Is Ketamine Approved by the FDA?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved drug, but Ketamine IV Infusion Therapy is considered an off-label treatment for mental health. However, many studies have shown that ketamine can be highly effective in treatment-resistant depression.
Are Ketamine Infusions Safe?
Therapeutic Ketamine Infusions, when administered by medical professionals in a clinical setting, are generally regarded as safe. Potential participants undergo thorough screening to determine their suitability for the treatment. Throughout the process, individuals are closely monitored for any indications of discomfort or elevated heart rate.
How Likely is it that Ketamine Will Help my Depression?
Approximately 70-80% of patients have reported a positive response to ketamine infusions.
How Soon Until I Feel Better?
A small percentage of patients say they start feeling better within days, but most patients report feeling better after anywhere between 3-6 treatments.
Do I Have to Stop Taking My Other Depression Medication?
In most cases, the answer is no. SSRIs and other antidepressant medications do not interfere with ketamine. We will make sure to properly screen you and your medications before administering your ketamine infusion.
What Happens During the Infusion?
Patients will usually receive infusion therapy in a private room with constant mechanical monitoring of heart rate, pulse, blood oxygen saturation percentages, and blood pressure. Infusion therapy means an IV will be placed and an appropriate dose of ketamine will be administered over a 40-minute time frame.
Is the Treatment Painful?
The treatment is essentially pain-free. Other than a quick pinch when the IV is inserted, you will feel no pain. Most patients speak of enjoying their experience of the IV infusions.
May I Drive Home After Treatment?
No. You must have someone else drive you, call an Uber, or take public transportation home after an infusion appointment.
How Long is the Appointment?
Appointments usually last 60 minutes, with the actual infusion taking place over 40 minutes.
Do I Need a Referral?
Yes, we require a referral from either a therapist or psychiatrist. If you don’t have either, we are happy to put you in touch with a few providers located in the area.
How Many Infusions Will I Need?
The American Psychiatric Association suggests an initial series of four ketamine infusions within two weeks as a foundational course of treatment. After that, we will work with you to determine how frequently you will need booster shots to maintain the effects of the ketamine.
How Frequently Will I Need Booster or Maintenance Infusions?
This depends heavily on how frequently you see your depressive symptoms return. The range varies between every few weeks to once every six months or so.