What is Ketamine Infusion

 Ketamine infusion therapy involves the administration of a single infusion or a series of infusions for the management of psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, acute suicidality. It is administered orally and can be performed with or without a physician’s prescription. In order to be effective and safe, the drug must be administered at the appropriate dose, and be taken at regular intervals for optimal results. There are several advantages that this method brings to the field of psychiatry.

For example, this drug can help to reduce the number of patients that are admitted to hospitals for their own mental health reasons. Patients, who have a severe depressive episode, are treated with this medication so that they will not be admitted for further treatment. Furthermore, these drugs help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving their quality of life.

Thus, there are no side effects associated with the use of this class of medication. This is one of the most effective drugs that one can use to treat mental disorders. Ketamine is also known for its effects on the central nervous system, thereby helping with a variety of mental illnesses. These include schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder and suicidal thoughts. The medication is very safe and has no known side effect. One of its major advantages is that it can treat a large number patients in a short period of time. 

PROS OF KETAMINE INFUSION THERAPY

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the primary mental health disorder that gives rise to suicidal tendencies.

Approximately two in three people who suffer from major depression eventually achieve lasting symptom remission with conventional antidepressants and therapy; the remaining one in three do not.

KETAMINE INFUSION THERAPY DRAWBACKS

Despite the fact that ketamine offers major benefits in the treatment of persistent depression, no treatment is perfect. The drawbacks of ketamine have to do with its dissociative effects and potential addictive properties.

Although ketamine infusion therapy uses sub-anesthetic doses to relieve depression, it can still induce certain temporary side effects, including mild hallucinations, floating sensations, fuzzy vision, and dizziness.

Because of this, ketamine infusion therapy must be:

• Approved for use only after a comprehensive evaluation
• Received in a ketamine-certified clinical setting
• Administered and monitored by an experienced provider

The potential for immediate side effects also means that someone else must drive you to and from your treatment session. Even though the mild dissociative side effects of ketamine tend to diminish quickly, the treatment can leave you feeling tired or groggy until you’ve had a good night’s rest.

Last, ketamine isn’t the right solution for everyone with TRD — because it has potentially addictive properties, it may not be a suitable option for those who have a history of substance abuse or a diagnosed addictive disorder.

To find out how ketamine can help you get your life back, call your nearest TMS & Brain Health office in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or Las Vegas, or click online to schedule a visit today. We recommend a series of 8 infusions, and we offer package discounts.