FAQ

Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic. It is one of the most widely used drugs in modern medicine, and it is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. It was developed in 1963, FDA approved in 1970, and adopted by many hospitals and medical settings because of its rapid onset, proven safety, and short duration of action. Ketamine is most commonly used as an anesthetic medication in emergency and surgical settings, including pediatric surgery, due to its excellent safety profile, particularly around breathing / airway management. It has also been utilized successfully in managing acute and chronic pain conditions due to its intense analgesic properties. In recent decades, dues to its rapid onset, Ketamine has been found to have profound antidepressant effects which has lead to its use as an off-label medication for treatment- resistant depression, mood disorders and suicidal ideation.

Much excitement and research has come among researchers and clinicians over the last two decades, in that ketamine has been increasingly clinically applied (at lower, subanesthetic doses than used in surgery), as an off-label treatment for many mood disorders and treatment-resistant mental health conditions such as, anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, suicidal ideation, OCD and postpartum depression. Also, for chronic neuropathic pain/ inflammation conditions such as, migraines, fibromyalgia, CRPS and other pain conditions.

Research has also shown limited but clinically effective results for patients with pain associated with lymes disease, cancer pains, phantom limb pain, eating disorders, drug addiction rehabilitation, Parkinson’s Disease / Alzheimer’s for memory loss, Dementia, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and Autism social depression.

For mood disorders, typically 1.5-2 hours in the clinic which includes, check-in, a current mood assessment on arrival, placement of heart rate blood pressure and oxygen monitors and IV catheter, a 40 minute infusion followed by a 15-30 minute recovery. For pain infusions lasting 4 hours, expect approximately no less than 6 hours in the office.

You will be awake and alert during the infusion therapy, while feeling relaxed and peaceful. Patients experience a disconnect “floating” like experience. This dissociation is part of the rebuilding of neuronal connection in the brain.

Do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to infusion appointment, dress comfortably, and driving / any important decisions should NOT be made during the first 12-24 hours post infusion.

Evidence-based Ketamine therapy has shown clinically to bring relief to more than 80% of people who suffer from treatment resistant depression, mood disorders and chronic pain.

Call our office at (865) 805-3118 or contact us to receive a consultation.