What Happens During Ketamine IV Therapy for Depression

Ketamine IV therapy can be a great way to treat depression, especially treatment-resistant depression. This review discusses ketamine IV therapy, highlighting what the treatment is and how the process works in a step-by-step guide. This should help you decide if ketamine IV therapy is right for you or your loved one.

What is ketamine IV therapy for depression?

Ketamine IV therapy, also called ketamine infusion, is a form of depression treatment. It is an FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant depression, which refers to depression that does not improve through typical treatment solutions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or antidepressants. However, ketamine IV therapy is not intended to replace the patient’s existing depression treatment plan. Instead, it serves as a supplemental (albeit often highly effective) form of treatment.

The ketamine IV therapy treatment process explained

The ketamine IV therapy process involves a consultation visit, followed by ketamine infusions on an ongoing basis. The following highlights what a patient should expect during the consultation visit, during each ketamine IV therapy session, and after each session.

The consultation visit

The consultation visit offers an opportunity for the patient and the mental health professional (and their staff) to get to know one another without any commitment to treatment. During the consultation, the mental health professional evaluates the patient’s medical history, documents their symptoms, and establishes treatment goals with the patient. From there, they can determine how often ketamine infusions should be recommended and what dosage would be appropriate for each visit.

It is worth noting that ketamine IV therapy is not right for everyone, particularly individuals who have not tried other methods of depression treatment. The mental health professional can evaluate a patient’s condition to determine how (and if) ketamine therapy can benefit the patient, providing a recommendation for treatment at the end of the visit.

The ketamine IV therapy experience

Ketamine IV therapy takes place in the office in a comfortable and relaxing environment. To begin, the patient sits comfortably in a relaxing chair. The IV catheters are inserted, and the ketamine is slowly infused directly into a vein in the arm. Treatment typically lasts for 45 to 60 minutes. There is no discomfort during the procedure, and the patient does not lose consciousness.

In fact, many patients report a euphoric and happy feeling. Some also report feelings of dissociation. This is what makes the treatment effective for many people. Although those feelings go away relatively soon after treatment, they do help the patient feel better, which hopefully carries over into their daily life. During each visit, the staff is right there to help ensure the safety of the treatment and to provide the patient with whatever they may need during the session.

What to expect after your session

Patients are encouraged to hang around the office and sit comfortably for up to an hour after ketamine IV therapy (or until the effects go away). Ideally, patients should arrange for a ride to the office and a ride home. The effects will go away soon after the IV is removed, and any side effects or complications are rare. At the end of the visit, the patient can schedule a time for their next ketamine IV therapy, assuming that the treatment plan is working as planned.

What conditions can ketamine help treat?

Ketamine IV therapy is most notably used to treat treatment-resistant depression. However, in some cases, it may be recommended for other types of other mental health disorders. Specifically, ketamine IV therapy has been helpful for patients diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and/or post-traumatic stress disorder, along with treatment-resistant depression.

Will I lose consciousness during ketamine IV therapy?

Patients do not lose consciousness during ketamine IV therapy. This misconception that it will cause the patient to fall asleep is due to the fact that ketamine has been used in medicine as a form of anesthetic. However, the dose used for ketamine IV therapy is not strong enough to induce sedation or feelings of losing consciousness.

Schedule a consultation to get started with ketamine IV therapy

If you have not found relief for your depression through therapy or medication and would like to learn more about ketamine IV therapy, please do feel free to contact us by phone or message today. During your consultation visit with our friendly and professional team, we will be able to also help you put together a comprehensive treatment plan, so you can receive the best results possible.

Get more information here: https://www.hopetmsofny.com or call Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center at (646) 578-8152

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