What does it treat?

 

IV Ketamine Therapy is primarily used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD), severe anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. It is also being studied for its potential benefits in PTSD, suicidal ideation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and alcohol use disorder. Research suggests that ketamine can provide fast-acting symptom relief for OCD and reduce alcohol cravings, improve rates of abstinence, and prolong the time to relapse, although the relief may be relatively short-term, requiring ongoing maintenance sessions and psychotherapy to prolong the benefits.

 

How it works

 

Ketamine works by binding to NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a role in mood regulation and synaptic plasticity. This action helps to enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new neural connections and potentially alleviating depressive symptoms. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine can provide rapid relief within hours to days.

 

What to Expect

 

During the infusion, patients may experience a dissociative state, feeling detached from their surroundings. This is usually temporary and subsides within hours. Post-infusion, patients might feel tired, dizzy, or emotionally vulnerable. It's important to have a support system in place, such as an integration coach or therapist, to help process these experiences. A loading dose of 6 treatments over 2 weeks is typically completed, followed by an individualized treatment regimen determined collaboratively by the patient and the provider team.

 

Who is it recommended for?

 

IV Ketamine Therapy is recommended for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety disorders, and chronic pain that have not responded to traditional treatments. It is also considered for those experiencing acute suicidal ideation, OCD, and alcohol use disorder.

 

Recommended Conjoint Behavioral Therapy/Counseling

 

To maximize the benefits of IV Ketamine Therapy, conjoint behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and psychotherapy are recommended. These therapies can help patients develop healthier thought patterns and coping mechanisms, reinforcing the positive effects of ketamine.

 

Contraindications

 

IV Ketamine Therapy is not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, or a history of substance abuse. It should be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional to ensure safety. History of substance abuse does not eliminate the option of treatment; it just requires a different level of consideration and care.