Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Infusions
Q: What is Ketamine?
A: Ketamine is an FDA approved medication, first developed in 1962, that is most commonly used as a surgical anesthetic. It has been found to be effective in treating conditions such as depression, chronic pain, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and suicidality. The use of Ketamine outside of an anesthetic is considered to be “off-label”, but allowed for use when considered to be medically appropriate by a physician.
Q: How do Ketamine infusions work?
A: Ketamine helps to rebalance your body’s glutamate system. Studies have shown that Ketamine stimulates neuron growth in the brain and has also been found to be an effective anti-inflammatory. The infusions are administered by IV. Ketamine therapy should be used in conjunction with therapy and additional wellness support in order to experience the most success these treatments have to offer.
Q: Will I be asleep?
A: You will be awake. The infusion dosage amount may make you feel slightly drowsy during and after the treatment, but not enough to make you fall asleep. If you are feeling anxious about receiving the treatment, we encourage you to bring along a family member, a friend, or even headphones and some calming music to help you relax.
Q: How soon will I see improvement of my symptoms?
A: The timeframe in which results will be felt vary from patient to patient. Many will feel its effects during the treatment, while some may take closer to a day after the treatment to notice a significant improvement.
Q: How many times will I need to receive the treatment?
A: The number of treatments needed will vary by patient. After the first few infusions, or stabilization treatments, the following infusions are considered to be maintenance treatments.
A: You can expect to begin to feel relief from your symptoms for a few days after the first treatment. Multiple treatments are often necessary in order to obtain lasting results. You should be able to go longer between treatments after each infusion. Continuing to incorporate additional wellness techniques alongside the Ketamine infusions will also help to lengthen the time in between treatments and create longer lasting results.
Q: What types of side effects should I expect?
A: The most common side effects include drowsiness, mild nausea, and a temporary increase of blood pressure. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be closely monitored during the infusion. Some less common side effects include vivid dreams, agitation or mood swings. If you experience any of these, let our staff know so that we may adjust the dosage of Ketamine for future treatments. Any side effects experienced should subside within an hour of the treatment.
Q: Will my medications interfere with the treatment?
A: There are some drugs that may reduce the effectiveness of the Ketamine treatment. Please thoroughly disclose to our physician any and all drugs you are taking.
Q: What (if any) are the health risks?
A: Due to the low dosage used in this type of treatment, there are typically no significant health risks involved. However, if you have a serious condition, such as heart disease, Ketamine infusions may further agitate the condition. It is incredibly important to fully disclose to us your medical history, so that we may be able to accurately determine whether this is a safe and viable treatment option for you.
Q: How much is the cost of the consultation?
A: The consultation is $100.00. The consultation includes a screening, a psychological assessment, meeting with a counselor, and a complete review of your medical history with a clinician.
Q: How much do the infusions costs?
- A: Individual treatments for depression are $350.00 per hour.
Q: Are Ketamine infusions covered by insurance?
A: Because Ketamine infusions are considered to be an “off-label” use, they are typically not covered by insurance. However, depending on your insurance plan, the nature of your diagnosis, and in/out network conditions, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement for the treatment.
Q: Do you have a referral or rewards program for current patients?
A: For new patient referral, you will receive $100 off your next treatment. Some conditions may apply.
