IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy

“The most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades.”
​Thomas Insel. Director, National Institute of Mental Health

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Unlike current antidepressant medications that can take weeks to work, the results from IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy can be immediate. Proper dosage is critical to achieve the best possible outcome, which is increased neuronal growth and synapse development. At Sun Valley Ketamine Clinic we titrate the dosage based on observations and patient feedback during treatment, and our patients experience increased resilience to the challenges of life. This personalized touch helps our patients realize the maximum benefits.

Compassion and understanding are the foundations of our practice. Individual success stories excite us everyday, and further our desire to help. IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy can truly be life changing, and we'd love to be part of your healing process. The Sun Valley Ketamine Clinic is the Wood River Valley's first and only facility to offer this life changing treatment.

Initial Ketamine Series	Ketamine Booster	Ketamine for Pain
Six 2 hour appointments over two weeks	2 Hours	4 Hours
$3600	$600	$1200

"Psychology is not just the study of weakness and damage, it is also the study of strength and virtue.
 Treatment is not just fixing what is broken, it is nurturing what is best within ourselves."
​-Martin Seligman

“This is a game changer,” says John Krystal, MD, chief psychiatrist at Yale Medicine and one of the pioneers of ketamine research in the country. The drug works differently than those used previously, he notes, calling ketamine “the anti-medication” medication. “With most medications, like valium, the anti-anxiety effect you get only lasts when it is in your system. When the valium goes away, you can get rebound anxiety. When you take ketamine, it triggers reactions in your cortex that enable brain connections to regrow. It’s the reaction to ketamine, not the presence of ketamine in the body that constitutes its effects,” he says.  ​

Next Steps

1. Schedule a free consultation to see if you are a candidate for IVKIT.
2. Complete the forms (4) in the Patient Portal.
3. Have your referral submitted. (In certain situations you may present adequate documentation directly to us.)
4. Schedule your appointment on the appointment page.

1. Schedule a free consultation

2. Ketamine Patient Portal

3. Referral

4. Book an Appointment

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 it's 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  for depression consists of 6 infusions over 12 days. The infusions last 40 minutes plus recovery time.  We typically see patients for two consecutive weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Followup boosters can be scheduled as needed for relapse. If a typical relapse time is established, preventative boosters can be scheduled in advance to ensure remission.
The treatment time for chronic pain syndromes may last up to 4 hours, and are needed every day or every other day until results are felt.

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 required  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.

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:

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Unstable heart disease or congestive heart failure
• Untreated hyperthyroid diseases
• Brain tumor or acute brain injury
• Glaucoma
• Severe liver disease
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active psychotic symptoms from schizophrenia.

Please contact us for consultation if you are unsure of your eligibility for Ketamine IV Therapy.

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.

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.

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.

Is there financing available for ketamine infusions?

SVKC accepts all major credit cards. Many of our patients get a Zero Interest Credit Card, which may offer up to 21 months of interest-free financing.

Is Nasal Esketamine the same as an Intervenous Ketamine infusion?

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. If you would still prefer Spravato, SVKC will be offering it as an option in the future.

Still Have Questions?

Feel free to contact us via email:
​Info@SunValleyKetamineClinic.com

"For me it has become a NEW LEASE on LIFE. LIVE don't just exist. Love to ALL."
Patient of Shanna Angel