• What is ketamine? •
Ketamine was developed in 1962 and was approved by the FDA in 1970 as a valuable anesthetic agent. It is one of the safest and most commonly used drugs in operating rooms, emergency rooms, and remote locations. In the late 1990's the National Institute of Mental Health began to assess the potential of low dose ketamine to alter and eliminate depression and chronic pain. Ketamine exerts its analgesic, anesthetic and antidepressant effects in many ways. It is known to stimulate neuronal (nerve cell) growth, promote the formation of new synapses or neuronal connections, and increase neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons in the brain to recognize and compensate for injury and disease and to adjust the nerve cell activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment. A series of intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions is the most effective delivery system for the rapid reversal of depressive symptoms.
Ketamine was developed in 1962 and was approved by the FDA in 1970 as a valuable anesthetic agent. It is one of the safest and most commonly used drugs in operating rooms, emergency rooms, and remote locations. In the late 1990's the National Institute of Mental Health began to assess the potential of low dose ketamine to alter and eliminate depression and chronic pain. Ketamine exerts its analgesic, anesthetic and antidepressant effects in many ways. It is known to stimulate neuronal (nerve cell) growth, promote the formation of new synapses or neuronal connections, and increase neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons in the brain to recognize and compensate for injury and disease and to adjust the nerve cell activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment. A series of intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions is the most effective delivery system for the rapid reversal of depressive symptoms.
• The Infusion Process •
The initial treatment consists of 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks. The infusions last 40+ minutes plus recovery time making the whole appointment about 2 hours. Followup boosters can be scheduled if needed.
The initial treatment consists of 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks. The infusions last 40+ minutes plus recovery time making the whole appointment about 2 hours. Followup boosters can be scheduled if needed.
• Your Visit •
- You should not eat anything solid for 4 hours before your infusion. You may have clear liquids up to 2 hours before.
- Please arrive on time to ensure adequate time for the infusion. Wear comfortable non-binding clothes.
- Before the infusion begins we will quickly go over your medical history and complete a depression assessment when necessary.
- Make sure that all of your questions and concerns have been addressed.
- We will insert a small IV. Monitors will be placed to watch your heart rate, blood pressure, and respirations.
- We encourage you to make this process personal. If you enjoy music, please bring your device and head phones.
- Sit back in our comfortable healing space and let the process happen.
- After the infusion is complete, you will be monitored until we assess that you are recovered from ketamine's effects.
- You must have a designated driver sign you out at the end of your appointment as you may not drive until the following day.
• The Referral Process •
A diagnosis from your health care/mental health provider is preferred for treatment, and continued evaluation is recommended. SVKC specializes in IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy and does not employ therapists, social workers, counselors, or psychiatrists. If you would like for us to recommend someone, we are happy to discuss.
A diagnosis from your health care/mental health provider is preferred for treatment, and continued evaluation is recommended. SVKC specializes in IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy and does not employ therapists, social workers, counselors, or psychiatrists. If you would like for us to recommend someone, we are happy to discuss.
• What are the potential side effects? •
Side effects are generally minimal, but may include blurred vision, dizziness, a feeling of floating or lightness, nausea, increased blood pressure and heart rate. These effects will go away shortly after the infusion is complete.
Side effects are generally minimal, but may include blurred vision, dizziness, a feeling of floating or lightness, nausea, increased blood pressure and heart rate. These effects will go away shortly after the infusion is complete.
• How soon will I notice results? •
This is the remarkable benefit of IV Ketamine Infusions! Patients usually feel some results immediately after their first treatment. Improvements are seen with each additional infusion. "Lighter" and "Brighter" are typical words to describe the feeling after the first session.
This is the remarkable benefit of IV Ketamine Infusions! Patients usually feel some results immediately after their first treatment. Improvements are seen with each additional infusion. "Lighter" and "Brighter" are typical words to describe the feeling after the first session.
• What conditions disqualify me? •
Ketamine is a very safe drug when given by a qualified anesthesia provider, however there are conditions that may disqualify you for IV ketamine therapy. They are:
Ketamine is a very safe drug when given by a qualified anesthesia provider, however there are conditions that may disqualify you for IV ketamine therapy. They are:
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Unstable heart disease or congestive heart failure
- Untreated hyperthyroid diseases
- Brain tumor or acute brain injury
- Glaucoma
- Severe liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Psychosis or schizophrenia
• Do I need to stop my medications prior to ketamine infusions? •
All medications need to be disclosed when filling out the medical history form and health questionnaires. Most medications can be continued as usual the morning before your infusion. During our consultation, we will discuss what medications might inhibit ketamine efficacy.
To maximize the effects of IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy, SVKC encourages physician led tapering of Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium. These medications may interfere with the efficacy of ketamine or the duration of relief provided by the treatment. If you are unable to discontinue use, the dose should be held for 24 hours before your Ketamine infusion.
Please refrain from the use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin or other illicit substances. They pose a safety risk when combined with ketamine treatment and can interfere with the effectiveness of ketamine therapy.
All medications need to be disclosed when filling out the medical history form and health questionnaires. Most medications can be continued as usual the morning before your infusion. During our consultation, we will discuss what medications might inhibit ketamine efficacy.
To maximize the effects of IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy, SVKC encourages physician led tapering of Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium. These medications may interfere with the efficacy of ketamine or the duration of relief provided by the treatment. If you are unable to discontinue use, the dose should be held for 24 hours before your Ketamine infusion.
Please refrain from the use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin or other illicit substances. They pose a safety risk when combined with ketamine treatment and can interfere with the effectiveness of ketamine therapy.
• Are ketamine infusions covered by insurance? •
Ketamine is an FDA approved drug that is one of the most common anesthetics used in general anesthesia. IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy for depression, chronic pain, and similar disorders is not an FDA approved use, so only some insurance companies pay for this treatment. We will not bill your insurance company, but will provide a "super-bill" to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement if you choose. If they won't cover the cost, they may allow you to claim your expenses toward your deductible, which may limit other medical financial liabilities greatly in the future. You can still claim the cost of IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy on your Tax Return (Form 1040) in the Medical and Dental Expenses Section if you qualify for that deduction.
Ketamine is an FDA approved drug that is one of the most common anesthetics used in general anesthesia. IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy for depression, chronic pain, and similar disorders is not an FDA approved use, so only some insurance companies pay for this treatment. We will not bill your insurance company, but will provide a "super-bill" to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement if you choose. If they won't cover the cost, they may allow you to claim your expenses toward your deductible, which may limit other medical financial liabilities greatly in the future. You can still claim the cost of IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy on your Tax Return (Form 1040) in the Medical and Dental Expenses Section if you qualify for that deduction.
• Is nasal esketamine the same as IV ketamine? •
Nasal esketamine (Spravato) products have been in the making for years. Esketamine is far less effective than racemic IV ketamine according to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. research. Its administration still needs to be supervised in a clinic (2hrs post administration) and its efficacy rate is very very low. The FDA approved it for patients who have failed to respond adequately to at least two other drugs and are still taking other antidepressants.
The less than optimal route of administration, and still having the inconvenience of 2 hour clinic visit make it a poor choice for those who have IV ketamine infusions available to them. With the IV infusion patients can be in and out of the clinic more quickly with far superior results.
Nasal esketamine (Spravato) products have been in the making for years. Esketamine is far less effective than racemic IV ketamine according to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. research. Its administration still needs to be supervised in a clinic (2hrs post administration) and its efficacy rate is very very low. The FDA approved it for patients who have failed to respond adequately to at least two other drugs and are still taking other antidepressants.
The less than optimal route of administration, and still having the inconvenience of 2 hour clinic visit make it a poor choice for those who have IV ketamine infusions available to them. With the IV infusion patients can be in and out of the clinic more quickly with far superior results.
We know that it is a huge decision when you choose a ketamine provider. As part of your team you will never be left alone during your infusion and every second of the experience will be tailored to your needs. With IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy all of the little things matter. Ketamine is a powerful psychoactive medicine with prominent dissociative and psychedelic properties and our dedication to your treatment is second to none. Not all providers, methods, and dosage protocols are the same, so make sure that you talk with us first.
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