chemicals.
Some people feel relief within hours of their first treatment, while others need a few sessions to notice improvement. It varies for each person.
Most people start with a series of 6 infusions over 2-3 weeks. Maintenance infusions may be needed later, depending on how you respond.
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, or mild confusion during the treatment. These effects usually go away shortly after the infusion ends.
Not usually. You should discuss all medications with your doctor to ensure there are no interactions, but most people can continue their current treatments.
Yes, it’s recommended to have someone drive you home after your treatment because ketamine can temporarily affect your coordination and focus.
Ketamine therapy typically costs between $400 to $800 per infusion, depending on the clinic. Spravato might be covered by insurance, but IV ketamine is usually out-of-pocket.
Some clinics offer payment plans or financial assistance programs. You can also check with your insurance or research programs that help cover mental health care costs.
A typical ketamine infusion session lasts about 1-2 hours, including prep and recovery time.
Ketamine works differently than traditional treatments. It targets glutamate, a brain chemical involved in mood and pain regulation, helping to repair damaged neural connections.
Ketamine can be addictive when abused recreationally. However, in a medical setting, the doses are controlled, and the risk of addiction is very low.
Ketamine is not commonly tested for in standard workplace drug tests. However, you can disclose your treatment to your employer if you’re concerned.
IV ketamine is administered through a vein and is often used off-label. Spravato is a nasal spray approved by the FDA specifically for treatment-resistant depression.
It’s recommended not to eat for at least 4-6 hours before your infusion to prevent nausea during the treatment.
No, you shouldn’t drive after a ketamine infusion. You’ll need someone to drive you home.
It’s best to take the rest of the day off after your treatment to rest and allow the effects to settle.
