For decades, ketamine has been used safely as an anesthetic in hospitals during invasive procedures. Recently, however, it has also been employed to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, as well as chronic pain syndromes. This is known as ketamine therapy.
Ketamine Infusions Therapy
There are several modes of ketamine therapy, but one of the most popular is through intravenous (IV) infusions. Ketamine infusions involve infusing low doses of ketamine directly into the bloodstream over a period of 40 minutes.
This type of treatment guarantees a high bioavailability and can help rapidly alleviate symptoms associated with a wide range of psychiatric and physical health conditions. These include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Suicidal ideations
- Substance use disorders (SUDs)
- Chronic pain syndromes (especially pain with a neuropathic component)
During infusion, patients are closely monitored to ensure safety and comfort. Some patients may experience mild side effects, including double vision, nausea, dizziness, or agitation during the infusion. However, these effects usually subside within a few hours after treatment.
Phases of Treatment
Ketamine infusions typically involve two phases of treatment: induction and maintenance phase. During the induction phase, an initial course of six to eight infusions spread over 2 to 3 weeks. This phase is designed to rapidly reduce symptoms or provide remission.
Once the induction phase is completed, patients usually transition to a maintenance phase in which infusions are administered on an as-needed basis to maintain remission and keep symptoms at bay. This could be as little as once per month or once every few months depending on the patient’s unique situation.
How Does Ketamine Infusion Therapy Work?
When administered intravenously, ketamine works by targeting certain receptors in the brain that help regulate mood, emotions, and pain perception. By activating these receptors, ketamine helps to restore balance to the neural pathways responsible for mood regulation and pain modulation.
Ketamine not only has the ability to rapidly reduce symptoms but can also help induce a sustained period of remission by modulating key brain systems.
The Benefits Of Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine infusions have many potential benefits for those suffering from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Studies have found that they can provide rapid relief from symptoms within hours or days rather than weeks or months – like other forms of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy or antidepressants.
Ketamine has also proven effective for those who have not responded well to traditional treatments like therapy and medication, thanks to its unique mode of action. Furthermore, ketamine infusions have fewer side effects than other forms of pain and psychiatric medications like antidepressants and opioids.
The Bottom Line
Overall, ketamine infusion therapy shows great promise in managing a variety of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as chronic pain issues such as fibromyalgia or phantom limb pain.
With a well-established safety profile when used in a medical setting and a potential for quick, sustained relief from symptoms, ketamine infusion therapy is an excellent alternative treatment for people who have not had any success with conventional treatment options.
[Please Schedule A Consultation For Any Help!]
