IV Ketamine Therapy
New hope for challenging medical conditions
Depression Anxiety Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

A variety of conditions may respond to treatment with ketamine. We use ketamine most frequently in the treatment of challenging neuropathic pain states, but It's FDA approved for the treatment of depression as well. Ketamine is being studied for other psych problems like anxiety and OCD.

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IV ketamine has been found to be beneficial for difficult-to-treat pain and psychiatric conditions. Since this is an anesthetic medication which has the potential for misuse and abuse, we only administer ketamine in a monitored medical setting. Here is our recovery room, which is where we set up our ketamine infusions. We dim the lights and play soothing music during ketamine therapy sessions. You can put your feet up, stretch out and relax. We encourage patients to bring a favorite blanket and pillow.

The brain is in a constant state of change in which connections are made and broken. This allows us to learn and adapt to our environment. Unfortunately, this ability to adapt can lead to mental illness and chronic pain. The goal in the treatment of both mental health and neurological chronic pain states is to break harmful cycles of brain activity. To induce some plasticity where barriers to progress exist. So-called psychedelic therapy shares this goal. Medications are used, typically in combination with behavioral therapy, to help break down barriers in treatment where real and lasting gains are possible.

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Letter from a recent patient:

"I felt a difference immediately after my first ketamine infusion- a lifting of the depression, anhedonia, and the dark cloud of hopelessness. Most importantly, thoughts of suicide dissipated to zero. The effect was quite remarkable. It lasted about four months, and I feel like I'm ready for another treatment."
Frequently asked questions
We do a full consultation and review of records first to thoroughly evaluate your problem. This is more extensive if we are treating pain than for psychiatric issues. For complex psych cases we rely on the evaluation from your mental health professional. We are, after all, a pain clinic. We schedule infusion sessions when we have minimal activity going on in the practice, so it's quiet and very private. We may do two infusions at the same time if the schedule is tight. We provide a spa like setting with a comfortable recliner to relax in. We can play meditative music, if you like. We will check your vitals, set up some monitors, and place an IV. If needed, we provide oxygen. We give some sedative medication, then start the infusion. We communicate with you through the whole process to ensure you are comfortable, and adjust the medication rate as needed. Once it's complete, we disconnect the monitors and remove the IV. You will then have time to rest while the medications wear off. Once you feel ready to go, we'll assist you to the car with the help of your driver.
Contact our office for details. You will find, nationally, that costs range from $400-$900/treatment. We offer a competitive rate. We do not bill insurance for this procedure, with the exception of occasional requests by Worker's Comp.
We are happy to try ketamine for patients interested in single treatment just to see how they respond with minimal investment. But to truly see the benefits reported in the medical literature, plan to invest in 5-6 initial sessions, with a monthly maintenance session. Some patients do well stretching that out to every 2-3 months.
In general, about 70% of patient respond favorably. Feeling less depressed is an obvious goal, but the evidence for success is sometimes of a functional nature: Increased participation in life with family and friends, making life plans, improved sleep or appetite, a healthier daily routine, participation in physical exercise, better concentration, more resilience to stress, returning to a job. Improvement often occurs on a scale of weeks to months, as opposed to hours to days. One may need to take a step back to notice the changes occurring.
Most people can tolerate ketamine safely, but patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, active substance abuse, glaucoma, untreated thyroid disease, mania, or psychosis need to get these conditions under control before ketamine is used.
Still have question?

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