FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine is a medication originally developed for anesthesia during surgeries and medical procedures. It has been FDA-approved for sedation and anesthesia since the 1960s and is widely used in hospitals and emergency rooms. The World Health Organization includes it on its list of essential medicines. Recently, ketamine has also been used “off-label” to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and some chronic pain disorders, showing a strong safety record when used correctly.
The exact way ketamine relieves depression, anxiety, and chronic pain is not fully understood. However, it is known to interact with the NMDA receptor, blocking the neurotransmitter glutamate. Studies have shown that ketamine improves neuronal health by enhancing connections between brain cells and promoting neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change. Additionally, ketamine alters how the central nervous system processes pain, effectively “resetting” it to normal functioning. Research in animal models also suggests that ketamine may increase resilience and recovery from traumatic events. Furthermore, ketamine decreases activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN) of the brain, which tends to be more active in individuals with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain
Ketamine infusions may be appropriate for you if you suffer from anxiety disorders, PTSD, pain disorders, or depression, particularly if traditional oral medications have not been effective. This treatment may be a good option if you want to avoid the side effects of conventional treatments or if your current treatments are not working.
Please refer to our pricing page for detailed information.
Ketamine has been a safe, FDA-approved anesthetic since 1970 and is recommended by the World Health Organization as an essential medication for hospitals. When administered in a medical setting, ketamine infusion therapy has not been associated with addiction.
Although ketamine is known by street names such as “Special K,” “Kit Kat,” or “K,” these refer to its misuse. Ketamine IV therapy is administered in controlled doses and settings under medical supervision, unlike its illicit use.
We will review documentation from your primary care physician, pain specialist, psychiatrist, or therapist about your diagnosis and previous treatments. Ongoing contact with your healthcare providers is required during and after your ketamine infusions. We will confirm your diagnosis with them before scheduling your appointment. In some cases, a referral form from your doctor may be necessary.
Yes, we provide ketamine infusions in a consulting capacity and recommend that you continue regular visits with your healthcare providers.
There are three main reasons: comfort with administering the medication, awareness of this treatment, and acceptance of this treatment. Beyond emergency room doctors and anesthesiologists, few medical professionals feel comfortable providing this therapy. Many doctors are not familiar with the latest research on ketamine and know it only as an anesthetic or a substance used recreationally. Some doctors may not be aware of this treatment, while others adhere to traditional treatment methods and are hesitant to adopt new approaches.
Patients often report feeling dreamy or sedated, and may notice changes in their thought process, vision, or speech. If you experience any unwanted sensations or hallucinations, we can adjust the dosage or the infusion rate to make you more comfortable. Rest assured, a healthcare professional will always be nearby to ensure your safety and well-being during the infusion.
Most patients recover within 20-30 minutes after the infusion. You might feel slightly tired, have mild difficulty walking, or experience “cloudy thinking” for a few hours. We recommend taking it easy and having a relaxing day following the treatment. We will ensure you are ready and safe to go home before you leave.
Ketamine can cause dissociation, leading to out-of-body experiences for some individuals. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue. In some cases, it can raise blood pressure and pulse. We will monitor you closely throughout the process, and trained medical professionals will be on hand. A long-term side effect associated with chronic use is bladder irritation, also known as cystitis.
For mood disorders, the infusion lasts about 40 minutes, but the total appointment time, including recovery, can be up to 1.5 to 2 hours. For pain disorders, infusions may last up to 4 hours.
The duration of the effects varies. A single infusion can last from a few days to a month. A series of 4-6 infusions may provide relief for weeks to months. Often, a booster infusion can extend the benefits when the effects start to diminish. Individual responses vary, with some patients experiencing several months of relief from a few infusions.
Ketamine infusion therapy typically involves two phases: the Initiation phase and the Maintenance phase. At Elevate Ketamine, we customize the treatment plan for each individual based on their unique response and experience with the medication. Our goal is to provide personalized care for each patient.
At Elevate Ketamine, treatment durations range from 40 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s needs. Factors include diagnosis, medical history, tolerance to the dissociative effects of ketamine, ability to remain still for extended periods, bladder control, pain severity, and the patient’s financial and scheduling considerations.
We advise fasting for at least 3 hours before your first infusion to reduce the risk of nausea or vomiting during the procedure.
Opt for loose, comfortable clothing to ensure you are as relaxed as possible during the infusion.
No, it is not safe to drive yourself. Ketamine can impair your ability to drive, so it is essential to have a trusted friend or family member pick you up. We also recommend avoiding operating heavy machinery, taking care of small children, engaging in strenuous activities, or signing any legal documents for at least a day after your infusion. If you cannot arrange for someone to pick you up, using a ridesharing service or taxi is acceptable, but you may need to stay longer post-infusion and incur additional fees.
Certain medications should not be taken with ketamine. Please contact us to discuss any medications you are currently taking. Some drugs, like benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax) and lamotrigine (Lamictal), might reduce the effectiveness of ketamine. We recommend tapering off these medications under your doctor’s guidance before your first treatment. If discontinuation is not possible, avoid taking them the night before and the day of your infusion, but resume them the night of or the day after your infusion.
Yes, certain conditions can make ketamine dangerous or ineffective. These include uncontrolled high blood pressure, unstable heart disease (e.g., arrhythmias, congestive heart failure), untreated thyroid disease, active substance abuse, active manic episodes of bipolar disorder, untreated glaucoma, and active delusions or hallucinations. If you have any of these conditions on the day of your infusion, you will not be able to proceed with the treatment.
The response rate varies depending on the condition being treated, but studies show that 70-80% of patients with depression experience improvement with ketamine therapy.
Some patients feel better within an hour after the infusion, while others may not notice improvements until their fourth or fifth session. The effects are often gradual and subtle, with feelings of sadness and hopelessness beginning to lift. In some cases, the improvement can be more dramatic. Functional improvements, such as engaging in activities you enjoy or returning to work, often occur before mood improvements, enhancing your overall treatment success.
For more information about ketamine, please contact our office or visit our website. We are here to answer any questions you may have and provide additional resources.
