KETAMINE INFUSIONS

What is Ketamine ? 

Ketamine was developed in the 1960’s as an anesthetic for surgical procedures. The drug is known to affect the mind with rapid acting antidepressant and anti- anxiety effects. Used in low sub anesthetic doses ketamine can alter levels of glutamate (a chemical messenger) in the brain which can result in new neural connections. The brain becomes more adaptable and creates new pathways, giving patients the opportunity to develop more positive thoughts and feelings. Researchers started looking into it as a treatment for mental health issues like depression. 

What is Ketamine InfusionTherapy? 

Ketamine therapy is a treatment for depression, anxiety and PTSD  which have not responded to other treatments like conventional medications or psychotherapy. It may also help chronic pain. It is NOT a comprehensive treatment for depression, anxiety or any psychiatric symptoms; nor for chronic pain, nor for drug and alcohol abuse!

It is designed to add to your treatment plan while you are under the care of a qualified mental health professional. You should have been under the care of a therapist for at least 3 months prior to starting your infusions.

It is usually given in a series of 6 infusion treatments in clinical settings. The doctor will tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs to maximize the benefits.

What are the benefits ?

Unlike conventional antidepressants ketamine has been associated with a rapid decrease in depression, bipolar and PTSD symptoms. It has also been shown to be helpful with a variety of chronic pain syndromes and with alleviating the cravings for drugs and alcohol. While the goal is improvement of your symptoms, results cannot be guaranteed, and there is no way to predict how any individual will respond to ketamine infusion therapy. These effects may not be long lasting, and will most likely require further infusions.

Contraindications to ketamine infusions include but are not limited to:

Active substance abuse (alcohol, cannabis, non prescribed medications etc)

History of psychosis

HIstory of increased intracranial pressure

Pregnancy (current)

Uncontrolled hypertension

Acute of unstable cardiovascular conditions

Previous negative response to ketamine

Please contact us and or your mental health provider to find out more about this treatment.