WHAT TO EXPECT
Initial Treatment
Before you undergo the treatment, our team will ensure that ketamine treatments are a safe and appropriate treatment for you. We will introduce you to the effects of ketamine, agree on a plan and goals with you, and inform you about all the risks and benefits of the procedure. Our team will answer all your questions to be well informed and feel as comfortable as possible.
Treatment Protocol
Initial ketamine therapy for mood disorders consists of 6 infusions for approximately two weeks. Infusion appointments generally take an hour and a half, while receiving the injection treatments takes about 45-55 minutes. So far, this approach has shown a success rate of as much as 70-75%, with potentially even greater success. For the results to be lasting and the symptoms eliminated, IV ketamine treatment requires a booster dose. After the first six treatments, the booster infusion is usually done once a month.
This protocol may seem too demanding in terms of time to set aside. But since this scientific protocol offers the highest success rate, ask yourself if there is too much time spent when it comes to relieving distressing symptoms. In addition, except after the first treatment, you will be able to return to your daily duties after an hour after treatment.
Attention! Keep in mind that you will not be allowed to drive after the infusion. Driving under the influence of a controlled substance is illegal, and therefore will be immediately excluded from the protocol.
Day of infusion
It is advisable to be as relaxed as possible on the day of the infusion. Wear light comfortable clothing to make it easier for the medical team to perform all the necessary procedures. You will be comfortably accommodated and cared for in our facilities.
You will be given premedication before starting treatment to prevent nausea that may occur in some people. A few hours before your ketamine infusion, please avoid eating.
Most people find the ketamine infusion pleasant. Ketamine is administered intravenously very slowly over 45 minutes. You will not be put to sleep during the infusion as the dose given is lower than the anesthetic dose. You may experience a feeling of “lightness” or “floating,” and sometimes numbness in the toes or area around your mouth. Most effects of the treatment fade within minutes after the infusion, but patients may feel more tired than usual for a few hours following their visit. These feelings will subside 10-15 minutes post-treatment. Side effects are very rare, but in case they appear, our medical team will react immediately.
Induction Infusions
It is common for a patient to receive six ketamine infusions over two weeks for mood disorders. Each infusion usually lasts about 45 minutes and according to clinical studies, the success rate is about 75%. Ketamine therapy repairs the damage in brain communication systems within mere hours. You won’t wake up suddenly feeling perfectly overjoyed and clamorous, but rather more hopeful and less sad, and more readiness to engage with people. The treatment does require booster infusions are usually done once a month to keep the effect going and they are the same duration.