IV Ketamine

Ketamine's History

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First discovered by American chemist Dr. Calvin Stevens in 1962, ketamine was initially patented as a veterinary anesthetic. Beginning in 1964, Dr. Ed Domino, a pharmacology professor at the University of Michigan that specialized in neuropharmacology became the first to study the effects of ketamine on human subjects. Dr. Domino was first to coin the term "dissociative anesthesia" which is defined as a state in which the person experiences feelings of disconnection from the environment and self. In 1965, the results of Dr. Domino's human study concluded that, ketamine could be used safely as an anesthetic for humans and Ketamine hydrochloride (Ketalar) was patented as such in 1966. In 1970, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ketamine's use as an anesthetic for children, adults, and the elderly.

During the Vietnam War, use of ketamine via injection into the muscle (intramuscular or IM) became the most widely used battlefield anesthetic due to it's fast onset of action, minimal effect on respiration (breathing) and it's strong analgesic effect (pain relief) without leading to hemodynamic instability (decrease in blood pressure and/or heart rate). Military use of ketamine for anesthesia and analgesia purposes continues to this day. Intravenous (IV) ketamine has also become a mainstay for the induction of anesthesia (sedation prior to receiving general anesthetic) in both the pediatric and adult patient in emergency departments, surgical centers and outpatient centers across the globe. Since 1985, ketamine has been a mainstay on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines.    

Ketamine Therapy and Mental Health

After Dr. Domino's groundbreaking research was published in 1965, many in the scientific and medical community began to explore ketamine as an adjunct or additional treatment for psychotherapeutic use (treatment of mental health disorders). During the mid-1970's, physicians in Argentina began using ketamine as an adjunct to traditional depression management. It wasn't until the 1990's that researchers in the United States began to study the antidepressant effects of ketamine.

Since then several studies published by well-known, respected science and medical journals, including: The American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP); Scientific Reports; and The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) have outlined the safety and efficacy of ketamine for the treatment of treatment resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), post-partum depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), suicidal ideation, and chronic pain disorders.

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How IV Ketamine Treatment Works

IV Ketamine treatment works by modulating various neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in regulating mood, cognition, and pain perception.

Ketamine's mechanism of action is complex and not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve the rapid restoration of synaptic connections in the brain, leading to improvements in mood and pain symptoms.

What IV Ketamine Treatment Can Help

IV Ketamine treatment has shown promise in the management of several medical conditions, including:

  1. Treatment-Resistant Depression: IV Ketamine has been found to have rapid-acting antidepressant effects, making it a valuable option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications.

  2. Anxiety Disorders: Ketamine infusions may also provide relief for individuals with various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  3. Chronic Pain Syndromes: Ketamine's analgesic properties make it effective in managing chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and migraines.

Benefits of IV Ketamine Treatment

The benefits of IV Ketamine treatment include:

Rapid Onset of Action: Unlike traditional antidepressant medications, which may take weeks or even months to produce noticeable effects, IV Ketamine often leads to rapid improvements in mood and symptom relief, sometimes within hours of treatment.

Effectiveness in Treatment Resistance: IV Ketamine has shown efficacy in individuals who have not responded to other treatments, including antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, making it a valuable option for those with treatment-resistant mental health conditions.

Reduction of Suicidal Ideation: Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects have been associated with a decrease in suicidal ideation, offering hope for individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide.

Minimally Invasive: IV Ketamine treatment is administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of trained medical professionals, and the procedure itself is minimally invasive, involving the insertion of an intravenous catheter for drug administration.

Potential for Long-Term Relief: While the effects of IV Ketamine treatment may initially be short-lived, ongoing maintenance infusions or adjunctive treatments may help sustain improvements in mood and pain symptoms over the long term.

It's important to note that IV Ketamine treatment may not be suitable for everyone, and potential risks and side effects should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing treatment. Additionally, individual responses to ketamine therapy can vary, and outcomes may differ from person to person.

Getting Started with IV Ketamine

Step 1

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Initial Consultation/ Evaluation

Our nurse practitioner conducts a comprehensive assessment of your medical, social, and psychological history, along with a physical exam.

Step 2

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Treatment Plan

The treatment plan includes two infusions per week for three weeks, totaling six infusions, with booster treatments recommended every 3–4 weeks, depending on individual patient response.

Mental Health Series: 6 infusions for $1,350, or $225 per infusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to become effective, IV Ketamine treatments work rapidly, often providing relief from symptoms such as severe depression and chronic pain in a much shorter timeframe. This is because Ketamine is administered directly into the bloodstream, allowing for immediate absorption and quicker therapeutic effects.

  • Patients often report significant improvements in their symptoms within hours to days after their treatment. The rapid action of IV Ketamine is a critical advantage, especially for those who have not responded to conventional treatment methods, offering them an opportunity for timely relief and a potential quicker return to daily activities.

  • IV Ketamine therapy is considered for individuals who haven't found relief through traditional treatment methods. However, it's crucial that each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by our medical team to ensure that IV Ketamine is an appropriate and safe option for their specific health profile and condition. The personalized treatment plan is designed to meet individual needs, taking into account unique health challenges and goals.