Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can induce a psychedelic experience. It became FDA-approved in 1970 and has commonly been used for anesthesia during surgical procedures. Administering ketamine is considered safer than typical anesthetics due to the limited side effects for patients. It is one of the only anesthetics that does not suppress patients’ blood pressure or respiratory drive. Due to its superior safety profile, ketamine has become more frequently used by emergency physicians and anesthesiologists for sedation and pain control.

Ketamine infusion therapy is delivered intravenously during a 1-hour treatment. The common treatment plan includes six 1-hour sessions over the course of two to three weeks. Some patients may prefer an extended treatment plan of weekly infusions over six weeks. Our doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.

During the infusion, patients often report experiencing a gradual onset of deep relaxation with mild dissociative symptoms. While fully conscious for the entirety of the procedure, many describe feelings of mental clarity, deep introspection and inquisitiveness. It is possible for patients to experience psychedelic tactile and visual sensations. The nurse or physician will be able to decrease the amount of medicine over the course of the treatment to reduce dissociative effects.

Your safety is our top priority. For the duration of the infusion, we will use state-of-the-art equipment to continuously monitor your heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Upon completion, you will typically be monitored for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until most of the effects of the treatment have subsided and you and your doctor agree it is safe for you to be transported home by a close friend or relative.

Some patients may experience mild nausea or anxiety as a side effect during the infusion which can be remedied with medications to inhibit these symptoms. The infusion can easily be stopped or slowed resulting in rapid reversal of associated symptoms.

Important Note:

Patients with a history of psychotic mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar with psychotic mania, and/or a history of drug induced psychosis should take extreme caution when considering ketamine or other psychedelic therapies as they can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and lead to worsening of the disorder.

It is important that you understand the risks of undergoing Ketamine Infusion Therapy based on your physical and mental health. Do not take part in Ketamine infusion therapy treatment if you have or experience any of the following: brain mass, brain aneurysm, hydrocephalus, unstable angina, decompensated congestive heart failure, recent heart attack or other severe cardiac illnesses, uncontrolled blood pressure, untreated glaucoma, untreated hypothyroidism, pregnancy, breastfeeding, current drug or alcohol intoxication, psychosis or agitation.

Rare side effects may include delirious emergent reaction, respiratory suppression, severe hypertension, and bladder inflammation.

Ketamine infusion is for people suffering from treatment resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other debilitating mood disorders.

Patients should be in overall good physical health to receive a ketamine infusion. The medical doctor will evaluate each patient’s health history prior to any treatment.