About IV Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine is a drug that calms and relaxes the body. It is categorized as a dissociative anesthetic and is approved by the FDA for use in adults for anesthesia and as a pain reliever during medical procedures. Ketamine’s use for the treatment of depression or other mental illnesses is considered “off-label” and has not been approved by the FDA. Ketamine is not a first-line treatment for depression and is usually used after other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Clinical experience shows that ketamine may be used to treat depression in a helpful manner. A number of studies have shown giving ketamine can improve depression. When administered intravenously at a sub-anesthetic dose, over a period of about 40 minutes (called an infusion), ketamine may help depression improve rather quickly. Because improvement may last only a few days to a week, a series of infusions is used so that the improvement lasts much longer.
While IV ketamine therapy has been studied most in patients with treatment resistant depression, there is also evidence for use of ketamine in conditions such as OCD, PTSD, and addiction.
Is IV Ketamine Therapy safe?
The most common side effects that can occur as a result of using ketamine include dissociation, nausea, and increased blood pressure. Dissociation is often described as lucid dreaming.
Side effects to ketamine usually occur during the infusion and resolve by the end of the day of treatment. Patients are instructed not to drive, nor operate heavy equipment, for the remainder of the day of treatment.
Untreated hypertension is a contraindication to ketamine use as the substance may cause a rise in blood pressure.
Ketamine is not administered to pregnant women.
What should I expect during a treatment?
Patients receive ketamine infusions over a 40 minute period. During the infusion, an RN is present in the same room at all times, monitoring the patient’s vital signs and available for support if needed.
Patients are coached on preparation for their treatment sessions and encouraged to listen to music and adopt a quiet, introspective stance during infusions.
At the conclusion of the infusion, patients are monitored for an additional 20-30 minutes, until all effects have worn off, and then they are discharged home with a loved one or driver.
