An Introduction to Ketamine
Ketamine infusion therapy is an alternative treatment option for individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic pain, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. It involves administering low doses of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, through an IV, with the goal of producing rapid and lasting improvements in mood and symptoms.
At Edelica Health, we’re proud to offer ketamine infusion therapy to our patients, and in this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of what a ketamine infusion is, the history of ketamine, and what to expect during an infusion therapy session.
The History of Ketamine
Ketamine was first developed in the early 1960s as an anesthetic for surgical procedures and quickly became one of the most widely used anesthetics in the world. Its unique properties, including a rapid onset of action and a low risk of respiratory depression, made it an ideal choice for emergency medicine, veterinary medicine, and other medical fields.
In the 1970s and 1980s, ketamine began to be explored as a treatment option for various psychiatric conditions, and its dissociative effects were found to have therapeutic benefits for individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. However, it wasn’t until the early 21st century that ketamine’s potential as a fast-acting and effective treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions began to gain wider recognition.
What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a treatment option that involves administering low doses of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, through an IV. The goal of ketamine infusion therapy is to produce rapid and lasting improvements in mood and symptoms, and it’s become a promising new tool in the fight against mental illness.
At Edelica Health, our team of licensed medical professionals administers ketamine through an IV. The entire process usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and patients are monitored throughout the session to ensure their safety and comfort.
The ketamine infusion produces a rapid and often profound change in mood and perception, leading to an altered state of consciousness that’s sometimes described as dissociative. Many patients describe this as a time to reflect and truly look at one’s thoughts, experiences, and feelings.
Preparing for a Ketamine Infusion Session
Before undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, patients will meet with one of our licensed medical professionals for an initial consultation. During this visit, our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of the patient’s medical history and current symptoms, to determine if ketamine therapy is the right choice for them.
If the patient decides to proceed with treatment, we’ll schedule a series of sessions, typically three to six, to be administered over the course of several weeks. We’ll also provide the patient with detailed instructions on how to prepare for each session, including fasting, hydration, and medications.
What to Expect During a Ketamine Infusion Session
Our team of licensed medical professionals will administer the ketamine through an IV, with the patient comfortably reclined in a chair. The entire process usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and patients are monitored throughout the session to ensure their safety and comfort.
The ketamine infusion can produce a rapid and often profound change in mood and perception, leading to an altered state of consciousness that’s sometimes described as “dissociative.” This effect is what makes ketamine such an effective treatment option for depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
During the infusion, patients may experience a range of sensations, including feelings of floating, dream-like thoughts, and visual or auditory hallucinations. These effects typically last for about 45 minutes to an hour, and patients are monitored throughout the session to ensure their safety and comfort.
Once the infusion is complete, patients will rest in the treatment room for a short period before being released to return home. They should have someone to drive them home, as the effects of the ketamine may affect their ability to drive. It’s also important to note that the full effects of ketamine infusion therapy may not be immediately noticeable and can take several days or even weeks to fully emerge.
Conclusion
At Edelica Health, we understand that seeking treatment for mental health can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, which is why we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients can feel comfortable and at ease. Take the first step towards a brighter future and contact Edelica Health today to schedule a consultation and learn more about ketamine infusion therapy.