Everything You Should Know About IV Ketamine Therapy

What is Ketamine? 
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been in use for more than 50 years. It is approved as an anesthetic by FDA and was used as such. In recent years, there has been an off-label use of this drug to treat depression. 
The use of ketamines for depression has become popular, and it is even used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, and a few other conditions. Ketamine therapy is a new treatment method that involves the administration of ketamine through an IV or intravenous drip. It has been found that the slow administration of ketamine IV has positive effects on patients with depression. 
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Ketamine IV Therapy Ketamine treatment is beneficial in treating people suffering from depression. It has been especially helpful for those who have become drug-resistant and cannot get benefits through conventional medication. Drug resistance is defined as a condition when more than two medicines do not help treat depression.

Ketamine IV Therapy Ketamine treatment is beneficial in treating people suffering from depression. It has been especially helpful for those who have become drug-resistant and cannot get benefits through conventional medication. Drug resistance is defined as a condition when more than two medicines do not help treat depression. 
1. Ketamine Therapy Treatment: 
​Ketamine IV therapy should be administered at a clinic or hospital by a qualified doctor. In some cases, ketamine can be administered even at home. Consult our experienced doctors regarding the same. The following explains how ketamine treatment is administered: 

• Through IV Ketamine Infusions: The most common technique is to get the ketamine administration done in a clinic or hospital. The ketamine infusions are delivered through intravenous mode. The entire session usually takes about 40 minutes. 
• The process works best when the patient is in a relaxed frame of mind and not under any stress. Listening to calming music or meditating for a while can help create a good frame of mind. You can also opt for guided meditation.
• Our doctor would evaluate the health of the patient before starting the process. The blood pressure is checked before starting the process. A blood pressure cuff on the arm andpulse oximeter on the finger is applied throughout the procedure. It helps our doctor to continuously monitor the patient’s health. 
• Usually, an eye mask is provided so the patient can relax during the infusion process. Headphones can be offered. The patient can bring their own headphones and listen to relaxing music while the infusion process is on. 
• Some side effects like a feeling of disassociation from the body may be experienced. In most cases, the side effects pass away quickly. Our doctor would monitor the patient at this time. 
• At the end of the session, the patient would be asked to remain for 20 to 30 minutes to monitor their condition. They can then leave the clinic. It is advised not to drive after the process, so make plans to have someone drive you or pick you up. 

2. Injection: Ketamine can also be administered through an intramuscular injection in a clinic or hospital. It works similar to IV infusions. 
3. Nasal: Ketamine is delivered through a nasal spray. 
4. Lozenge: This is a home treatment where the patient can chew on lozenges that deliver ketamine. It is usually done as a maintenance measure along with regular clinical infusions. 
When infusions are used, the process is done for two or three weeks with a total of six infusions. It is known as the induction phase of the treatment. Once the induction phase is complete, infusions are given through the maintenance phase, which is done at the rate of one infusion every two to six weeks. 


Who Can Undergo This Treatment?
This therapy would be suitable for people suffering from depression and who have not been able to get relief through other treatments or medications. Besides depression, ketamine therapy is also useful in treating different psychiatric disorders. 
Anyone who is suffering from any of these conditions can consult us for ketamine treatment: 

• Acute or chronic suicidal ideation, i.e., a desire to commit suicide. 
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD. 
• Chronic pain that is not alleviated by conventional treatment. 
• PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 
• Bipolar disorders. 
• Anxiety disorders. 

There are some people who are not good candidates to receive this treatment. People with schizophrenia or those who have high blood pressure or have serious alcohol abuse history should not undergo this treatment. 
Why Choose Ketamine Therapy Treatment? 
The many benefits that ketamine therapy offers explain why patients should consider choosing this treatment option. Before the therapy is administered, it is important to know the benefits and the side effects of this treatment. 
Studies have shown that people with depression have abnormal glutamate levels. It is believed that ketamine therapy works by causing glutamate to be produced in the brain. The glutamate produced helps create new connections in the brain and repair damaged connections. When new neural pathways are created, they help in creating positive thoughts that help overcome depression. 
There are many benefits of getting ketamine infusions done. These include: 

• Quick-relief: The therapy can offer quick relief from symptoms of depression. Some people experience the benefits after one session itself, while others get the benefits after just a few sessions. 
• High success rate: Studies have shown that most people who undergo ketamine IV therapy get relief from symptoms. The high level of success from this treatment is why it is preferred by doctors and patients. A study revealed that 85% of patients experienced at least a 50% reduction in the symptoms. 
• Lasting remission: This therapy is not a ‘one-off’ method but is spread over a period. This ensures the effects are lasting. However, the therapy is not required for years or even months. Six sessions should be sufficient, which can be followed by a few maintenance sessions. Since there are changes that happen at the brain level, the effect of these sessions is long-lasting. 

Some temporary side effects of this therapy are: 

• A feeling of disassociation of an out-of-the-body experience. 
• Double vision. 
• Drowsiness or a dream-like feeling. 
• Nausea and/or dizziness. 

Getting Ketamine Therapy Treatment
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or the conditions described above, you can consider Ketamine therapy treatment as an option. This is a viable treatment option and has proven to be beneficial. 
You can get in touch with our clinic and meet our well-versed doctors to discuss how ketamine therapy can help you. Talk to our competent doctor who offers ketamine therapy and get all your doubts clarified. The treatment can help make a change in the patient’s health condition.