Ketamine FAQs

What conditions can ketamine treat?

Our primary focus is to help treat mental illnesses and provide an option to those who have not had success with traditional medicines or other therapies.  We focus on using evidence-based research to guide our treatment plans.  Promising data has demonstrated robust effects in treating severe, chronic, treatment resistant depression.

Thus, anyone diagnosed with major depression, bipolar depression, postpartum depression, or dysthymia could benefit from Ketamine infusions. Research has also shown that Ketamine can also be effective in treating Fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation. In addition, ketamine shows promise in alleviating symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and a number of anxiety disorders.

How can I become a patient and receive treatment?

Any licensed mental health professional, practitioner, or physician may refer you. You will need to sign a form to release your records to us for our review. 

What is it like?

Ketamine is administered intravenously, in a weight-based dose gradually over 45 minutes.  As such, the effects you feel are subtle, and may include feelings such as, “lightness, floating, or a weight being lifted off of your shoulders”.  Most patients describe mild dissociative symptoms that are generally well tolerated.  "Dissociative," means it may change your perception of sights, sounds, or make you feel like you are detached from your body or things around you.   We will monitor and reassure you throughout the infusion and we are prepared to treat any unpleasant side effects, should there be any.   We will give you a sheet that more fully describes what to expect during and after treatments.

What should I expect the day of treatment?

Please do not eat anything 8 hours before your appointment time.  You may drink clear liquids (i.e. water, fruit juices WITHOUT pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee) up until 2 hours before your infusion,  then nothing by mouth.  No candy, gum, mints, water, etc. less then 2 hours prior to your appointment.  Absolutely avoid alcohol or the use of any illicit drugs. These substances are extremely dangerous in combination with ketamine.

This is an outpatient procedure.  You will have your 45 minute infusion, then stay and be monitored until we discharge you home.  You agree to have someone stay with you for 24 hours.  Do not drive, work, make any important decisions or drink alcohol with 24 hours of your infusion.

What medications should I take the day of treatment?

Please take all your scheduled medications, EXCEPT: benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax, etc.), prescribed narcotics, or any illicit drugs.  These medications can be VERY dangerous when combined with ketamine.  We will review your medications with you in your consultation.