IV Ketamine Therapy

IV Ketamine Therapy is an innovative treatment option for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, burnout, grief, and suicidal ideations. This specialized infusion is administered in a controlled, clinical setting under expert supervision, ensuring the highest levels of safety and care. Ketamine has shown remarkable efficacy in providing rapid relief, with a swift onset of effects that many patients find beneficial in managing their mental health symptoms.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication with a long history of safe use as an anesthetic in hospitals and emergency rooms. In recent years, it has gained significant attention for its powerful effects on mental health, especially for individuals who have not responded well to traditional antidepressants. Unlike most antidepressants, which take weeks to show effects, ketamine can begin providing relief from symptoms within hours or days. It works by targeting the glutamate system in the brain, which plays a major role in mood regulation, emotional processing, and neuroplasticity. This unique mechanism helps "reset" the brain pathways associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma, offering rapid and lasting symptom relief.

For mental health treatment, ketamine is given at much lower doses than those used for anesthesia. It can be administered in various forms, including intravenous (IV) infusions, intramuscular (IM) injections, or nasal spray. Each treatment is performed in a safe, calm clinical setting where trained providers closely monitor the patient before, during, and after the session. Ketamine has proven to be highly effective for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant conditions like severe depression, PTSD, OCD, suicidal thoughts, burnout, and grief. Many patients report feeling emotionally lighter, more hopeful, and more balanced after just a few sessions, creating an opening for therapy and other healing practices to be more effective.

How is Spravato® (Esketamine) Different from Ketamine?

While Spravato® and ketamine are related, they are distinct treatments. Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, which is a part of the ketamine molecule, specifically the "S-enantiomer." FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depression with suicidal thoughts, Spravato is administered as a nasal spray in a certified clinic under medical supervision. It offers a quick-acting solution for patients who have not responded to other treatments, but it comes with some risks, including dizziness and dissociation, which is why post-treatment monitoring is required. In contrast, ketamine is used off-label for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain, typically delivered via IV infusion or IM injection. While ketamine offers more flexibility in dosing, it is not FDA-approved for depression and is often not covered by insurance, meaning patients may have to pay out-of-pocket. Both treatments work rapidly, often providing relief within hours, and have been life-changing for many people. Your provider will assist in determining which option best fits your individual needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Ketamine vs. Typical Antidepressants

Ketamine differs from typical antidepressants in its speed and mechanism of action. While traditional antidepressants can take 6-8 weeks to show results, ketamine often provides symptom relief within 2-4 weeks. Ketamine works by increasing the production of glutamate and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which enhances neuroplasticity and promotes the growth of new neurons in the brain. This helps "reboot" brain pathways that may be stuck in patterns of depression, anxiety, or trauma. In comparison, typical antidepressants increase the production of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, but may come with long-term side effects such as insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and irritability. Ketamine's ability to act quickly, coupled with its minimal side effects, makes it an appealing alternative for patients who have struggled with traditional medications.

Treatment Prognosis

Around 70% of patients respond positively to ketamine treatment, with many experiencing significant reductions in depressive symptoms. The response can vary, with some patients achieving complete remission of their symptoms (robust responders), while others experience moderate improvement (partial responders). For robust responders, ketamine treatment can offer a dramatic improvement, allowing them to regain functionality and a better quality of life. Partial responders may see a 50% reduction in symptoms, leading to improvements in their daily activities, such as socializing and returning to work. Non-responders, who do not see a significant improvement, are still encouraged to complete the full treatment course, as ketamine often provides incremental benefits over time. Those who integrate lifestyle changes and participate in ketamine integration sessions are more likely to experience better results, maximizing the benefits of the treatment.

Possible Temporary and Minor Side Effects

While ketamine therapy is generally well-tolerated, some temporary and minor side effects can occur. These include nausea (which can be managed with medication before treatment), a feeling of needing to urinate (which can be alleviated by using the restroom prior to treatment), and a temporary increase in blood pressure or heart rate (which is monitored and managed by the clinic). Other common side effects include headaches, dizziness, dissociation (a sensation of being disconnected from the body or environment), and tiredness, especially after the treatment session. These effects typically resolve within a few hours and are generally mild. However, it's important to follow the clinic's pre- and post-treatment instructions to minimize these effects and ensure a safe and effective experience.

Possible Major Side Effects

Although rare, there are some major side effects that can occur with ketamine treatment. These include interstitial cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), primarily in patients who have abused ketamine recreationally, and seizures in individuals with a history of epilepsy. Cardiac issues, including stroke or heart attack, are also possible for those with uncontrolled hypertension or other cardiovascular problems. Patients with a history of aneurysms, hemorrhagic stroke, or psychosis should not receive ketamine treatment. To ensure patient safety, a thorough screening process is conducted before beginning treatment, and continuous monitoring takes place throughout the treatment process.

Ketamine Contraindications

Ketamine treatment is not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include severe, uncontrollable hypertension, a history of cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), aneurysms, or hemorrhagic stroke. Additionally, individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy, interstitial cystitis, psychosis, or active drug abuse should avoid ketamine treatment. Pregnant women and those who are manic should also refrain from ketamine therapy. A complete contraindication questionnaire is administered to ensure the treatment is safe, and patients undergo a medical clearance process to confirm suitability for treatment.

Ketamine Treatment Flow

The ketamine treatment process begins with a contraindication questionnaire followed by a complimentary 30-minute consultation to assess the patient's suitability for treatment. After medical clearance, a preparation session is held to educate the patient about the treatment process. The patient then begins ketamine therapy, typically delivered through an IV or IM injection. Following each treatment, integration sessions with an integration coach and follow-up appointments with the provider help patients process the experience and maximize the benefits. This comprehensive approach ensures that the patient receives the full therapeutic benefit from the treatment while maintaining safety and comfort throughout the process.

This therapy offers a transformative alternative for individuals who have not found relief with traditional medications. It provides an effective option for those who have tried conventional treatments without success. Whether you’re dealing with depression, PTSD, or anxiety, IV Ketamine Therapy could be the breakthrough treatment you’ve been seeking to restore balance and hope in your life.