Ketamine Infusion Therapy is a game changer in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Pain and Addictions. Studies show between 80-85% of patients with mood disorders experience relief of symptoms from ketamine infusions. These statistics can be upwards of 95% when PTSD is also involved. Ketamine in the past has been reserved as a last line of defense but recently due to its success has become more renowned for a quick way to get symptoms under control early and help decrease antidepressant dosing and other pharmacological measures.

Ketamine falls under the drug classification of general anesthetic. Its molecules bind mainly to NMDA receptors within the central nervous system to block the action of this receptor. NMDA receptors are located mostly at excitatory synapses to promote increased neurotransmission. The blocking of NMDA receptors slows the excitatory transmissions and leads to a dissociative effect. As these pathways rest, protein production increases and a repair of neurons results in an antidepressant effect. Furthermore, as ketamine slows the transmission of these excitatory pathway’s relief from the symptoms of chronic addictions associated with smoking, alcohol abuse and use of hard drugs has also been profound. Ketamine has also been shown to bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to help alleviate pain. Ketamine is NOT a narcotic and because of its opioid attraction, it has shown significant ability in helping to relieve symptoms of acute and chronic pain while helping to taper down doses of narcotics even to the point of becoming opioid free.

⦁ Reduced symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD

⦁ Ketamine has very few side effects and its use can reduce the side effects of common antidepressants.

⦁ Ketamine promotes a sense of well-being and being centered. This reduces cravings of addiction and habitual use of harmful substances.

Ketamine Therapy is best completed as an intravenous infusion. It has been established that the effects of ketamine are related more to the duration of an infusion rather than the dose. Each course is custom tailored to the patient and their specific symptom etiology. The most common treatment consists of 6 infusions dispersed over 2 weeks. These infusions last typically 45 minutes during which time the patient will feel a disconnected sense of reality. These are expected side effects and we recommend the presence of a loved one during your infusion sessions. Our infusions are completed under direct supervision of a licensed anesthesia provider with full medical monitoring of blood pressure, oxygen saturation and heart rhythm interpretation. Ketamine duration of action is only about 15 minutes which allows most patients to be feeling their normal self again within a short time after the infusion has completed. Dosing considerations can be made and adjusted during each infusion. Each infusion regimen is patient specific and will be determined during the initial consultation.